How To Add An Outdoor GFCI Outlet | Easy DIY In One Hour!
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In this video, I'm showing you how to very easily install an outdoor GFCI outlet from an existing interior outlet. It's a fast DIY project for anyone that needs an exterior outlet in a new location!
Check out my other video where I added indoor outlets in my garage: • How To Easily Add New ...
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Welcome to the official April Wilkerson KZhead channel! I’m April and I’m the creator of Wilker Do’s. I am an obsessed DIYer and Woodworker. I'm not professional or have any training, so I just pick the project I want to tackle and figure it out step by step. On this channel you will find a variety of content like DIY home improvement, How-To’s, construction, design and more!
#AprilWilkerson #outlet #outdoor
As a licensed electrical contractor, this is almost exactly what I do to add outside outlets. Great job!
You must be from Texas too??
@@jackriley5974 Actually the other side of the country, Washington state.
Curious, is it OK for multiple outlets to be on same breaker? How would we know if we over using inside and outside outlet at same time?
@maheshkk if you know how the circuit is ran, the magic number is 12 outlets per circuit max.
I love the electrical inspection cat
GFCI "load" versus "line." I was taught that the "line" is connected to the source of the power to the outlet, and that "load" was for any additional outlets added downstream from the outlet. Now that I watched it again and listened more carefully, this is actually exactly what April said. But is so easy to get these confused, so pay heed, grasshopper, to the lady in the ARIAT threads. She knows of what she speaks.
One way to avoid the risk of hitting the romex with the drill and saw would be to use an oscillating multitool.
Agree, it is the safest tool ever.
I was thinking the same. Such a handy tool!
@@MyClutteredGarage ,the first time I saw one of those, I thought it was a complete joke. Didn't take long to make a believer out of me.
@@tractortalkwithgary1271 me too!
sorry, I couldn't hear you over the sound of my oscillating multi tool. Whadya say?
Nice - I would pay attention to air sealing with spray foam in a can. These exterior electrical outlets are major air leak culprits.
AND BUGS!
What about that power strip ?....probably better use a cord grip and wire straight from the outlet box to the inside of the dog house
It seems the hardest part of this job was keeping your kitty out of the middle of things. Great video April.
It really is! Thanks for watching. :)
Nicely done. I kind of hate those “gate type” boxes. You can, however, open them from the inside with pliers if they have a fin. Happy dog. 😄
This was fantastic. As always, you show us how you're getting something accomplished with terms us DIYers can understand. Thank you for all you've given us. God bless.
Thank you very much! Glad you found it useful.
Ahh the mandatory cat scan. You might want to invest in a non contact power detector really handy.
As always, love the video. I put a heat pad in the expensive doghouse I built for my two golden retrievers. One morning, heard the radio say it was 5 degrees. Looked out and my retrievers were blissfully asleep on the concrete patio, ignoring the dog house with warm pad. :-)
Our Golden will go outside when it's 10 below and nap in a snowbank. Not sure how they make it through summer sometimes but best dogs ever👍
Dogs being dogs...haha 😁
Have a wonderful 2022! Keep your nice work & smile 😊! Thanks of sharing your thoughts & projects!
Excellent video, April. Your cat reminds me of mine - always wanting to help with any project! Hope you have a wonderful 2022 filled with many blessings and abundance! Thanks for all you do!
Thank you! You too!
Good to see you back April. I’ve missed your normal day to day jobs. Happy New Years to you and your family
Nice work April. Thank you for sharing. Have a great and safe 2022.
Makes a big difference having a power source close by on the inside! Made your project easier!!!!
Absolutely! Thanks for watching.
Lucky 🐕 Dog - heated pads!
The push connectors are something new to me. Seems like I always learn something new from your videos April! Thanks! 😃
Wago connectors are fast and easy but the wires can easily be pulled out/become loose and cause an arc, which is a bad thing.
Many places, those are against code...and i was taught - they are a big NO
One concern for summer (if TX is anything like GA), wasps! They seem to love one of my outdoor outlets; it gets a lot of sun (the untouched ones do not get any Sun). Once they move in, it's hard to open it to hit them with wasp/hornet spray, but you don't have to. Spray the clear plastic shell & let it run around & down. This "gases" them enough to make them fall out. Another dose finishes them off fast. Before the wasps move in: open the lid & stick a bit of packing tape over the hole the wire comes through @7:00. I leave it sticky side out/down and use clear tape; they haven't figured this out & around it yet. You'll have to remove it to use the plug again, but this works. I've thought about 3d printing a stopper or even trying golf ball or something. Tape + months of Sun = goo. Well done as always. Enjoy the work you do.
