Extending Power Outdoors

Intro

Position an outdoor receptacle at least 16 inches above the ground. An in-use cover increases protection from the weather. A simple wooden box built around it shields it from bumps by the lawn mower or kids at play. Outdoor receptacles must be GFCI-protected. Check local codes for approved cable, conduit, and boxes.

The quickest way to extend power outdoors is to install a receptacle back-to-back with one inside the house. You also can drill through the wall from a basement or crawlspace and attach a receptacle on the side of a house using an extension ring.

Checklist

Time
About 2 hours to install a new outdoor receptacle with extension ring and in-use cover (not including cutting a pathway for the cable, and patching walls)

Tools
Voltage tester, screwdriver, shovel, hammer, drill, long drill bit, saw, lineman's pliers, long-nose pliers, strippers

Skills
Stripping, splicing, and connecting wires to terminals; installing boxes; running cable through walls and ceilings

Prep
Make sure the new service does not overload the circuit

Materials
GFCI receptacle, outdoor box with extension ring and in-use cover, cable, conduit, fittings, wire nuts, electrician's tape

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Step 1

Find the easiest path for cable to reach an outside wall, perhaps through a basement or crawlspace. Use a long drill bit to drill a locator hole. If the location is inconvenient or does not satisfy code, install an LB fitting rather than a receptacle to run power elsewhere.

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Step 2

Using a reciprocating saw or keyhole saw, cut a hole for a remodel box. Run cable through the hole and into a remodel box. Install the box and add an extension ring and a terminal adapter if using PVC.

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Step 3

Beneath the box dig a trench deep enough to satisfy local codes. Call before you dig. Using PVC or rigid metal conduit, attach a length of pipe to a sweep. Cut the pipe to fit, attach it, and anchor the conduit with straps

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Step 4

Shut off power to the circuit. Connect the black and white wires from the power source to the LINE terminals of a GFCI receptacle. After you run cable for the new service, connect those wires to the LOAD terminals so the new service is GFCI-protected. Connect the power source.

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Step 5

Install an in-use cover, which protects the receptacle from moisture even when a cord is plugged in.

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Back-to-back wiring

One way to bring power outdoors is with back-to-back receptacles. Shut off power, pull out an indoor receptacle, and drill a locator hole through the wall to the outside.

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