Outdoor receptacles are indispensable for powering tools, garden equipment, sound systems and holiday lights. The National Electrical Code now requires electricians to install outdoor receptacles in the front and back of new homes and near porches or decks that are attached to the building. To prevent shocks in areas where moisture might be present, all 125V exterior outlets need a ground-fault circuit interrupter that can safely cut the power in a fraction of a second.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
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What you can expect | |||||
Range per receptacle: | $157.92 | $243.89 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $158 | $244 | |||
Estimate: $201 | |||||
Receptacle Cost | 1 receptacle | $31 | $38 | ||
Cost of residential-grade, 120V/20A duplex outlet in with UL-rated GFI receptacle and corrosion-resistant steel housing. Electrical conduit required at installation site. | |||||
Receptacle Labor, Basic | 2 hours | $126 | $205 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Weatherproof box will be placed and secured. NM conduit from receptacle to electrical service panel will be measured and fabricated, and conduit up to 30' assembled and secured. Weatherproof GFCI receptacle will be connected. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Receptacle Job Supplies | 1 receptacle | $1 | $1 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including connectors, junction boxes, fasteners, and mounting hardware. |
cost to install an outdoor receptacle | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per receptacle | $35.69 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 receptacle | $208.55 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 receptacle | $163.93 - $253.18 |
Electricians have several options for installing new outdoor receptacles. The most practical choice depends on the design of the electrical box and whether the wires will pass through the exterior wall immediately or travel through an exposed conduit first. Contractors may have to use a masonry drill to bore through the exterior wall or concrete foundation. For flush-mount boxes, the contractor has to cut through the siding to create a properly sized opening in the wall. Some professionals prefer surface-mounted electrical boxes due to the ease of installation. Either way, all exterior components must be weather tight.
Electricians base their estimates on the location of the outlet and the distance from the main electrical panel. They also consider the characteristics of the site since they determine the viability of different installation methods. Although new receptacles can be linked to an existing power supply, a dedicated 15A or 20A circuit is preferable, especially if the homeowner plans on using high-draw tools or appliances. Additionally, the contractor must decide whether the outlet should be mounted on the surface of the building or installed flush against the wall.
Although most communities don't require building permits for this type of project, working with a licensed electrician ensures that the receptacle is installed properly. It also guarantees that the work meets current code requirements and the outlet functions as intended in the event of an electrical fault.