Hello! I bought this enclosure to install a sprinkler timer. It comes with a GFCI outlet, and where I want to install it is next to another GFCI outlet mounted in the wall (outdoors). I thought it would look better to run some wires in the wall, off the GFCI, and into the back of the box so I don’t see the power cable on the outside of the house. What is the correct way to run that wire through the wall?

  • lettruthoutEnglish
    1•1 year ago

    Until a real electrician comments, here’s an opinion from an experienced homeowner…

    Yeah, some kind of protection will be good to have for that wire. Either run it through the wall or through EMT conduit with water-tight fittings. How to go through the wall will depend upon where your enclosure is in relation to the existing GFCI outlet. Is there a stud in the way? Does the wiring for the existing outlet come through the wall or through EMT? How deep is the box that holds the existing outlet? (You’ll need enough space to accommodate the new wire in that box. Always make connections inside boxes, not in the wall.) I’m not sure, but I think it’s not a good idea to wire a second GFCI outlet after another one. So you might want to consider wiring the new one before, or in parallel with the existing.

    Also, depending upon how much rain exposure you expect the new box to have, consider caulking around the top and sides (not the bottom) of the new box. This way rain will be kept from getting into your box or your wall.

    So your idea could be pretty simple, or a fair amount of work, depending on your circumstances.

    PS: Have you already considered just replacing the existing outlet with the new box?

    • @nerdyshadesOPEnglish
      2•1 year ago

      Hey, thanks for the reply! My app didn’t notify me, so, sorry for replying so late. I hadn’t thought about replacing the outlet with the sprinkler box, and that’s a good idea. I could also extend an on-the-wall outlet so I have some handy plugs.