Can I add an outdoor outlet to an existing circuit?

Most homes have only a couple of outdoor outlets (electrical receptacles), but adding one can be easier than you might think. Instead of installing a new circuit for the outlet, you may be able to tap into an interior outlet on an existing circuit within the home.

Can an outdoor outlet be on the same circuit as an indoor outlet?





Regardless of compliance with any other rule, you cannot, under any circumstances, use the “kitchen appliance branch” circuits to feed an exterior outlet.

Can I piggyback an outlet from another outlet?

Answer: Absolutely you can. Using 12-3 wire (for a 20 amp circuit, or 14-3 wire for a 15 amp circuit) splice the new wire to both wires on the “hot” side of the outlet and to the white wire. You may need to cut 6″ pieces of wire to go from each wire nut to the outlet. Splice the ground to the existing ground as well.

How do you install an outdoor outlet from an existing one?

Simply drill a hole through the rim joist and siding, then run a cable from a basement light fixture to the outlet location. Option Two: Run wires inside 1/2-in. metal conduit from an existing exterior outlet to the new location.

How much does it cost to add an outlet outside?

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.

Can you daisy-chain outlets?





You can daisy-chain a GFI just like a regular receptacle, with one difference. The incoming wires must connect to the “line” terminals while the outgoing wires must connect to “load.”

Can you add an electrical outlet from an existing outlet?

You can add a new outlet quickly and easily without tearing open a wall, if you already have an electrical outlet in the other side of the wall. No extra holes. No messy patching and repainting.

How do I extend an outdoor electrical outlet?

The quickest way to extend power outdoors is to install a receptacle back-to-back with one inside the house.



Before you begin, check to make sure the new service won’t overload the circuit.

  1. Step 1: Find Cable Path. …
  2. Step 2: Install Box. …
  3. Step 3: Run Pipe. …
  4. Step 4: Connect Wires. …
  5. Step 5: Install a Cover.


How do you tap into an existing electrical outlet?



1) Turn off the power, remove the cover plate, and unscrew the receptacle. 2) Pull the receptacle out of the box and remove the wires attached to its terminals. 3) Use a screwdriver to pry out a knockout. 4) Outside, have a helper drill through the siding.

How many outlets can you add to an existing outlet?

Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.

How do I add another plug socket?

  1. Isolate the circuit. Use a socket tester to double check that it’s dead. …
  2. Remove the knockout in the new surface mounting box and pass the cables through. Then mark the fixing holes on the wall in pencil. …
  3. Screw the new box in place and then connect the cables to the terminals following step 3 above. …
  4. Safety first.