Installing a new outdoor electrical outlet can transform the way you enjoy your backyard. Whether you dream of placing a speaker out there for BBQ parties, putting up string lights, or plugging in power tools when working outside, an outdoor electrical outlet is convenient and efficient.
It’s the electrical upgrade your home needs!
Say goodbye to the hassle of running long extension cords from your house, out the window or door, and into your yard. With an outdoor electrical outlet, you have power right where you need it – no more tripping over cords or worrying about safety. It’s a simple solution to a common problem.
While it’s completely possible to install a new outdoor electrical outlet yourself, it’s important to remember that handling electrical wiring can be dangerous. That’s why Oak Electric offers services to install outdoor electrical outlets and more!
But if you want to try your hand at it, this article provides a step-by-step guide on how to install a new outdoor electrical outlet.
Install an Outdoor Electrical Outlet in 7 Steps
Installing a new outdoor electrical outlet is simple in theory. However, remember to always take safety precautions when doing DIY electrical work.
Step 1: Choose the Location
When installing a new outdoor electrical outlet, you have the freedom to choose exactly where you want it. Consider the most convenient location for an outlet and ease of installing it.
Once chosen, turn off the electricity in your home.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
The first step after turning off the power is to drill a hole in the wall where the electrical wire will come through. You’ll want to make the hole slightly bigger than the thickness of the wire to ensure it can come through smoothly.
Step 3: Install Electrical Box
Next, you’ll install the outdoor electrical box on an exterior wall. Make sure that it is mounted securely. Once installed, seal it with silicone caulk to ensure water does not leak through when it rains.
Step 4: Run the Wiring
From an indoor outlet, power source, or junction box, run the wire through the hole you drilled in the exterior wall. Make sure to use conduit protection if the wire will be exposed to the elements.
Step 5: Wire the Oulet
With the wire coming through the hole that you drilled, strip ¾ inches of the insulation to expose the internal part of the wire.
Connect the black hot wire to the brass terminal. Connect the white neutral wire to the silver terminal. Lastly, connect the ground wire to the green terminal on the GFC outlet.
Secure all of the connections with electrical tape.
Step 6: Install Outlet
Now that you have run all of the electrical wiring outside, you can mount the actual outlet to the exterior of your home. Make sure to also install a cover to protect the outlet from inclement weather.
Step 7: Test the Outlet
After all of your hard work, it’s time to test the outlet.
Turn the power back on and use a circuit test or voltage detector to confirm if electricity is running through the outlet.
The last thing you’ll do is seal the hole with the wire, and you’re good to go!
Oak Electric: The Answer to All of Your Electrical Needs
Working with electricity in your home, especially when installing a new outdoor electrical outlet, can be dangerous and complicated.
That’s why Oak Electric is here to ensure your safety and attend to all of your electrical needs!
Whether you want to install a new outdoor electrical outlet, ceiling fan, or swimming pool, no job is too big for Oak Electric’s professional electricians.
Request a free quote for your electrical project today!