Beatrice Lang
Tapping into electricity outdoors can be done by installing an outdoor outlet. This is a safer alternative to using an extension cord to get power outdoors. The process involves tapping into an interior outlet within the same stud bay as the outdoor outlet. It is important to ensure that the indoor outlet can handle the additional power demand and is not located in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. The electrical box for the outdoor outlet must be waterproof and properly grounded, with an appropriate cover to protect it from weather exposure. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides specific guidelines for burial depth and wiring methods, and it is important to consult a licensed electrician for complex installations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burial depth | 4 to 24 inches, depending on the wiring method and location |
| Wiring method | Direct burial cable, conduit, or type of circuit |
| Location | Everywhere from under your driveway to an airport runway |
| Electrical box | Must be waterproof and have a cover suitable for the location |
| Outlet cover | Must be weatherproof and rated for damp or wet locations, depending on exposure |
| Cable | Use non-metallic sheathed cable (NM-B) |
| Circuit cable and GFCI receptacle | Must have the same amperage rating as the existing circuit |
| Cable clamp | Secure the cable with a cable clamp |
| Sealant | Apply a thick bead of silicone caulk or exterior sealant |
| Grounding | If the box is metal, install two grounding pigtails |
| Voltage | Test with a voltage tester to ensure the outlet is working properly |
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What You'll Learn
Identify a suitable indoor outlet
When identifying a suitable indoor outlet, it is important to note that you cannot tap into bathroom or kitchen receptacle circuits or into dedicated circuits intended for specific appliances. The existing circuit must be able to handle the additional power demand of the new outlet.
To make the installation process easier, locate an indoor outlet that is on the same exterior wall as the intended outdoor outlet. The new outlet should be located on the same side of the wall stud, in the same stud cavity, to prevent drilling through the stud. This can be done by identifying an interior wall outlet that corresponds to an outdoor location where a new outlet will be useful.
Before tapping into an existing outlet, turn off the power to the receptacle at the panel or fuse box. Use a voltage tester to ensure the power is off and to check that the indoor outlet is running properly.
If you cannot find a suitable indoor outlet, you may need to run cable from another power source, such as another outdoor electrical outlet or a basement junction box.
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Turn off the power
Before you start any electrical work, it is imperative that you turn off the power at the source. This is done at the circuit breaker. Use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is off. Put a sign on the circuit breaker to notify others that electrical work is in progress and to prevent anyone from accidentally turning the power back on.
If you are adding an outdoor outlet, you must first identify an interior wall outlet that corresponds to the outdoor location where you want to install the new outlet. The new outlet should be on the same side of the wall stud as the existing outlet, in the same stud cavity. This prevents the need to drill through a stud to run the new circuit cable.
If you are installing a new circuit cable, you must remove the cover plate and mounting screws securing the outlet to the box. Pull the outlet out of the box, being careful not to touch the screw terminals, and test them with a probe tester to ensure they are not energised.
If you are tapping into an existing outlet, you can join the incoming and outgoing wires by inserting them into the terminal holes in the back of the outlet and then tightening the terminal screws. If there is not enough room in the box, you may need to use pigtails and wire connectors.
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Drill through the wall
Drilling through a wall to extend power outdoors is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions to help guide you through the process:
Before you start drilling, it is crucial to take the necessary safety precautions. Make sure you have turned off the power to the existing circuit by switching off the appropriate circuit breaker in your home's service panel. This will ensure that you are working with a safe power supply. Additionally, ensure that you have the correct equipment, including a suitable drill and the appropriate safety gear.
To begin, identify an interior wall outlet that corresponds to the outdoor location where you plan to install the new outlet. The new outlet should be located on the same side of the wall stud as the existing outlet, in the same stud cavity. This placement will simplify the process by eliminating the need to drill through the stud. Remember to check the depth of your drilling; most cables will be at least an inch deep into the wall, so avoid deep drilling to minimize the risk of hitting wires.
When you are ready to drill, start by drilling a locator hole through the wall to the outside. This hole will help you determine the exact path of your drilling and reduce the risk of hitting hidden obstacles. Once you have drilled the locator hole, use a non-conductive object, such as an old insulated screwdriver, to create a small hole in the drywall lining. You can then use a stiff wire to sweep through the hole and check for any hidden wires or pipes.
After confirming that the path is clear, you can proceed with drilling the main hole. Drill slowly and gently to maintain control and frequently check the area for any signs of pipes or wires. If possible, use a snake plumbing inspection camera to inspect the area before drilling to ensure it is safe. Remember, it is always recommended to hire a professional drilling service to ensure the procedure is safe and proper.