Love your diy videos on running extra plugs, as I live in a older home (land lines where ran on the top of sheet rock, which we no longer use, so we have removed most of them,even phone jacks were attached to the outside of base boards) and I really need an external plug in the front of my home, unfortunately I have brick so might have to put under the eve of front, and that's okay because during the holidays I can use it for sure, I usually have to run an extension cord from inside through a window....... looking forward to watching more of your diy's 👍👍
Happy New Year , April And to all the viewers 🍾 🍾 🎉 🎉
Happy New Year to you too! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for sharing this insightful video April. Wishing you and your family a blessed new year. It’s wonderful seeing your cat trying to help you with the wiring. It’s nice getting your furry kids involved in the family business. Greetings from NE Ohio near the southern shore of the Great Swamp Erie. Cheers
Thank you so much! Same to you!
Thanks for sharing, and Happy New Year! I'm definitely looking forward to your 2022 projects.
Hi April, if you put the GFCI outlet on the inside wall, it will protect the wires feeding the outside outlet (non-GFCI), as well as the outside outlet circuit. This way, if the wires get wet or go bad to the outside outlet, everything is still protected.
Frigginpos, That is true but she will find out that the inside box is to small for all the wires and the GFCI outlet. My question is how did she end up with a 20 amp outlet......it's not a dedicated 20amp circuit. If I was to see that outlet it indicates that it is a 20amp. circuit dedicated. The circuit she connected the outlet to is a kitchen/ dinning room 20 amp. circuit. Yellow NM cable=20 amp. Also April next time you install an duplex outlet in and old work box (the one you used outside) break the 4 little ears off the corners and the outlet will not hold the cover off the wall, the box screw location is recessed for this. Great job young lady.
I've done a few of those myself over the years, and not only did I do them pretty much the same way you did, I've also done a couple that were connected to an existing GFCI on the inside. I've also done a couple where I was able to add a new circuit to power them and for those I decided the best thing was install the GFCI in the power panel. Along those lines you can also add something called 'arc fault protection' which in some cases will often trip even faster than traditional GFCI's. Something else I learned along the way was to use some painter's tape on the outside wall so you'll have a place to make any marks you need without actually writing on the wall.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing and for watching.
Great Video !!! Not an electrician so "grain of salt": 1) Attached your pigtails to the outlet first and then into the connectors inside the walls. It is easier to connect the pigtails onto the outlet in your hand than after the pigtails are already connected. 2) Only on the INNITIAL installation of he GFCI outlet, you MUST "Trip & Reset" the GFCI button to "SET" the outlet in the (LIVE) position. The GFCI outlets come factory set in the UN-set (OFF) position. 3) ALWAYS use a GFCI tester ($10 or less) after adding, replacing or working on ANY outlet. (Wires/ outlets can break, come lose or be wired incorrectly) It also verifies if you properly wired the outlets AND if the "TRIP" function on a GFCI on the outlet is working. Again NOT and electrician, but have done hundreds of electrical receptacles and switches. Hope this helps !
How cool is that! Thanks April and "Happy New Year"!
Nice work on the outlet April! Thanks for sharing the video with us! and Happy New Year!💖👍😎JP
Hi April, I have a few things. 1. Is the Gfci needs to weather resistant. 2. Today you need to ARC Fault the whole circuit now that you added off an existing circuit. 3. You must have at least 6-8” of wire from the back of the box for splices. All of these are in the NEC code book
1) Tamper resistant as well 2) Not required. There is an exemption for when a branch circuit is not extended more than 6ft. 3) 6" of free conductor with at least 3" being able to extend outside the opening.
Yeah I was thinking of that as well, probably not a good thing to promote something as a how to that goes against code since most people following won't know.
hopefully her inspector isn't a subscriber so wouldn't know it's not original :) and um, this isn't the first time she's added on her electrical. "Oh yeah that was there before 2002" and stick with it.
I’m no electrician but what I read is that arc fault circuit breakers are required in most spaces in a dwelling so it is likely a fairly recently built home already has arc fault protection.
@@markconger8049 you are correct but, this rule took a long time to be adopted but states. Some states still have not adopted this in full.
