Table of Contents
How much does it cost to install an outdoor outlet?
Quick Summary: Outdoor Outlet Installation Cost Generally, it will cost between $350 and $400 including labor and materials to install an outdoor outlet for a newer home. If the home is older and needs additional wiring or electrical panels installed, the average price ranges between $1,000 and $1,400.
Do outdoor outlets need to be on their own circuit?
That being said, no, outdoor outlets are not required to be on a separate circuit. They do need to be protected by a GFCI which can either be a GFCI breaker or the familiar “outlet with buttons” wall box mounted unit.
Can you add an outlet outside?
If you want your exterior outlet somewhere without a convenient interior outlet, you’ll have to tap into another electrical circuit. This is even easier than tapping into a main floor outlet. Plus it allows you to put your new outlet anywhere, not just opposite an interior outlet.
How much does it cost to have a GFCI outlet installed outside?
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electrical Outlet Outside? For your property to be up to code, you must install a durable GFCI receptacle when adding or replacing an outdoor electrical outlet. This means adding between $12 and $25 per outlet on a project that typically costs $210 per outlet.
What kind of outlet should I use outside?
Outdoor electrical outlets differ from indoor outlets because they have watertight covers that protect the outlet even with a cord plugged in. Plus, the National Electrical Code requires all outdoor outlets to be GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter outlets).
Do outdoor outlets need 20 amps?
GFCI Outlet Requirements Any 15-amp, 20-amp, or 120-volt outdoor outlet, must have GFCI protection. There needs to be at least one at the front of your house, and one in the back, no higher than six feet, six inches off the ground, to accommodate your electrical needs.
Do GFCI outlets need their own circuit?
While a GFCI doesn’t need its own breaker or circuit, it’s likely in a circuit that requires the protection of soil defects.
How do I run electricity to my outdoor patio?
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.
How do you waterproof outdoor outlets?
Waterproofing outdoor outlets is simple—you just need to purchase and install a cover with sealing flip tabs. These are sometimes known as “flip-ups” or “bubble covers” which are either clear or smoke-coloured.
Are outdoor outlets 15 or 20 amp?
Outdoor receptacles—the official name for standard power outlets—include those mounted to exterior house walls as well as on detached garages, decks, and other outdoor structures. Receptacles also may be installed on poles or posts in a yard. All 15-amp and 20-amp, 120-volt receptacles must be GFCI-protected.
Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?
GFCI vs GFI. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.
What is the difference between a GFCI outlet and a regular outlet?
You can tell standard and GFCI outlets apart simply by looking at them, as their appearance differs. Standard outlets are smaller in size versus GFCI outlets. Standard outlets do not have testing buttons on the outlet face as GFCI outlets do.
Are outdoor outlets waterproof?
Most outdoor outlets designed for homes usually come with spring covers or flippies. While closed, these covers are completely weatherproof. However, when a plug is inserted, everything becomes exposed to the weather. This way, both your outlet and plug are protected from the rain.
Does outdoor wiring need to be in conduit?
Generally speaking, yes, outdoor wiring needs to be in conduit to protect it from physical damage. Type UF cable needs conduit when exposed, no need for conduit on the buried sections. Outdoor rated electrical wire has a gray/grey sheath and states for direct burial, can be direct buried or run in conduit.
How do I know if I need a 15 or 20 amp GFCI?
Look at your outlet. If the two slots are parallel, it is a 15 amp outlet. If one slot is ‘T’ shaped and the other is straight, it is a 20 amp outlet that will also accept 15 amp plugs. If the two slots are perpendicular the outlet is 20 amp only.
How high should exterior outlets be?
Homes must have at least one outdoor receptacle at the front and rear of the house. They must be readily accessible from the ground and positioned no more than 6 1/2 feet above grade (ground level).
Do outdoor receptacles need AFCI?
AFCI protection is not required for outlets located outside or in garages or bathroom areas.
How do I know if my outside outlet is GFCI?
The outlet should also be rated for outdoor use. An easy way to tell is by looking on the face of the outlet for the letters “WR”, which stands for weather-resistant. If your outlet is not a weather-resistant GFCI, it should be changed to ensure the best possible protection is being provided.
