Home Improvement: Adding and Insulating an Outdoor ReceptacleBy Steve Willson
Editor's Note: This was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. See what else is cookin' now at blog.rismedia.com:
The job is easy for an experienced DIYer and doesn't require uncommon tools. The most important part is to make sure you insulate carefully around the new boxes to prevent heat loss. Location Define what the receptacle will be used for and map out its ideal spot using masking tape on the outside of the house. If you know that you want multiple new receptacles, install all of them at one time. Typically, the receptacle should be located on the first floor, near the ground. If the building doesn't have a basement to access supply wires, then exterior surface wiring is usually required. If that's the case, hire an electrician to install the receptacle for you. Materials You'll need a ground-fault breaker in the service panel that protects all the outlets on the circuit, or an individual ground-fault breaker built into each receptacle. The new electrical box should be specified as an "outdoor box." This box has sealed seams and foam gaskets to keep out water. Its cover plate should have one (or two, depending on the design) sealed flaps that cover the receptacle openings. You'll also need a 12/2 weight gauge (with ground) cable to connect the new box with the existing circuit. Don't forget to have a can of nonexpanding spray foam insulation on hand, which will ensure a tight seal for your receptacle and stop air leaks. A small amount of fiberglass batting will also help properly insulate the receptacle. Finding Power There are two primary ways to power a new exterior receptacle:
Installing the Box and Receptacle Once you're ready to begin installation, follow these steps:
Having an additional outdoor receptacle in a convenient place will help you take care of chores around the house while avoiding the safety concerns created by long extension cords or overloading indoor circuits. Steve Willson writes for The Home Depot. He was the home improvement editor for Popular Mechanics magazine for 22 years and owned a carpentry contracting business in New York. He has also written three books about home improvement. You can learn more about insulation materials by visiting The Home Depot's website. |
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