Extending power from an existing outdoor outlet can be a useful and practical solution for powering various electrical devices and appliances in your outdoor spaces.
Whether you want to illuminate your garden with decorative lights, run power tools for outdoor projects.
Or simply charge your devices while enjoying your backyard, understanding how to extend power from an existing outdoor outlet safely and efficiently is essential.
The process of installing outdoor power outlets isn’t as complicated as it seems. Back-to-back receptacles inside the house are the fastest way to extend power outdoors.
An extension ring can also be used to connect a receptacle on the side of a house through a basement or crawlspace wall.
How To Extend Power Outdoors With A Receptacle
An outdoor receptacle should be positioned at least 16 inches above the ground. Weather protection is enhanced when a cover is in use.
The lawn mower or children playing around it will not bump into it because a simple wooden box will protect it.
The receptacles outside must be GFCI-protected. Cables, conduits, and boxes should be checked according to local codes.
Assume that you will need to spend about two hours to install a new outdoor receptacle with a cover and extension ring.
A pathway will also need to be cut for the cable, and walls will need to be patched. It is important to ensure that the new service won’t overload the circuit before you begin.
Step 1: Find the Cable Path
Choose a path that will make it easy for cable to pass through a basement or crawlspace to reach an outside wall. In order to drill a locator hole, you will need a long drill bit.
If power cannot be run elsewhere due to inconvenient location or code requirements, install LB fittings instead of receptacles.
Step 2: Install Box
Cut a hole for the remodel box with a reciprocating saw or keyhole saw. The cable should be run through the hole and into a remodel box. If using PVC, add an extension ring and terminal adapter to the box.
Step 3: Run Pipe
Ensure that the trench beneath the box is deep enough to meet local codes. Don’t dig without calling first.
A length of pipe can be attached to a sweep by using PVC or rigid metal conduit. The conduit should be anchored with straps after the pipe is cut to fit.
If you want to install rigid conduit with threaded fittings or IMC conduit with compression fittings, use rigid conduit with threaded fittings.
Step 4: Connect Wires
Turn off the circuit’s power. GFCI receptacles have LINE terminals that you should connect black and white wires from the power source to.
Connect the new cable to the LOAD terminals so that the new service is GFCI-protected after the cable is run for the service. Make sure the power source is connected.
Step 5: Install a Cover
Ensure that the receptacle is protected from moisture even when connected to a cord by installing an in-use cover.
A Tip from the Editor: Once an outdoor receptacle with extension ring is installed, you can run cable for lights and additional outlets.
How To Extend Power From An Existing Outdoor Outlet? [Method 2]
You’ll learn how to extend the power safely and efficiently from an outdoor outlet in this step-by-step guide.
It saves you time and energy dragging extension cords around the garden when you have an outdoor outlet.
If you need additional outlets for lighting or outdoor power equipment, you can add extra outlets to an existing outdoor junction box.
You will have your electrical project completed in no time by connecting electrical conduit to an existing outlet box.
Step 1
Power should be turned off at the main service panel for the existing outdoor outlet.
Step 2
The screwdriver can be used to loosen and remove the screws and cover plate over the existing outlet. Take out the outlet from the junction box, but leave the wiring attached. Remove the screws holding the outlet in the junction box and pull it out.
Connect conduit to the box by removing one of the expansion plugs on the side. A screwdriver can be used to remove/unscrew the plug, which will be the same size as the conduit diameter.
Step 3
Place a measuring tape 18 inches from the ground on the exterior wall where the new junction box will be mounted.
Mark where each mounting hole is on the junction box before you mount it to the wall. Each mark should be drilled with a 1/4 inch pilot hole.
Step 4
Tighten the screws inserted through the mounting holes on the junction box and into the pilot holes to secure it to the wall.
Step 5
Cutting conduit to fit on the hacksaw is as easy as measuring the distance between the existing and the new box.
To reach a distance, connect multiple sections of conduit with a coupler. Secure each conduit piece with the coupler by sliding one end into it and tightening the screws.
Step 6
Connect the conduit to the junction boxes by sliding squeeze connectors over each end, and tighten the screws. Connect the connector’s threaded end to the expansion hole in the junction box and screw it in place.
Step 7
Using the existing junction box’s conduit, feed the electrical cable down into the new junction box. If there is excess cable, cut it away and leave six inches extending through the boxes.
Step 8
Remove four inches of the outer sheathing from each end of the electrical cable, followed by one inch of insulation.
Step 9
Ensure the wiring at the new junction box is connected to the new GFI outlet. A brass screw is attached to the black wire, a silver screw to the white wire, and a green screw to the bare/green wire.
Screw the outlet into the junction box using the screws in the mounting holes on the outlet. Attach the screws to the cover plate and place it over the outlet.
Step 10
Afterward, reattach the outlet and cover plate to the box after attaching the wiring to the existing outlet. All screws should be tightened.
Step 11
To test, plug a light into the outlet at the main service panel and turn the power back on.
Final Words
Extending power from an existing outdoor outlet might seem like a daunting task, but armed with the right knowledge and tools, it can be a manageable DIY project.
By following the step-by-step guide outlined here, you can enhance your outdoor living spaces and make them more functional, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, working on a DIY project, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening on your porch.
