Having additional access to power outdoors can be incredibly convenient for running various appliances and tools. From holiday lights to power washers, outdoor outlets provide the electricity needed to get the job done. If your outdoor space is lacking sufficient outlets, there are several safe and effective ways to add more. With proper planning and materials, you can extend power from an existing outdoor outlet to add receptacles where you need them.

Safety Considerations When Extending Outdoor Electrical

Working with outdoor electrical comes with some key safety considerations. Failure to exercise caution could result in electrocution, fires, or other dangers. Here are some tips for staying safe:

Turn off the power – Before doing any work, locate the circuit breaker powering the outdoor outlet and turn it off. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm power is off.
Use outdoor-rated materials – All wiring and boxes must be rated for wet environments. Look for UL listings.
Follow codes – Electrical work must adhere to local building codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Have work inspected.
Ensure GFCI protection – Outdoor outlets must have GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets or breakers. This will shut off power if a ground fault is detected.
Check for hazards – Look for overhead power lines, buried cables, water sources, etc that could present hazards.
Hire an electrician – If uncomfortable doing the work yourself, hire a licensed electrician. Permit and inspection requirements vary.

Following proper precautions will help ensure safety and code compliance when adding outdoor outlets.

Ways to Extend Electrical from an Existing Outdoor Outlet

There are several good options for adding additional outdoor receptacles fed from an existing exterior outlet. Which method you choose will depend on your specific needs and site factors.

Method 1: Add Outlets to the Existing Circuit

This involves wiring additional outdoor outlets in parallel with the existing outlet, essentially expanding the circuit. This allows multiple outlets to be added, all powered from the original.

Steps to add outlets to the circuit:

Turn off circuit breaker and confirm power is off
Determine where new outlets are needed and how wiring will be routed
Purchase outdoor-rated boxes, receptacles, conduit, wire, and fittings
Run conduit and wiring from existing outlet to new boxes
Connect wires securely using outdoor-rated methods
Attach boxes and receptacles
Restore power and test outlets

The number of outlets on a 20 amp outdoor circuit is limited by code. Doing this work requires knowledge of proper wiring techniques.

Method 2: Install Exterior Receptacles on an Adjacent Indoor Circuit

If the existing exterior circuit is at capacity, another option is tapping power from a nearby indoor circuit instead.

Process:

Locate suitable interior circuit and turn off breaker
Run conduit and wire from indoor panel to exterior outlets
Add new grounded circuit with GFCI protection
Install outdoor boxes and receptacles
Restore power and verify outlets work

This method avoids overloading the existing outdoor circuit. It does involve running wiring through the home’s walls to extend the interior circuit.

Method 3: Install New Circuit from Electrical Panel

For large expansions, a new dedicated circuit from the main panel may be necessary.

Steps include:

Determine location for new outlets
Calculate total electrical load
Size circuit breaker, wire, boxes, conduit accordingly
Run conduit and wiring from panel to outdoor boxes
Connect to dedicated breaker in panel
Install receptacles and verify functionality

While more labor intensive, this method lets you size the circuit specifically for the added outlets. It also keeps the new and existing exterior circuits separate.

Method 4: Use a Portable Power Station

For temporary power needs, a portable power station can be easier than wiring permanent outlets. These provide power from rechargeable batteries.

Simply:

Select a power station with suitable wattage capacity
Charge it fully using the existing outdoor outlet
Plug devices/tools into power station outlets
Recharge as needed

Power stations provide a fast and flexible way to add power. Just note runtime is limited by battery life before recharging.

Hiring an Electrician to Extend Outdoor Outlets

Due to the complexity involved, many homeowners opt to hire a licensed electrician rather than DIY outdoor outlet installation.

There are several benefits to hiring a professional:

Expertise – They have extensive experience with outdoor electrical requirements.
Compliance – Electricians ensure work follows NEC codes and local regulations.
Safety – Mistakes made by do-it-yourselfers can be dangerous. Pros help reduce risk.
Efficiency – They have the right tools and work quickly and accurately.
Warranty – Professional electrical work often comes with warranties for materials and labor.

To add outlets from an existing circuit, expect to pay $125-250 per outlet in labor costs. New circuits with multiple outlets can run $1000 or more. Get quotes from at least 3 electricians before hiring one.

Outdoor Outlet Options

When extending outdoor power, you’ll need to purchase outdoor-rated receptacle boxes, conduits, wires, and outlets. Here are some top options to consider:

Boxes

Outdoor boxes protect connections from weather and pests. Look for weatherproof UL-listed boxes rated for wet locations. Popular options include:

PVC – Durable plastic. Surface mount or recess into siding.
Stainless steel – Corrosion resistant metal alloy. Typically surface mounted.
Weatherproof hinged covers – Provide extra protection for standard boxes.

Make sure the box size matches the number of wires entering it. Deep boxes accommodate more wires.

Conduit

Conduit contains and protects wiring running between boxes. Outdoor-rated conduit is necessary.

PVC – Rigid plastic piping. Simple to install and very durable.
Liquidtight flexible metal – Bendable steel with exterior plastic coating. Use for short flexible runs.
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) – Rigid galvanized steel. Requires specialized installation tools.

