How to extend an electrical connection from inside to outside
#1
Member
Thread Starter
How to extend an electrical connection from inside to outside
I am wanting to install a security camera right outside of an exterior door. I have minimal home electrical experience. However, I do have some.
The closest electrical source I can see that I have is an outlet right next to the door, on the inside. Can I tap into this outlet and then run the new wire outside? If I can, what do I have to do?
See the pictures below for the location where I am wanting the electrical outside and then the reciprocal on the inside. For the exterior electrical, the security camera will need to be hardwired.
The closest electrical source I can see that I have is an outlet right next to the door, on the inside. Can I tap into this outlet and then run the new wire outside? If I can, what do I have to do?
See the pictures below for the location where I am wanting the electrical outside and then the reciprocal on the inside. For the exterior electrical, the security camera will need to be hardwired.
#2
I don't see any pictures. Follow this...... How-to-insert-pictures.
By security camera..... do you mean a wireless camera that needs AC power ?
Usually those have a wall wart that needs to be plugged in. Sometimes it's easier to plug that in inside and just run low voltage wiring.
You could remove the receptacle to see what you are working with but there are a few issue. First is the wall is insulated so you will need a fish tape or snake. The box will probably be fastened to a stud which will require you to fish thru a small hole in the top of the box. All very do-able and as electricians we do it all the time. A bit more difficult for a first timer.
Typically you'd cut the hole for the box on the outside of the house in the same bay as the receptacle. Then you'd fish from the inside box to the upper hole.
After we see your pictures.... we can offer more detailed help.
By security camera..... do you mean a wireless camera that needs AC power ?
Usually those have a wall wart that needs to be plugged in. Sometimes it's easier to plug that in inside and just run low voltage wiring.
You could remove the receptacle to see what you are working with but there are a few issue. First is the wall is insulated so you will need a fish tape or snake. The box will probably be fastened to a stud which will require you to fish thru a small hole in the top of the box. All very do-able and as electricians we do it all the time. A bit more difficult for a first timer.
Typically you'd cut the hole for the box on the outside of the house in the same bay as the receptacle. Then you'd fish from the inside box to the upper hole.
After we see your pictures.... we can offer more detailed help.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the help. I uploaded pictures, but it gives an error saying I have exceeded the attachment limit of 10 gb. I don't see anyway of deleting old attachments. Any idea?
#4
You need to resize your pictures. You are only allotted 10mb of storage. You were well over that. I went back and resized your pictures. You're at 760kb.You've got room now. Try to size your pictures around 600x600 which is usually around 75kb file size.
pfar54
voted this post useful.
#6
Forum Topic Moderator
I see a few ways to do this:
1) Assuming there's a small connector on the camera power cord, I would drill a 1/2" hole about 1" above and 1" to the left/right of the receptacle from inside to outside. Don't drill through a stud, and go a little to the left/right so you're less likely to hit the wires in the wall. Then simply run the cable out through the hole and up the siding. Caulk the hole and staple (or wiremold the wire if you really want) and you're done!
2) Install a new GFI protected receptacle on the outside, opposite the inside receptacle. I would use a weatherproof box mounted on the siding (or cut a rectangular hole and mount a old work box), wire it into the existing receptacle circuit. Add an in-use 'bubble' cover, and plug in there.
1) Assuming there's a small connector on the camera power cord, I would drill a 1/2" hole about 1" above and 1" to the left/right of the receptacle from inside to outside. Don't drill through a stud, and go a little to the left/right so you're less likely to hit the wires in the wall. Then simply run the cable out through the hole and up the siding. Caulk the hole and staple (or wiremold the wire if you really want) and you're done!
2) Install a new GFI protected receptacle on the outside, opposite the inside receptacle. I would use a weatherproof box mounted on the siding (or cut a rectangular hole and mount a old work box), wire it into the existing receptacle circuit. Add an in-use 'bubble' cover, and plug in there.
pfar54
voted this post useful.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
This is the camera I will be installing.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have an outlet/receptacle outside, but it is on a wood pole in the middle of the deck. This I am wanting installed flush on the siding.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have an outlet/receptacle outside, but it is on a wood pole in the middle of the deck. This I am wanting installed flush on the siding.
#8
Now if it is plugged in outside, it would not take much for an intruder to simply unplug it. That may or may not be an issue to think about but I thought I would add it anyway. That is certainly not a hidden camera and there would be no doubt what it is, even from fairly far away.
#11
Yes.... the hardwired version is the way to go. You'd need a cut in box for outside or a plastic block. You'd need to remove the plate from the inside receptacle. Using an ice pick or thin screwdriver..... locate which side the stud is on. Your box outside needs to be in the same stud bay.
I came across a video that is exactly what you are doing.
Your box outside is higher and there won't be a receptacle but the installation is identical.
Video
I came across a video that is exactly what you are doing.
Your box outside is higher and there won't be a receptacle but the installation is identical.
Video
pfar54
voted this post useful.
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks, that video helped a lot. I will post a picture of the material I formerly purchased for installing this from the existing receptacle. I bought a box, but circular. I'm hoping I can use some of it.