I had remembered seeing this video shortly after you posted it. & now I’m viewing it because I’m going to install my own. Don’t worry my dad was an electrician for 44 years
Every job needs a supervisor/inspector. :) Thanks for posting. Happy New Year.
Always nice to have an outdoor outlet. The outlet itself is nice and weather proof, but the extension cord doesn't look outdoor and is positioned with the outlets facing up (so rain might be able to get into). Looking forward to your projects!
Thanks. April, I got it done. Took quite a bit longer than 1 hour. Your video didn’t include working around Tyvek and insulation, and the possibility of a stud getting in the way. Our cat helped too!
Finally, the dogs are getting TV !!! ;-)
Great job. You can always use more outlets outside. Thanks 😊 🙏
You can never have enough!
That cat was inspecting those code requirements.
Absolutely! She was ruthless about details! :)
Happy New Year April for you and your family 🌲🌲🌲 Greetings from Belgium 😀
Great job April nice to see you again🙂
Another great video April, I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in 2022!
Thanks so much!!
Great video. Thank you for giving your ideas. I see your playful little kitty is your helper. My cat(s) also help me with any projects I do.
Yes, Walker is quite the Supervisor. Has to be in the middle of everything. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Quick tip, use a multi tool to make the cutout. Less chance of damaging any wires. I know the siding will wear out blades quicker but the multi tool is great for that rope of work.
And blades aren't that expensive
I order my blades from Amazon you can get them for a out $1 each
Thank you April. This has been on my list for sometime. You pointed out somethings I didn’t consider. Ur awesome.
Glad it was helpful!
Also consider how much power your outside outlet will draw and how much power the circuit you're splicing into has. Most livingroom and bedroom circuits are only 15 amp while outdoor power tools can require a 20 amp circuit.
I know that your porch is sheltered but I noticed that you have your dog heat pads plugged into a non weatherproof extension cable, which is then plugged into your new weatherproof box...... which kind of defeats the purpose of the weatherproof box in the first place. I have seen weatherproof extension cable boxes that you could put the extension cable into which would give more protection to you and your dogs. Otherwise it's a really nicely done job. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year 👍👍👍
You make it look so easy, thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching
Nicely done April! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
This is great. What's the best way to finish waterproofing and air sealing it? Expanding foam + caulk?
That cat....LOL it really wanted to help!
Thanks for the video April, very helpful. I bought a house built in the 80’s with just one outlet for the raised deck. Just one outlet for the 10’x30’ deck. And of course it’s near the door. I just finished enlarging the deck to 24’x30’ and with my OCD I thought, “You know what the deck needs now? Multiple outlets, in more accessible locations!” (Phone charging, speakers, a place when my dad shows up with his electric ice cream churn, etc.) I’m going to follow your video, add at least 3 GCFI covered outlets, run the romex under the deck with schedule 80 pvc, and 90 degree up through the deck to the 6”x6” posts. Long story short, I want to go from the existing outlet, following what you did and continue from outlet to outlet 3 times. (Unless you tell me different. LOL!)
Good tips - thanks for posting. Thumbs up!
happy new year April Wilkerson 🌹
Thanks for sharing with us April, Happy New Year ! Fred.
Happy New Year! Same to you and yours.
By far this was the best video that I found , thank you for the posting.
Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.
This is fantastic. I think you just changed my life.
happy new year to you and yours
Great video. Nicely done. Nice detail
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching.
Very nice video. I have a few spots I want to put outside outlets, and this will be very helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
And happy new year April
Thank you for the tutorial video. Awesome 👌
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Love you so much . Thank you for all your help over the years .
WOW, great job!
Awesome video! Quick tip: skip a step by using screws that come with the receptacles to attach the box cover the slot below where you screwed it in. Leave the screws slightly loose (or remove) slide the box into the larger diameter of the double slotted holes above and below and tighten into the smaller side 👌🏼
Awww kitty wants to play
Yes! She's also quite the Supervisor, thinks she knows everything. :) Thanks for watching.
Good to see the 'Inspector' checking your work.
Yes, I have to watch it. She is ruthless about infractions. :)
What a cool and easy idea!!! Thank you
Hadn't seen those little jumper blocks before!! Nice tip!
Europeans have been using them for a long time. They're a fairly recent thing here in the US. Because lawyers.