The conduit size must match the size and quantity of wires being run through it.

Wiring

Choose wiring rated for wet locations and sized for the outlet amperage needs.

12/2 NM cable – Indoor/outdoor cable for 15 amp circuits. Dual insulated 12 gauge wires.
10/2 NM cable – Outdoor cable for 20 amp circuits. 10 gauge wire.
UF cable – Direct burial wiring for underground runs.

Use only new undamaged wire and compatible connectors.

Receptacles

GFCI protected exterior outlets are required. Buy self-contained outlets with built-in GFCI or use GFCI breakers. Waterproof covers add protection. Popular receptacles include:

15 amp duplex – Standard 3-prong outlets for most needs.
20 amp duplex – Allow higher current draw. GFCI protected.
Weather resistant covers – Plastic covers help seal out moisture.
Tamper resistant – Shutters prevent improperly inserted objects.

Wiring Outdoor Outlets Step-By-Step

Once you have all the necessary materials, follow these general steps to safely install additional exterior outlets:

Turn Off Power

Locate the circuit breaker powering the outdoor outlet and turn it off. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm that the power is off before working.

Mount New Boxes

Attach additional weatherproof boxes where you want new receptacles located. Run conduit between boxes as needed.

Run Wiring

Run wiring through conduit from the existing outlet box to each new box. Leave plenty of extra wire at each end.

Connect Wires

Carefully connect wires to the new and existing outlets using suitable connectors. Follow box fill limits.

Attach Receptacles

Connect and mount weatherproof GFCI receptacles or breakers for each new box.

Confirm Functionality

Restore power and test each outlet for correct wiring. Plug in devices to confirm proper operation.

Weatherproofing

Install outdoor covers and use caulk or silicone to seal boxes and conduit penetrations. This prevents moisture entry.

GFCI Protection for Outdoor Circuits

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection is required by NEC code for all outdoor receptacle circuits. GFCIs shut off power quickly if an electrical fault is detected, preventing shocks.

There are two ways to add GFCI protection when extending outdoor receptacles:

GFCI outlet – Receptacles with built-in GFCI functionality. Wire as normal. Test/reset buttons on outlet.
GFCI breaker – Special breaker installed in main panel protects whole circuit. More expensive but also protects wiring.

Ensure GFCIs are rated for weather resistance. Test monthly by pressing the “test” button which should trip the circuit.

Increasing Safety of Existing Outdoor Outlets

Older outdoor outlets may lack GFCI protection or weatherproof covers. When adding new receptacles, take the opportunity to upgrade existing outlets too.

Install GFCI receptacles or breakers if missing
Replace worn receptacle covers
Caulk around boxes to protect from moisture
Consider tamper resistant outlets if accessible by children
Ensure connections are clean and secure

Upgrading old outlets improves safety on the entire outdoor circuit.

Extending Power for Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a common reason to add new outdoor receptacles. Lights add beauty, safety and security. Some tips:

Use new circuit to power only lighting if heavy load expected
For low wattageLED lights, tap existing outlet circuit
Position new boxes above window/door frames for installation
Install weatherproof light fixtures rated for exterior use
Consider timer or photocells to control lighting automatically
Use linkage bar to ensure GFCI protects all lighting outlets

Proper placement of new receptacles simplifies installing outdoor lighting fixtures.

Grounding and Bonding Outdoor Electrical Systems

Proper grounding and bonding is crucial for safety with exterior electrical systems. Here are key requirements per NEC:

Grounding – All noncurrent-carrying metal parts must be grounded to the earth to prevent shocks if energized.
Equipment grounding – All outlets must have a ground wire connected to metal outlet boxes. Ensures faulty devices are grounded.
Bonding – Electrically connects all grounding elements like boxes, equipment, and ground rods/plates together. Prevents voltage difference during faults.
GFCI – Provides additional protection, especially helpful if the home’s grounding system is subpar.

Inspect ground wires, connections, and rods during install. Proper grounding methods are vital on outdoor circuits.

How to Get Power to a Shed from a House Outlet

Sheds and outbuildings often need electricity too. Running power from the house is convenient. Here is a typical method:

Select an outdoor house outlet location closest to the shed to tap into
Run wiring underground in burial-rated conduit like PVC from house to shed
Use a trencher or shovel to bury conduit at proper depth
Use 10/3 wiring for a 220V outlet or 12/2 for 110V outlet
Install outdoor outlet box on shed with GFCI receptacle
Connect wiring from house outlet to shed outlet
Caulk penetrations and bury conduit for protected power feed to shed

Consider installing additional outlets at shed for future expansion.

Wiring a Detached Garage from the House

Similar steps are involved for running power from house to detached garage:

Determine garage electrical needs – lights, outlets, tools, etc
Select outdoor house outlet location nearest garage
Run conduit underground between house and garage
Install subpanel box in garage with circuit breakers
Run wiring through conduit from house outlet to garage subpanel
Connect wiring to circuit breakers and outlets in garage panel
Add exterior outlets, lights and interior wiring as needed in garage

Proper planning for the garage’s electrical needs helps size the subpanel, wiring, and conduit appropriately.

