When you are in the need of an outlet on the outside of your home, what are you to do? You could run a new circuit from the circuit breaker or fuse panel. Then again, wouldn't it be much simpler to just tap into an interior outlet within the home? It all depends on the amount of load that is on the circuit that you'll be tapping and the amount of power required outside, mainly its purpose. If however you do have room to add to an interior outlet, the installation process can be a simple one.
Let's say that you have a wood, vinyl, or press board siding home. This install is as easy as drilling through the wall with a wood drill bits. However, with a brick or mortar home, a concrete bit will need to be used. In either case, you'll want to follow the next few steps to installing an outdoor outlet.
1. Locate The Desired Outlet Location
First, locate an interior outlet in your home that is in the vicinity of the outdoor location needed for the new outdoor outlet. Once located, go to the electrical panel and turn off the power to that circuit by turning off the circuit breaker or screwing the fuse that feeds it.2. Turn Off the Power
Once located, go to the electrical panel and turn off the power to that circuit by turning off the circuit breaker or screwing the fuse that feeds it.3. Test the Outlet With a Circuit Tester
Third, return to the outlet location and check the outlet with an electrical tester to be sure that the power is off to the circuit before continuing.4. Outlet Removal
Fourth, once you've decided on the proper outlet and the power is off, remove the cover plate and the outlet from the junction box. Remove the wiring from the outlet and bend it out of the way.5. Remove the Box Knockout
Fifth, remove a knockout from the back of the box to expose the outer wall. This will allow you access to the outside of the home through the box from the inside box. From here you'll be able to drill through the wall and run wiring to the outdoor box you'll be mounting.6. Drilling a Hole To the Outside
Sixth, use a drill and drill bit to drill a hole through the hole created from removing the box knockout. This hole will penetrate the outer wall. Be sure that the area outside is free from devices and other obstructions.7. Install Wiring and Making the Indoor Connections
Seventh, push the wire through the hole and leave at least 6-8 inches hanging out of each box. Use a wire stripper to strip the wires and make the connections to the existing wires, adding a pigtail to each in order to connect to the outlet. Now reinstall the outlet and cover plate. The inside connection is done.8. Install a Weatherproof Box
Eighth, install a weatherproof box over the wire through the hole in the back of the box. Attach the box to the wall and install the knockout hole plugs. Be sure to not use screws that are too long, for they could damage something inside the wall or do damage to the new wiring you just installed.9. Install the Outdoor Outlet and Make the Connections
Ninth, strip the wires and connect the wiring to the outlet. Install the outlet to the junction box, install a weatherproof gasket, and a weatherproof cover. Remember that the outdoor outlet needs to be a
GFCI outlet.
10. Power On and Test the Outlet
Lastly, go to the circuit breaker or fuse panel, turn on the circuit, and
test both outlets for functionality. If they both function properly, you have successfully installed an outdoor outlet.