They are WAGO connectors and available at Amazon
Clear and concise video that's straight to the point.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Happy new year 2022 👍🏻
Excellent content topic April. Just two comments. Current electrical code in my area requires that the GFCI outlet on an open porch also be weather resistant. These will be marked WR or TWR. Also, I would break off the 4 "ears" on the outlet yolk before installing it in the box so that it will recess nicely. You can see in your video that they bend outward slightly. This would just give you a nicer, more professional installation.
Yea but funny to then plug what looks to be a cheap indoor extension into it.
I wanted to mention removing the ears, but Fritz Wang beat me to it.
After having several outdoor gfci outlets catch fire after years of water intrusion my advice would be to move the gfci outlet inside and then use the screws to make the outside outlet also protected. Or use a gfci circuit breaker for the circuit in your circuit breaker box. But they cost more money than a typical gfci outlet.
@@fauxque5057 Fire?! That may be why my area now requires all exterior GFCI outlets to be weather resistant (WR).
This particular cover can also use the mounting screws for the outlet. Before tightening the outlet screws, slip the cover on using the slotted holes. Also, I would have caulked around the box for an extra air seal.
I see your cat likes to Inspect your work as you go along. it's probably just making sure you are following all the state Catcodes along with the regular codes. :) Happy New Year April!
your cat assistant is my favourite part!
Thank you. The cat cracked me up. My pooch likes to stick his nose into what I'm doing too. 😅
Yes! Walker is quite the supervisor although quite critical. :) Thanks for watching.
In our area the electrical code requires that outside GFCI outlets be on their own breaker. This may be different from state-to-state or province-to-province. Always check your local codes.
Phil, your city has to have an ordinance in place to justify the need for a breaker on outside GFCI outlets.
@@jimzimmerman5288 Actually it's the whole province of BC, no exceptions, I just went through an electrical inspection.
Very clear instructions! Not sure I totally agree with proceeding to plug in a non-weatherized extension cord and stuff it behind the doghouse, conductor slots facing up, but at least you've got that gfci.
Nice work!!
nice job. reading all the comments of course everyone does things different. it's adding a plug & it works that's all she needed it to do.
Thanks. :)
Nicely done!
Top job enjoyed watching thanks for sharing 😀
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
😊👏👏👏👏 Happy New Year aprill, you and your family! 🍾🍷🎉🎇🎆🙏
Nice...it also reduces the need for extension cords for your holiday lights and much safer!
Yes indeed! Thanks for watching.
Great video thanks! Best video I found
Glad it helped!
I need ariat shoes Aprile... And for my husband... Happy New year!!!!
Well done!
I wish you a happy new year 2022, may all your wishes and dreams come true, may God protect you and your family, with best regards Ernst from Augsburg / Germany
Good video, thanks for taking the time.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
@@AprilWilkerson Just finished making 2 bench seats from pallet wood, and remodeling the back yard, always enjoy picking up tips from others who are DIY ers, and are pro's at it. Thanks again, and thanks for being concise with the information.
Nice job 👍
I always have mad respect for a lady that wears work gear and is savvy with power tools and with a electrical meter in here pocket.
Excellent work thank you 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Nice little project. I really like those push pin connectors compared to those pain in the ass wire nuts!
In areas where a lot of snow piles up I try to install exterior Receptacles at least 24" off the surface below. Also go slightly higher than the interior outlet when cutting it in, so as you feed the wire in from there it will be easier to grab it, and not have to twist it.
Love your videos ❤.
Your Cat love’s you!!!!!! Lucky pups!!!
Extremely helpful. Can the same be done for an external junction box needed to be added for a hard wired security camera? Thanks!
Great video !! Thanks
Glad you liked it!
I luv your signature wave
Thanks! :)
Avoid using an impact to tighten the screws on the receptacle. Or at least go behind with a regular screwdriver. I've found that no matter how many ugga duggas i give, the screw is almost always able to be hand tightened a little bit more. Loose connections can cause issues down the road. Otherwise good job. Only other note would be if you put both probes into the tamper resistant receptacle at the same time it'll actually insert into it. But either way works.
Very good vídeo, thanks 👍👍👍👍👍
Awesome video, you did a great job. Excellent step by step video. Watching how you work... you have good skills. Only cringed when you trimmed the wires in that receptacle box. Keep them no less than 6 inches from back of the box per NEC.
Thanks. I've been thinking of putting an outlet on my shed for my chop saw. Been feeding the cord through the window. Lol
Well done
Thank you most helpful 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Smart and cute. I want one of those.