Outdoor Outlets

Need An Outside Outlet Installed?

Maryland homeowners are expanding their living space by moving outdoors.  Whether they are extending their deck, creating a firepit area or simply beautifying their landscape with lighting or a water features, they are creating a demand for more outdoor outlets.  The good news is that this need for more electricity doesn't have to mean unsightly extension cords criss crossing the yard.  There are more options for outdoor outlets than there have ever been.

Do outdoor outlets need to be covered?

Yes, outdoor outlets need to be covered. Just like indoor outlets, outdoor outlets have systems that cause the electrical circuit to shut off if the outlet is exposed to water or moisture. Since outdoor electrical outlets are exposed to the weather, having them properly covered ensures that they do not trip the circuit repeatedly in poor weather conditions. Call us today to have outdoor outlets installed.

How do I replace an outdoor outlet?

To replace an outdoor outlet:

1. Shut off the power to your outlet.
2. Replace the old wiring in the box.
3. Get your new box and remove any screws, nails or pieces that are sticking out.
4. Insert copper wire into the holes on the box (with about an inch sticking out).
5. Trace where you plan to cut the box.
6. Fit your new box onto your old box.
7. Set up the GFCI.
8. Secure your receptacle by screwing it tightly.
9. Install the outdoor cover.

If you have the correct electrical knowledge, replacing an outdoor outlet can be simple. However, if you are uncertain about working with electricity, do not have the proper tools or lack the technical knowledge, you should have a professional electrician replace your outdoor outlet. Contact us today to get your outdoor outlet replaced.

How much does it cost to put in an outdoor electrical outlet?

It costs around $1,000-$1,400 to put in an outdoor electrical outlet. Some things that will impact the overall price include:

  • The age of your house.
  • Where you want the outlets placed.
  • If any additional electrical boxes or wiring are needed.

Outdoor outlets are a great addition to any home and can be used for many purposes. If you are thinking about getting an outdoor electrical outlet installed, call Haas & Sons Electric!

How high off the ground does an outside electrical outlet need to be?

An outdoor electrical outlet should be at least 1-2 feet from the ground, but there is no exact minimum stated by The National Electric Code (NEC). However, the NEC does state that it can be no more than 6.5 feet from the ground, to provide accessibility. For more information on installing an outside electrical outlet, give us a call today.

OUTDOOR OUTLETS - SAFETY FIRST

As always at Haas and Sons, our first concern is for our customers' safety.  One of the first things we will check is your circuit panel's capacity.  Is it capable of handling more?  If it isn't then adding more outlets may cause the circuit to overload and become more trouble than it is worth.  We will be able to tell you this after a short inspection of your property.
The second safety concern is one you have already thought of, rain, wind and snow.  The outlets we install meet all of the standards for safety.  They are water and storm proof.  However, we do advise you to pay attention to the items you are plugging in outside.  Taller lamps and hanging lights should be monitored or taken down during a storm.  And of course you should always check to make sure the outlet cover is completely in place, protecting it from the storm.

UPGRADE OUTDOOR OUTLETS

Many older homes were built before GCFI outlets became standard.  If your outdoor outlets don't have this safety feature we highly recommend you upgrade them.  New GCFU outdoor outlets will also have watertight covers which very few older homes have.  These small precautions can help reduce the risk of electrical shock for you and your family.

PLACE OUTDOOR OUTLETS WHERE YOU NEED THEM MOST

If you are in a newer home you probably have outlets every few feet inside your home.  Outside, you are lucky if you have one out front and one in the back.  But where do you really need them?  What would be most convenient for you? We suggest you start making notes about your outdoor activties.  Are you turning your music up full blast so you can hear it when you are on the back of your lot?  Would it be easier to have a plug you could use when you are working back there? Is there a shed you dread entering because there is never enough light?  Would a light in your firepit area help at the end of the evening when you are trying to clean up? Would an outdoor refridgerator make a nice addition to your grilling area?
Haas and Sons Electric can help with these projects and more. Call us today to so we can help you plan an outdoor living space that works for you.
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Anne Arundel, Howard & Montgomery Counties' premier electrician. Providing local home and business owners with cost effective safe, and professional electrical services.

Excellent electrical repair Had a breaker that kept tripping, turns out was a serious issue. Diagnosed and repaired properly. Cleaned up afterwards. Professional and courteous. Ira Arnold
Great Service! Michael was efficient and kind! Took the time to explain everything and the cost of the repair was lower then other electricians had quoted. Shawna Pasadena
Outstanding Service Alex was awesome! Great service, friendly and wanted to make sure we were completely satisfied with the work before he left! RobertPerry Columbia
Christopher Haas 12:37 PM (8 minutes ago) to me, Joanna