Questions tagged [outdoor]

For questions generally relating to exterior spaces of property, including yard maintenance, pest and weed control, exterior home maintenance, etc. Questions which deal mainly with gardening and aesthetic landscaping will be migrated to the Gardening and Landscaping SE.

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What batteries are available for powering outdoor LED lights?

I'm trying to build one of these myself (TLDR; It's a lighting setup for outdoor usage to illuminate a pingpong table). I would like to know what sort of batteries are available that might help me ...
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2 answers
1k views

Can I tape rather than glue buried PVC conduit to make pulling wires easier?

I am replacing flexible conduit buried slightly below the ground and attached to a septic tank with much stronger rigid PVC pipes. This conduit houses electrical cable. I was planning on gluing all ...
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1 answer
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Low voltage LEDs fluctuate from full to half to off and repeat

I purchased and installed 100' of 16/2 wire and eight lamps (LED Lawn Light 12W 2800K AC/ DC 12V) and Malibu’s 200 Watt Low Voltage Transformer. 96 watts of lamps, I was told, would be perfect for a ...
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1 vote
1 answer
940 views

Is it ok to store a table saw outdoors in a crate?

I recently purchased my first table saw - a Ridgid R4518 or similar model number. My only 'indoor' storage space is a small side shed that houses my water heater - it's very difficult to get the saw ...
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

How to cover old Red Dot outdoor outlet for constant use?

Here's the current outlet. I need to leave a cable connected constantly. Is there a snap-on cover for this type of thing? (Can I gaff tape a quart baggie over it?) tia...
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1 vote
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Can electrical in a pergola be ran to pool lights breaker to run ceiling fan and outlet?

We recently had an aluminum pergola installed with an electrical outlet and would like to install a ceiling fan. The electrical in the pergola, which is not GFCI, was ran to the pool lights breaker in ...
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1 vote
1 answer
456 views

New CO/ALR vs AlumiConn connectors for outdoor outlet

I want to replace an existing outdoor duplex outlet at my house. The house was built in the 70s and has aluminum wiring. The outlet is at the end of the circuit run, so the aluminum wires are ...
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1 answer
146 views

outdoor heater wiring wire and circuit breaker

I am installing an outdoor heater that is 3000 watt, 12.5 amp, 240 v. What size breaker and wire should be used?
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3 votes
1 answer
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How to connect liquidtite to schedule 80 (or 40) pvc conduit?

I'm running 3/4" Schedule 80 PVC conduit above ground for some backyard electrical. There is a section where I need to go up a retaining wall to a receptacle box, and then back down to continue ...
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How to glue HDPE plastic to concrete blocks?

I am using PL 500 to glue concrete bricks to each other. I need to line the back of the brick wall with some high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic tarps for water-proofing. The PL 500 says it will ...
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7 votes
5 answers
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Does the quality of fill dirt matter?

Does the quality of fill dirt matter? For example, in my application, I need to fill an area where I'm planning to have a gravel patio. I picked up a yard of dirt from a local supply place and, upon ...
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-2 votes
1 answer
269 views

Can I create an outlet from patio light but always powered on

I am trying to provide an main source for security system. I don't have any socket outside but I do have lights. Could it be possible to construct an outlet or drive a main from this lights so that I ...
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3 votes
0 answers
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Generator Connection

I picked up a used 10kva (45a) Generac unit and want to get it connected thru the transfer switch. Just looking for some feedback on how to get it connected. I was going to use 1" schedule 40 ...
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1 answer
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calculating screwpiles requirement in clay ground

Does anyone know a good way of calculating screw-pile requirements in clay ground? I'm in the Netherlands and this old seafloor so carrying soil type is going to be at least 10m deep before it there ...
0 votes
2 answers
143 views

Cable required for pulling 3 phase power outdoors

Might be stupid questions but what kind of cable I for pulling 3 phase power outdoors around 10 meters outside. Frost is not an issue but even if I pull the cable within a pipe there is a good chance ...
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0 answers
143 views

Cheap system to keep mice from drowning in a pool?

