Can I wire an outside light to a outlet?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can wire an outside light to an electrical outlet. This allows you to install exterior lighting without having to run new wires from your electrical panel. To wire an outside light to an outlet, you will need some basic electrical supplies like wire, wire nuts, conduit, and an exterior light fixture designed for outlet wiring. Make sure to shut off the power before doing any electrical work. Then, run conduit from the outlet to the light location, fish the wires through the conduit, connect the wires from the outlet to the light fixture using wire nuts, tuck everything back into the conduit, and restore power. Take proper safety precautions and follow local electrical codes.

Steps to Wire an Outside Light to an Outlet

Here are the basic steps to wire an outside light to a power outlet:

1. Turn off power to the outlet at the breaker box.
2. Run conduit from the outlet location to where you want the light mounted.
3. Fish the electrical wires through the conduit.
4. Connect the black (hot) wire from the outlet to the black wire on the light.
5. Connect the white (neutral) wire from the outlet to the white wire on the light.
6. Connect the ground wires from the outlet to the ground on the light.
7. Secure the wire connections with wire nuts.
8. Tuck all the wires neatly into the conduit.
9. Mount the light fixture according to the manufacturer’s directions.
10. Restore power at the breaker box.
11. Test that the light works.

Be sure to take all necessary safety precautions when doing any electrical work. Make sure wires are completely disconnected from power, use appropriate circuit protection, and follow all local electrical codes. Consult with an electrician if you are unsure of any part of the wiring process.

Choosing an Exterior Light Fixture

When selecting an outdoor light fixture to connect to an outlet, look for ones designed specifically for outlet wiring. These lights will have a short cord or bare wires to easily connect to your outlet’s wiring.

Some common types of exterior lights that can be wired to outlets include:

• Wall-mounted porch lights
• Security flood lights
• Pathway lantern lights
• Step lights
• Accent spotlights

Avoid plug-in style outdoor lights or fixtures with built-in photocells that are not intended for permanent wiring. Make sure any light you choose is rated for exterior use and has the necessary wiring components.

Outlet Wiring Requirements

When wiring an outside light to an outlet, there are some wiring requirements to keep in mind:

• The outlet must be a grounded 120V outlet on a 15 or 20 amp circuit. Outdoor outlets are ideal.
• Only connect one light fixture per outlet.
• The total wattage of the light fixture must be less than 1500 watts.
• The outlet should have a weatherproof cover and be protected by a GFCI circuit.
• Use suitable outdoor-rated conduit to run from the outlet to the light fixture.
• Follow all local building codes for outdoor electrical wiring.

You cannot wire multiple light fixtures to one outlet since this could overload the circuit. The light should also be within the sight line of the outlet and no more than 50 feet away so the extension cord length restrictions are followed.

Conduit for Wiring

When running wiring from an outlet to an outside light, you must use protective conduit. The conduit shields the wiring and prevents exterior exposure.

Some common conduit options include:

• PVC – Durable plastic conduit that is watertight.
• Metal – Rigid galvanized steel or aluminum conduit.
• Liquidtight flexible metal – Flexible metal conduit covered in a waterproof plastic lining.

PVC and liquidtight flexible metal conduit are easier for DIY installations. Use the proper conduit size for the wire gauge you are using. Conduit must be properly secured every 3 feet. Use weatherproof conduit fittings to connect the conduit to the outlet and light box.

Conduit Size Chart

Conduit Size	Wire Gauge Capacity
1/2 inch	14, 12, 10 gauge
3/4 inch	12, 10, 8 gauge
1 inch	10, 8, 6 gauge

Wire Size and Type

Select the correct wire size based on the amperage rating and voltage drop limits of your circuit length.

For lighting circuits up to 150 feet from the panel, use:

• 12 gauge wire for a 20 amp circuit
• 14 gauge wire for a 15 amp circuit

Use only copper wiring outdoors rated for direct burial or exterior use. Do not use interior Romex style cable for outdoor wiring. THWN and UF-B style exterior wiring are recommended.

The hot, neutral, and ground wires from the outlet must all be extended to the light fixture. You cannot use the conduit itself as the grounding path.

Weatherproofing

Since this wiring will be outdoors, make sure all connections are suitable for wet, damp locations. Use waterproof wire splice connectors and sealant on any wire nuts. Conduit fittings also need to be watertight and compatible with the conduit type.

Caulk around the exterior light mounting box before attaching the fixture. The light itself should have a gasket or seal to prevent water intrusion from rain or sprinklers. Use a bubble cover for extra protection.

Safety Tips

Follow these important safety tips when wiring an outside light to an outlet:

• Turn off the power at the breaker before starting.
• Test wires with a non-contact voltage tester to confirm power is off.
• Use a GFCI protected circuit for added shock protection.
• Wear insulated gloves and safety glasses.
• Keep wires sized to handle the amperage rating.
• Install a junction box if you need to splice any wires.
• Label the breaker to indicate the outlet is used for exterior wiring.
• Hire an electrician if you are unsure how to wire things safely.

Electrical Codes

Outdoor electrical work must comply with local and national electrical codes. Key requirements typically include:

• GFCI protection on outdoor circuits
• Weatherproof boxes and conduit fittings
• Wiring depths and burial requirements
• Allowed conductor ampacities
• Proper grounding and bonding

Consult your local building department for specifics on permits, inspections, and applicable electrical codes for your area. Hiring a licensed electrician is the best way to ensure proper code compliance.

Conclusion

Wiring an outside light to an outlet is a convenient way to add exterior lighting without the need to run wiring all the way from your electrical panel. By using the proper materials, wiring method, and safety techniques, you can successfully install an outdoor light fixture powered from a nearby outdoor outlet. Always exercise caution when working with electrical systems and consult local building codes during the planning stages. With adequate circuit capacity and weatherproof conduit and connections, an outlet-wired outdoor light can provide bright, reliable illumination while enhancing the beauty and security of your home’s exterior spaces.