How to Install Outside Outlets

Installing an Electric Outlet on the Siding of a Home: Protection against the weather elements to prevent moisture from entering the receptacle outlet.

Outside Weather Proof Outlet
Electrical Question: Is installing and attaching an outside plug the same as an inside installation or is there any special details that need to be done?

• The outlet box has been installed.
• As this is a renewal, how is it attached to the house as I have vinyl siding in narrow rows on the face of the outlet area.

This electrical question came from: Richard, a Homeowner from Langley, British Columbia, Canada.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Wiring question Richard.

Installing an Outlet on the Siding of a Home

Application: Wiring an Outdoor GFI Outlet.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of exterior outlets that will be installed.
Precaution: Identify the power source circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Outdoor receptacle outlets must have GFCI protection. Installing wiring for an outdoor outlet should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

• The concern is that the outlet will be protected against the weather elements and prevent moisture from entering the receptacle outlet.
• This is typically accomplished by installing a weather proof or moisture proof cover that is specific for the location, exposure and application of the receptacle outlet.
• For example, a bubble type cover may be required if the outlet will have a cord plugged in.
• Most bubble covers are water resistant even when the cord is plugged in because the cord extends out from the bottom area.
• You mention that the vinyl siding of this home presents a few challenges due to narrow strips or vinyl siding that is overlapping. One way to create a flat surface for the outlet cover may be to have a carpenter carefully create an opening where a flat block of wood may be inserted.
• The block of wood will need to have an opening for the outlet and be painted or treated with a waterproof seal, and the outer edges that come into contact with the original siding will need to be have waterproof caulking applied.
• With this type of installation the electrical outlet box may now be recessed and require a box extension sleeve to be installed.
• Because the outlet will be outside, it will be required to be protected by GFCI. If the GFCI protection is provided by the outlet, then the GFCI outlet must be rated for outdoor use or moisture resistant.

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» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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