Sometimes small mice end up jumping into my pool and drowning. I should install a cover, but in the meantime does anyone have an easier system? I have one of those off-ramps for small animals already, ...
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1 vote
1 answer
216 views

NEC Rules for Placing Outdoor Receptacles (Residential)

What are the rules for where you can place an outdoor receptacle on your home? I read somewhere (can't remember where) that you are not allowed to tap power from inside a kitchen or laundry/utility ...
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1 answer
71 views

Smart Switch in HOT Sun

I have a switch on an Arizona west facing wall without protection from the hot sun (making it at least 125 to 130). The switch, installed by the landscaper (matching standard like the flip switch ...
2 votes
0 answers
84 views

Is it unsafe that these outdoor switches are on a lighting circuit?

I am in the process of replacing these two outdoor switches with one double gang unit. Reason being that between the two existing units I can see non-weatherproof wiring connecting them together. (Not ...
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1 vote
2 answers
952 views

Can I run a new circuit in the same conduit as ground cable?

I had a 100 A sub-panel installed in my garage. The electrician used an LB and conduit stub to bring the ground cable outside into the ground -- the cable is 4 AWG, stranded, in 1/2" schedule 80 ...
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1 vote
3 answers
162 views

How to fix a crack in the corner of an outside wooden lamp post

What is the best way to fix this wooden light post? I was thinking clamps and glue. Or maybe a nail? [![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.stack.imgur.com/3S3lF.jpg![enter image ...
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0 votes
1 answer
723 views

Polymeric sand or replace original paver sand?

My back patio is made from closely placed paver bricks. Weeds and moss grow up from between the cracks. I've pressure washed the whole area off, removed all of the moss, and pulled out all of the ...
2 votes
1 answer
267 views

How long will Douglas fir planks last if left untreated outside, not directly exposed to weather, but some moisture occaisionally

I have to replace some bad plywood underneath a roof overhang. I have some Douglas pine planks left over from another project, that I like to use. The (painted) plywood currently in place lasted 55 ...
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1 vote
1 answer
345 views

Do I need to use two wire types for an indoor/outdoor run to a garage?

I need to install a 14-50 outlet in my garage to charge my car. I have a 200 amp breaker panel on the back of the house. It is approximately a 40' run on the outside of the house to where it would ...
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1 vote
2 answers
3k views

Underground electrical box?

The picture shows the spot in my front yard where an outlet used to be. There is a fourth wire not visible in the picture. We have since brought the grade down about two feet and it no longer makes ...
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0 votes
3 answers
107 views

Can I place a receptacle entirely inside a box and close it up?

There is a metal junction box sticking up 6" out of the ground mounted to the top of a piece of conduit. There is a rubber gasket and metal cover screwed to the box. Inside the box is simply six ...
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1 vote
3 answers
909 views

GFCI tester is tripping 15A breaker in panel; outlets on circuit do not appear to be GFCI outlets - is this a problem?

Level of electrical wiring knowledge: Very basic, if that Problem: 15A single-pole breaker in panel randomly trips - has been doing so since buying house in 2009 (house built in 1987) Trouble shooting ...
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1 vote
1 answer
721 views

Will leaving an electric hose faucet timer in direct sunlight damage the timer?

I recently bought an electronic outdoor hose faucet timer. I live in a desert with 110+ degree summers and plan to water a few trees in my lawn with it. Is there any risk of leaving this device out ...
-1 votes
2 answers
971 views

How do I prevent an LED rope light from glowing dim when switched off?

I have 2 strings of LED lights on my patio wired to a switch/outlet combo. This is controlled by an interior switch that also controls my exterior door light. I can either just have the door light on ...
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5 votes
4 answers
2k views

Is this hinged collapsible clothesline design stable enough?

I need help validating my clothesline design. It'll be on our deck for convenience (I don't want to lug a heavy basket of wet laundry down to the backyard). I want it to be collapsible so we can hide ...
0 votes
1 answer
423 views

No hot wire in switch box

I moved recently into a new house and had to replace an outdoor light and switch because both were dead. In the picture, the switch on the right is a 3-way switch that is wired and working fine. The ...
0 votes
2 answers
4k views

How to safely run power out to pond pump?

