Outside Electrical Circuit|How to Install an Outside Electric Circuit

Outside Electrical Circuit Installation

How to Install an Outside Electric Circuit

Unfortunately most of the rotisseries that come with barbeque grills have a very short electrical lead, 18 to 24 inches in length, making it necessary to run an extension cord from the house to power the rotisserie. The easy solution for this problem is to install an outside electrical circuit at the location of the grill. Having just completed an outside circuit to a barbeque grill, I thought I would pass on to you how to install an outside circuit so you can use your rotisserie without running extension cords.

Most homes today have outside electric circuits. These circuits are protected with ground fault interrupters (GFIs) to prevent electrical short circuits or damage to equipment. The GFI is provided by either a GFI circuit breaker in the electrical panel or a GFI outlet at the point of plug in of an appliance. Before installing an outside electrical plug insure that it will be protected by a GFI circuit breaker or GFI outlet. It is less expensive to use a GFI outlet than a GFI circuit breaker.

UF-B outdoor electric wire, often called “gray wire” is ideal for wiring an outside outlet. UF-B wire does not have to be run in a conduit, although if it is going to be exposed to a high use area a conduit is recommended. I ran the UF-B wire from an existing outdoor outlet through the deck floor joist and up a deck railing support post. I did use a PVC conduit from beneath the floor of the deck up the support railing. See pictures.

Deck Wiring 1

Wire Through Deck Joist

Deck 2

UF-B Wire From Existing Outside Outlet

As the existing outside outlet was wired with #14 wires, I continued the circuit to the additional plug for the grill with #14gage wire. It is not legal to mix wire sizes in the same circuit. Had the existing outlet been wired with a #12 gage wire, I would have used #12 gage wires for the extension circuit.

After the wire is run it is a simple matter of installing the outlet box, attaching the wires to the GFI outlet and installing the cover. Testing of the circuit can be done by pressing the test button on the GFI outlet. Without getting too technical of the operation of a GFI, pressing the test button simulates a short circuit causing the outlet internal breaker to open cutting off electrical power to the outlet. UF-B wire, outside electrical boxes, GFI outlets and covers, and PVC conduit pipe can be purchased at any home improvement store at reasonable prices.

Deck wiring 3

Wire Entering Conduit Below Deck

Deck Wiring 4

Wire Pulled Through Outlet Box

Deck Wiring 4

GFI Outlet Installed

Deck Wiring 6

Finished Installation

An outside electric circuit installation is easy DIY home improvement project that can be performed by the homeowner. It can be completed in approximately two hours or less using ordinary household tools. It certainly will enhance your ability to use electrical devices safely outside without the need for those cumbersome extension cord.