Common Questions about Extending Outdoor Electrical

Here are some frequently asked questions about adding additional exterior outlets:

How many outlets can be on one 20 amp outdoor circuit?

According to NEC, you can install 10 to 12 15 amp receptacles on a 20 amp outdoor circuit. The exact number depends on the types of outlets and anticipated load.

What size wire do I need for an outdoor outlet?

12 gauge copper wire is recommended for 15 amp outdoor outlets circuits. For 20 amp circuits, 10 gauge wire is typically used.

How deep should outdoor electrical wires be buried?

For undergroundruns, outdoor electrical wiring should be buried at least 6 inches deep for basic circuits and 12 inches for high voltage lines. Deeper is better.

Can I tap power from an indoor outlet?

Yes, with proper materials it is possible to tap an interior wall outlet to add an exterior receptacle. A licensed electrician can determine if your indoor circuit has sufficient capacity.

How far can an outdoor outlet be from the panel?

The NEC allows up to 300 feet maximum from the electrical panel to the first outlet on a 20 amp circuit. Additional outlets must be within 50 feet of the first.

Can I bury Romex NM cable directly underground?

No, Romex and other NM cables cannot be buried directly. Outdoor-rated wiring like UF cable must be used underground. Romex can be run outdoors only inside protective conduit.

Conclusion

Adding additional exterior receptacles is a worthwhile project for your home. With good planning and adherence to electrical codes and safety practices, you can successfully extend power from an existing outdoor outlet location to where you need it. Consider hiring an electrician if the task seems daunting. Investing in professional outdoor electrical work is often money well spent for safety and proper functionality. Just be sure to get permits and inspections for any significant electrical projects. With some diligence and care, you can upgrade your outdoor space with more outlets to provide power anywhere outdoors when needed.

How to Extend Power from an Existing Outdoor Outlet: Video Tutorial

Here is a helpful video tutorial demonstrating the process of extending electrical power from an existing outdoor outlet:

Video Transcript:

Extending power from an outdoor outlet is a handy way to add more receptacles for appliances, lighting, and tools for outdoor tasks and recreation. With the right materials and proper technique, you can safely expand an existing exterior circuit.

To get started, you’ll need:

Outdoor-rated boxes, conduit, receptacles, wire, connectors, and fittings
Basic electrical tools – voltage tester, wire strippers, screwdrivers
Power drill for mounting boxes

Always turn off the circuit breaker powering the outdoor outlet before starting work. Double check it’s off using a contact voltage tester.

Mount new exterior boxes where additional receptacles are needed. Space boxes at least 12 inches apart. Run conduit between boxes and back to the existing outlet box. Use rigid metal or PVC conduit rated for outdoor use.

Fish the new wiring through the conduit from the new boxes back to the existing outlet box you are extending from. Use 12-2 or 10-2 NM outdoor-rated cable. Give yourself plenty of extra wire on each end.

Carefully wire the additional receptacles in parallel with the existing outlet, connecting hot wires to hot, neutral to neutral, and all ground wires together. Use suitable wire nuts and connectors rated for wet locations.

Secure the receptacles into the new boxes. For added weatherproofing, apply silicone caulk around boxes and conduits.

Finally, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and test each new outdoor receptacle, as well as the existing outlets on the circuit.

With the right materials and proper technique, you can expand your outdoor electrical capacity. But when in doubt, call a licensed electrician for assistance. Enjoy the convenience of more power outdoors!

Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

Working with outdoor electrical wiring carries risks of shock and electrocution if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some key tips for safely installing and extending exterior outlets:

Turn off power at the circuit breaker before starting any work
Double check power is off with a contact voltage tester
Use only outdoor-rated wiring and boxes listed for wet locations
Follow ampacity ratings for wires and circuits to avoid overheating
Make solid electrical connections and insulate all unused wires
Use GFCI protection on all outdoor receptacles and lighting
Keep wire connections elevated off the ground and protected from moisture
Avoid running wiring over sharp edges or through walls/ceilings without protection
Label all wires and take pictures before making connections
Check for overhead power lines and buried cables before digging
Inspect work thoroughly before restoring power
Never work in wet conditions or on live circuits
Consider hiring a licensed electrician if unsure about any aspect

Exercising caution and following codes will help ensure outdoor electrical work is performed safely. Take the necessary time to address hazards and use outdoor-rated materials in wet environments. With good preparation and practices, DIYers can safely install additional receptacles to extend power outdoors.

How to Install Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting

Low voltage outdoor lighting can add beauty and functionality to landscapes and structures. Here are some tips for safely installing low voltage lighting powered from an outdoor receptacle:

Choose Fixtures

Select LED lights rated for outdoor use. Consider path, spot, flood, and building-mounted lights.
Choose a low voltage like 12V DC to reduce risks.
Opt for weatherproof lights with UL listing for wet locations.

Determine Power Source

Hardwire lights to a main low voltage transformer, or use plug-in fixtures.
Plug-in lights allow using an existing outdoor receptacle circuit with a heavy duty extension cord to the first light