What is surface mount power outlet?

A surface mount power outlet is a type of electrical outlet that is mounted flush to the surface of a wall, floor, or ceiling rather than being recessed into a junction box within the wall. Surface mount power outlets provide a sleek, minimalist aesthetic compared to traditional recessed outlets.

What are the key features of surface mount power outlets?

Some key features of surface mount power outlets include:

• Mounted on the surface rather than recessed into the wall
• Provide a sleek, modern look
• Allow for easy installation without cutting into drywall
• Come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any décor
• Offer the same electrical capacity as traditional outlets
• Often used in commercial settings or for a contemporary, industrial look

What are the different types of surface mount power outlets?

There are a few main types of surface mount power outlets:

Standard Surface Mount Outlets

These have a simple, rectangular cover plate and are the most common type of surface mount outlet. They provide standard 120V household current and have two or more receptacles for plugging in devices. Standard surface mount outlets come in a range of amperages and configurations, such as 15 amp, 20 amp, duplex, GFCI, etc.

Decorative Surface Mount Outlets

For a more stylish look, decorative surface mount outlets feature unique cover plate designs such as antique bronze, brushed steel, or colored plastic. The outlets themselves offer standard electrical capacity, but the cover plate is decorative.

Low Voltage Surface Mount Outlets

For non-electrical applications, low voltage surface mount outlets supply 24V or 12V power. Common low voltage outlets include Ethernet ports for computer networking, TV/cable outlets, telephone jacks, and speaker ports for home theater systems.

USB Charging Ports

As USB devices become more ubiquitous, surface mount USB charging ports are also popular. They allow direct plug-in charging for phones, tablets, and other devices without a wall adapter. The ports are often mounted alongside standard 120V outlets.

What are the benefits of using surface mount outlets?

Some benefits of using surface mount power outlets include:

• Easier, faster installation – No need to cut into drywall and install a recessed junction box.
• Versatile placement – Outlets can be mounted anywhere on walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture.
• Safety – Reduced risk of hitting live wires inside a wall cavity during future drywall repairs or mounting projects.
• Aesthetics – The sleek, minimalist look fits modern, industrial, and commercial décors.
• Lower cost – In existing construction, using surface mount outlets is considerably cheaper than recessing outlets into walls.
• Flexible wiring – Wiring connects directly to the outlet instead of inside a junction box.

Overall, surface mounting an outlet is much simpler than traditional recessed mounting. The exposed outlet style also suits many contemporary designs.

What are the downsides to surface mount power outlets?

There are a few potential disadvantages to consider with surface mount outlets:

• Exposed wires – While easier to install, surface mount outlet wiring is not enclosed in the wall which some users may dislike for aesthetics.
• Protruding object – The outlet housing sticks out from the wall slightly, so it can be prone to damage if furniture or activity is flush against it.
• Permanent mounting – The outlets rely on screws attached directly to the wall surface, so they cannot be easily relocated in the future.
• Limited styles – The selection of cover plate designs is not as extensive compared to traditional recessed outlets.
• No fire protection – Without a back-box, surface outlets provide less fire protection compared to recessed outlets.

However, wire concealment options and protective outlet boxes can help mitigate some of these issues. Overall surface mount outlets provide a simpler installation compared to traditional recessed mounting.

Can you replace existing outlets with surface mount outlets?

Yes, it is possible to replace traditional recessed power outlets with surface mount outlets in many cases. However, some key steps should be taken:

• Turn off power to the outlet at the breaker box before starting.
• Remove the existing outlet and unscrew it from the junction box.
• Disconnect and prepare the ends of the existing wires.
• Attach the outlet wires to the new surface mount outlet, matching wire colors and terminal screw positions.
• For a flush look, chisel out any surrounding drywall so the new outlet sits flat.
• Secure the new outlet directly to the wall surface with the included screws.
• Return power to the outlet and test with a voltage tester.

The existing junction box will remain recessed in the wall as a remnant. But the electrical connections can be adapted to the new surface mount outlet relatively easily. GFCI and USB outlets often accept the same wiring configurations.

How do you install surface mount power outlets?

Here is an overview of how to install surface mount power outlets:

1. Turn off power at the main breaker panel.
2. Plan outlet location and measure to center the box.
3. Cut drywall if needed to expose outlet wires.
4. Mount and secure the outlet box base directly to the surface.
5. Feed and connect the outlet wires to the box terminals – matching colors.
6. Attach the outlet to the base with the included screws.
7. For multiple outlets, join them with conduit for a clean look.
8. Attach the front outlet cover plate.
9. Restore power and test the outlet.

