Adding an outdoor outlet to your home can be a simple DIY project that will provide power outside for lighting, appliances, tools and more. With proper planning and following electrical codes, you can safely install an outdoor outlet in just a few hours.
Things You’ll Need
Before starting this project, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- Outdoor GFCI outlet
- Weatherproof electrical box
- Cover plate
- EMT or PVC conduit
- Wire nuts
- 12/2 NM cable
- Wire strippers
- Voltage tester
- Hammer drill
- Masonry bit (if installing in brick/concrete)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pliers
- Electrical tape
- Grounding rod and clamp
Make sure to check the amp rating of your circuit breaker and size your electrical box, conduit and wiring accordingly. Outdoor outlets should be GFCI protected for safety.
Choosing a Location
When deciding where to put your outdoor outlet, consider the following:
- Distance from indoor power source -Outlet must be within 100 feet of indoor circuit panel or existing outdoor outlet to avoid voltage drop.
- Protection from elements – Choose an area protected by overhangs or a weatherproof cover. Avoid low areas where water pools.
- Usage – Pick a spot convenient for plugging in lights, tools, appliances, etc.
- Appearance – Outlet should not be an eyesore. Blend it into landscaping if possible.
- Codes – Outlet must be at least 12 inches above ground level. Check local codes for other requirements.
A garage wall, patio eave or discreet side yard location are good choices.
Turn Off Power
Before doing any electrical work, always turn off power at the main circuit breaker. Use a contact voltage tester to double check the circuit you plan to connect to has no live power flowing to it. Verify by testing the wires inside the circuit breaker box as well as at the planned outlet location. Safety first!
Install Electrical Box
Mount an outdoor-rated, weatherproof electrical box at your planned location. The box should be UL listed for wet areas. Make sure it is large enough for the number of wires being pulled through conduit and can accommodate the GFCI outlet.
Common types of outdoor boxes include:
- Plastic or fiberglass NEMA boxes – inexpensive but not as durable.
- Cast metal boxes – more rugged but prone to rusting. Should be rated for wet locations.
- Stainless steel boxes – cost more but withstand weather extremely well.
To mount the box:
- Cut hole in mounting surface the size of the electrical box. Hole should be plumb with studs or blocking.
- Secure box using included screws or appropriate fasteners for surface.
- Make sure front of box will be flush with finished surface.
- If on masonry, use a masonry bit to pre-drill holes for sleeve anchors.
Leave at least 6 inches of slack wire in the box to make connections.
Install Conduit
Conduit provides protection for wiring from weather, pests and damage. Common types used outdoors include:
- EMT metal conduit – threaded connectors, watertight seal.
- PVC schedule 40 plastic conduit – easy to work with, glue fittings.
- Flexible metal conduit – can snake around curves, requires sealing fittings.
To install conduit:
- Determine route from indoor panel to outdoor outlet.
- If passing through masonry, drill appropriately sized holes using a masonry bit.
- Use correct bends and fittings to run conduit between boxes.
- Secure conduit using straps or hangers every 5 feet.
- Make sure conduit enters at least 1/4 inch into each electrical box.
- Use waterproof conduit sealant at all connections.
Size conduit according to your wiring – 1/2 inch can accommodate up to three 12/2 cables.
Pull Wires Through Conduit
Running the circuit wires through the conduit completes the electrical path:
- Carefully pull wires to avoid over-stressing the copper conductors. Use a wire pulling lubricant if needed.
- Leave 6-12 inches of extra wire at each box for connections.
- Use cable rated for outdoor use such as NM, UF or THHN wire. 12/2 NM sheathed cable is very common.
- The ground wire should be bare copper or green. The two insulated wires are hot and neutral.
- Pull one wire bundle per conduit. No more than four 12-gauge wires fit in 1/2 inch conduit.
- Label wires at both ends for easy identification.
With the conduit and wires running between the two boxes, you’re ready to make connections.