Once you have successfully drilled through the wall, you can begin installing the outdoor outlet. Feed the new circuit cable through the hole and secure it with a cable clamp. Apply a thick bead of silicone caulk or exterior sealant around the perimeter of the electrical box to protect it from the elements. Mount the box to the wall with exterior screws and connect the wires to the GFCI outlet, ensuring that the black and white wires match the corresponding terminals. Finally, restore power to the circuit and test the outlet to ensure it is functioning correctly.
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Connect wires to GFCI outlet
To connect wires to a GFCI outlet, start by shutting off the power to the circuit in the breaker box. Remove the wall plate and use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure that the power is off. Once confirmed, remove the outlet by unscrewing and carefully pulling it out of the junction box.
If the wire is long enough, remove one connection at a time and transfer it to the new GFCI outlet, maintaining the original configuration. If the wires are not long enough, use electrical tape to temporarily mark the incoming "line" power.
Strip away about 6 inches of the outer sheathing from the circuit cable and strip 3/4 inch of insulation from the black and white insulated wires. Connect the bare copper ground wire to the green ground screw terminal on the GFCI outlet. The white (neutral) wire should be connected to the silver terminal marked "LINE" on the outlet, while the black (hot) wire connects to the brass terminal marked "LINE".
If the outdoor box is metal, install two grounding pigtails, connecting one to the box and the other to the ground screw on the GFCI outlet. Join the pigtails and the circuit ground wire with a wire connector.
Finally, turn on the power to the circuit and test the GFCI outlet using the TEST and RESET buttons as directed by the manufacturer.
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Test the outlet
Testing an electrical outlet is a crucial safety step before any electrical work. It is important to be careful when testing electrical systems and outlets, and if you have any doubts, it is best to call an electrician.
There are several tools that can be used to test an outlet, including:
- Receptacle testers: These are plugged into an outlet, and the display lights indicate any wiring issues.
- Non-contact voltage testers: These are safe and easy to use, as they detect voltage without needing to touch any wires or parts. They light up when they detect a current.
- Continuity testers: These test the continuity of an electrical circuit.
- Voltage analyzers: These devices analyse the voltage of an outlet.
- Multimeters: Multimeters are versatile and affordable devices that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. They can also be used to test for polarity and grounding issues.
When using a multimeter to test an outlet, follow these general steps:
- Read the instructions that came with your multimeter, as different models may vary.
- Set the multimeter to measure voltage.
- Insert a probe into each slot of the outlet and read the voltage measurement. A typical reading for a household outlet in the United States is between 110 and 120 volts.
- If there is no reading, check the wiring and the outlet.
- Conduct a polarity test to ensure that all conductors are properly connected and not reversed.
- Test the ground outlet by placing the black probe in the ground slot and the red probe in the neutral slot. If there is a significant reading, the outlet may be faulty or not grounded properly.
- Hold both probes in the same hand to prevent electricity from passing through your body in case of a shock.
- Remove the probes from the outlet and switch off the multimeter when you're done.
It is important to note that you should always turn off the power before beginning any electrical work or testing. Additionally, always hold the probes by the insulated parts and avoid touching the metal parts to prevent electrocution.
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Frequently asked questions
The safest way to get power outdoors is by installing outdoor power outlets. The quickest way to do this is to install a receptacle back-to-back with one inside the house. Alternatively, you can drill through the wall from a basement or crawlspace and attach a receptacle on the side of the house using an extension ring.
First, identify an interior wall outlet that corresponds to an outdoor location where a new outlet will be useful. Shut off the power to the existing circuit and use a voltage tester to ensure the power is off. Remove the cover plate and mounting screws and pull the receptacle out of the box. Drill through the exterior wall and into the same stud bay as the interior receptacle. Push fish tape through the knockout hole and attach the new cable to it. Strip the outer sheathing and insulation from the circuit cable and connect the wires to the GFCI outlet. Tuck the wires into the electrical box and secure the outlet with screws. Reattach the outlet's cover plate.
Make sure the indoor outlet can handle the new exterior outlet without overloading. The electrical box for the outdoor outlet must be waterproof and have a cover suitable for the location. If the outlet is protected from direct weather exposure, it must have a weatherproof cover rated for damp locations. If the outlet is exposed to the weather, it must have an "in-use" cover rated for wet locations.