The main steps are securing the base, connecting the wires properly, and mounting the outlet device itself. Surface wiring conduit and wire molds can be used to route the wires neatly. Always follow local electrical codes.

Can you hardwire surface mount outlets?

Yes, surface mount power outlets can be hardwired directly to household electrical wiring. This involves:

• Running 14/2 or 12/2 NM electrical cable to the outlet location.
• Clamping the cable wires into the outlet box using cable clamps.
• Connecting the line (hot), neutral, and ground wires to their corresponding terminals on the outlet.
• Securing the outlet into the box with the included screws.
• Capping any unused wiring.

Hardwired connections avoid the need for plug-in power cords. This provides a safer, high-quality electrical connection. Proper cable gauge and connections are vital to meet electrical codes and safely deliver the outlet amperage.

Can surface mount outlets be installed outdoors?

Surface mount outlets can be installed in outdoor areas such as patios, porches, and exterior walls. However, the outlets must be rated for outdoor wet locations. Common electrical fixtures made for outdoor installation include:

• GFCI outlets
• Outdoor box covers
• Extra duty “in-use” outlet covers
• Weather-resistant boxes and conduit
• Tamper-resistant outlets
• Marine-grade waterproof boxes

All outdoor outlets should have weatherproof covers when not in use. GFCI protection is especially important for any outdoor outlets. Properly installed outdoor surface mount outlets can provide protected power where needed outside of the home.

Are surface mount outlets up to electrical code?

Surface mount power outlets are permitted by electrical code as long as they are installed properly. The key codes include:

• NEC 400.12 – Surface mounting boxes is permitted.
• NEC 314.20 – Cables need to be clamped within 12 inches of the box.
• NEC 310.15(B) – Cables may not be in contact with the edge of metal boxes.
• NEC 300.4(G) – Outlet boxes must be effectively secured and fastened to the surface.
• NEC 406.4(D) – Receptacles must be weatherproof in wet locations.
• NEC 210.52(B) – GFCI protection required for outlets in most wet locations.

When properly mounted, wired securely, and meeting code for the environment, surface outlets can often substitute for traditional recessed outlets.

Do I need a junction box for surface mount outlets?

Traditional recessed junction boxes are not necessarily required for surface mount outlets. As per NEC code 400.12, cables and conduit can run directly into surface-mounted boxes. However, a backing pancake box provides more space for connections and can simplify wiring.

If using just the surface mount box, cables must clamp tightly within 12” of the box, per NEC 314.20. Alternatively, conduit can provide protection and wire routing to the surface box. Junction boxes may still be required in some locations to meet state and local codes. But they can often be omitted in favor of easier surface wiring methods.

Should I get tamper-resistant outlets?

Tamper-resistant outlets are now required by code in most residential settings. These outlets have shutters that prevent foreign objects from contacting the internal electrical contacts. Major codes include:

• NEC 406.12 – Tamper-resistant outlets required in dwellings.
• NEC 517.16 – Tamper-resistant required in healthcare facilities.
• NEC 620.51 – Tamper-resistant required in commercial garages.

Tamper-resistant models are now standard for most outlets, whether traditional or surface mount style. They provide an important safety measure to avoid electrical shocks, especially in homes with small children. All power outlets should be replaced with tamper-resistant versions when remodeling or constructing a new building.

Surface Mount Outlet Types	Typical Amp Rating	Typical Use Cases
Standard Duplex Receptacle	15A, 20A	General household and office plug-in power
GFCI Duplex Receptacle	15A, 20A	Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor, garages, wet locations
USB Charger	2.0A-2.4A per port	Direct plug-in charging for mobile devices
Decorative Duplex	15A, 20A	For upscale, finished aesthetics
Low Voltage Outlets	12V, 24V	Landscape lighting, speaker wiring, doorbell transformers

Conclusion

Surface mount power outlets provide a versatile, easy way to add new receptacles and charging ports on walls and surfaces. They come in a wide variety of configurations to suit standard, outdoor, GFCI, USB, and low voltage needs. By following basic electrical codes and installation steps, surface outlets can substitute for recessed outlets in many situations where a sleek, contemporary look is desired. They offer simpler installation compared to traditional recessed outlets. With the proper mounting, boxes, wiring, amperages, and cover plates, surface mount outlets bring code-compliant power anywhere it’s needed.