Connect Wires and Attach Outlet
Follow these steps to securely connect the outlet:
- Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off each wire end using wire strippers.
- Attach the ground wire to the green screw on the outlet and the matching ground screw inside the electrical box.
- Connect the white neutral wire to the light colored screw slot on the outlet. Neutral wires are twisted together with a wire nut inside the box.
- Connect the black hot wire to the brass screw slot on the outlet. Hot wires are twisted together in the box if continuing the circuit.
- Wrap connections with electrical tape for moisture protection.
- Attach the outlet to the electrical box using the included screws. Make sure not to pinch wires.
- Connect cover plate making sure outlet is weatherproof. Gasket seals or silicone caulk can be used behind the plate.
Test the outlet before continuing to ensure wires are securely connected.
Ground the Circuit
Proper grounding helps prevent electrical shock and protect connected devices. To ground an outdoor outlet circuit:
- Drive a 5/8 inch ground rod at least 8 feet into the earth near the outlet box using a sledgehammer.
- Run a #6 solid copper ground wire from the electrical box ground screw to the ground rod. Keep it as short and straight as possible.
- Attach tightly to the rod with a ground clamp.
- Connect the other end to the ground screw on the outlet box.
The circuit is now grounded through the rod into the earth.
Finish and Turn Power Back On
As the final steps to complete the outdoor outlet installation:
- Make sure all connections are tight and wires are securely contained inside boxes. Close any unused knockout holes.
- Turn power back on at the main breaker. Use a contact voltage tester to verify the outlet is live.
- Press the “Reset” button on the GFCI outlet to enable power. Test that it powers off when pressing “Test.”
- Secure any open conduit ends or boxes using plugs to keep out moisture and debris.
- Caulk around boxes and conduit penetrations with waterproof silicone.
- Attach a weatherproof cover plate or in-use outlet cover.
- Power up your new outdoor outlet and enjoy having a safe power source outside!
Installing an outdoor outlet takes planning but can be a DIY project accomplished in an afternoon. Follow codes, use GFCI protection, keep wires dry and you will have lighting, tools and appliances powered up outdoors for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Outdoor Outlets
Adding an outdoor outlet brings up many questions for DIYers. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How deep should I bury the conduit?
Conduit should be buried at least 6 inches for protection. Deeper than 24 inches becomes difficult for inspection and repairs.
Can I splice wires outside the box?
No. All wire connections must be made inside an approved electrical box. Outdoor splices will corrode.
Do I need a permit for installing an outdoor outlet?
Permits are typically not required for a simple outlet install. But check regulations for your local area.
Can I use 14 gauge wire instead of 12 gauge?
No. For 20 amp GFCI outlet circuits use only 12 gauge wire. 14 gauge is only rated for 15 amp circuits.
Should conduit be secured to house?
Yes. Use conduit straps to firmly attach conduit to wall to prevent movement.
How do I provide power to a shed or barn?
Use underground PVC conduit to run wire out to a subpanel inside the building, then branch circuits.
What depth is needed for burying underground conduit?
Bury underground conduit at least 18 inches deep, or lower as specified by local codes.
Can I use Romex wire instead of conduit outdoors?
No. Romex is not rated to withstand moisture, sun exposure and temperature extremes outdoors.
How do I wire an outlet downstream from a GFCI?
Connect it as a standard outlet off the load terminals on the line-side GFCI outlet.
Why are GFCI outlets required outdoors?
GFCIs cut power if a ground fault occurs, preventing electrical shocks. Required by code for outdoor outlets.
Conclusion
Installing an outdoor outlet is a must-have home improvement that can give you power where needed outside your house. While observing proper precautions, codes and using GFCI outlets, a DIYer can safely add an outdoor receptacle. Plan conduit runs carefully, use sturdy boxes, keep splices contained and wires protected from moisture and you will have a professional quality outdoor outlet to use for years to come.