How to Install an Exterior Electrical Outlet

Tap into an existing line with these step-by-step instructions.
Electrical Outlet

Forgetting to Update Electrical System

"I think people sometimes forget about electric when they've been renovating because it's costly and it's hidden," Nancy says. "You want to walk through the house with the electrician before you start to talk about outlets, where they are, where you want new outlets, three-prong outlets. You want to make sure everything's up to code."

If your home doesn't have an outside electrical outlet, it's a simple matter to install one yourself. Here's how to do it:

Materials and Tools:

flat-head screwdriver

needle-nose pliers

wire stripper

hole-cutting saw

crimping tool

wire cutter

safety goggles

drill

assorted bits, including an extra-long bit to reach through the exterior wall

circuit tester

silicone caulk

exterior GFCI outlet

weatherproof box-to-house outlet

exterior-rated electrical cable

Steps:

  1. From the circuit-breaker box, shut off power to the line you'll be tapping into.
  2. Test the interior outlet with the circuit tester to make sure the power is off.
  3. Remove the outlet cover and receptacle. Disconnect the wires from the terminal screws, and push the wires out of your way.
  4. Wearing safety goggles, drill through the back of the electrical box with a bit long enough to reach through the exterior wall. Be sure there are no obstructions near the outside wall that could be damaged when the drill bit comes through.
  5. Go outside and use a hole-cutting saw to enlarge the hole so that the cable connector on the back of your electrical box will fit inside.
  6. Thread a piece of exterior-grade electrical cable from the interior electrical box through the hole in the exterior wall. Be sure the cable is long enough to reach from the interior to the exterior box.
  7. Inside the house, pull back the insulation sheeting from the electrical cable.
  8. Attach the ground wires together with a barrel crimp. Be sure to include a short ground wire to connect to your interior outlet.
  9. Strip the insulation from the black and white wires. Splice white to white and black to black. Also splice short black and white wires to the appropriate connections to power your interior outlet. Secure the connections with wire nuts.
  10. Reattach the wires to the terminals on your outlet. Attach the white wire to the silver terminal and the black wire to the brass terminal. The ground wire should be attached to the green terminal.
  11. Reattach the outlet and cover plate.
  12. Cover the hole in the wall outside with silicone to prevent moisture from entering the house.
  13. Slide the electrical cable into the box, and position the box as close to the wall as possible while still allowing room to tighten the cable connectors on the back of the box.
  14. Tighten the cable connectors and mount the box to the wall with screws.
  15. Connect the electrical cable to the GFCI outlet in the same manner as you connected the interior outlet.
  16. Install a waterproof gasket onto the electrical box, secure the outlet inside the box and install the cover.
  17. Turn the power on at the circuit-breaker box and test both the interior and exterior outlets. Be sure to test the GFCI circuit breaker as well.

Next Up

How to Identify Basic Electrical Wiring

Whether you’re changing an outlet, light fixture or switch, the first thing you need to know is how a light switch and outlet are wired and what all those different colored wires are for.

How to Wire a Light Switch

Electricity is a mystery to many people, but some electrical projects — like wiring a switch — are so simple that anyone can do them. With a few easy steps and the right knowledge, there’s no need to hire an electrician.

How to Test Electrical Receptacles for Grounding

Grounded electrical outlets are important for safety in the home. Learn how you can check your wiring for issues and gain peace of mind.

How to Install French Drains

Divert groundwater from the basement or foundation with the help of gravel and fabric.

What You Need to Know About Hanging a TV Outside

Get tips for installing an outdoor TV on your porch, by the patio or near your swimming pool.

How to Replace an Outdoor Water Spigot

If your outdoor hose spigot is leaking from the spout, it’s time to replace it. Here’s how to knock out this project in no time at all using a few simple tools.

How to Replace a Faucet

Replacing a faucet that's outdated or always dripping is a relatively easy DIY project.

How to Install Wainscoting to a Wall

Add an instant touch of class to a room with these step-by-step instructions on installing beadboard wainscoting.

How to Replace a Window

When it's time to replace an outdated, inefficient window, it can be hard to know where to start, so we’ve got everything you need to know to get the job done.

How to Clean a Computer Screen

Get the low-down on how to safely remove dust, fingerprints, smudges and streaks from any type of laptop screen or computer monitor.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.