I built a pond that is about 50 feet from the house and nearest outlet and need to run a pond pump in it. The pond is too large for the solar-powered pumps I have seen. I considered simply buying a ...
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1 vote
1 answer
90 views

230v GFCI spa with 115v spur

Currently I have: Main breaker panel Conduit to outdoor socket, GFCI protected Onwards connection to next outdoor socket I'm having a hot tub, currently 115v plugged into the GFCI socket, upgraded ...
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0 answers
40 views

I need a longer 4x4 board

I am having trouble finding 4x4's for an outdoor project right now. I'd like to mount an outdoor television about 5.5 to 6 feet from the ground. I was planning to use two 4x4x10' pressure treated ...
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2 votes
3 answers
381 views

Exterior conduit run to fan, condensation issues

I want to run power from a sconce in our patio to a fan. My original plan is to put UF in conduit. As I’ve been reading I came across condensation issues in conduit. I’m a bit confused about what is ...
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2 votes
1 answer
738 views

Mount ceiling fan box to underside of joist

I want to install a ceiling fan outside under a porch. I would run new conduit up to the underside of the ceiling joist. The joists are covered by bead board which I could cut away from the joist. I ...
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1 vote
2 answers
58 views

Outdoor extension of hose spout

My condo building used to have an extension of our hose spout (that's the best I can describe it, see pictures) that has been broken for some time. We're looking to re-build the whole thing, and since ...
0 votes
2 answers
108 views

How do I renforce a cardboard antenna for outside use?

I bought Mohu Releaf cardboard antenna. It works much better outside than inside. Mohu explicitly advises against outdoor use of its indoor models, yet I wrapped it in a plastic bag and hung it out of ...
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1 vote
2 answers
308 views

Underlayment for using porcelain tile outdoors?

Rebuilding an outdoor deck in upstate NY with 6" X 24" porcelain tile. The foundation will be a 6" concrete bed with rebar. Confused about the need for and the order in which the ...
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1 vote
1 answer
31 views

What wood to use for external steps on a metal box-section frame?

We've got some rotting wooden outside steps that I want to replace. They're just seven 1 metre-long planks screwed to a metal framework from the underside. I'd planned to use scaffold boards as once ...
0 votes
0 answers
86 views

Solar Battery Pack for outdoor lights

I recently bought a really old house and the light outside has not been working. I just found that there was a little solar battery charger laying on the floor of my front yard, broken to pieces. So I ...
1 vote
2 answers
244 views

Air Condition humming noise

I recently bought a brand new house which has new AC unit. but the outdoor AC unit constantly makes the loud humming noise which also vibrates refrigerant pipe. see the attached video link. what could ...
1 vote
4 answers
4k views

How to protect an outdoor electrical cable which can’t be buried?

Last week we had an electrical point installed at the bottom of the garden (about 15m from the house). The cable runs alongside the property boundary. The electrician did not bury the cable as the ...
0 votes
0 answers
37 views

Any idea what these outdoor shades are called?

Hi any idea with the name of the outdoor shades are called? Note the rope that is tied to the metal boat dock stirrup thing. They are mounted on the outside. I've been searching for weeks and have no ...
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119 views

Outdoor Fan on GFCI Switch

I just replaced an outdoor ceiling fan/light on a gfci circuit, and once we completed the work and re-energized the circuit, my light switch will not move so I can test or turn on the fan. The GFCI ...
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0 votes
1 answer
54 views

Reconfiguring GFCI circuit protection

Forgive me if this is basic or redundant, but I couldn't find any questions addressing my specific scenario. I've got a GFCI outlet in my garage which also protects three separate outdoor outlets. I ...
1 vote
2 answers
3k views

How can I turn on my outdoor water fountain?

I have just bought a new house, and want to activate the pump for the water fountain. The pump seems to run an insulated electrical line back to the house, but I am not able to find any indoor ...
7 votes
2 answers
3k views

What do you mount an outdoor electric box to when it's not near your house?

We'll be laying out several new driveway slabs for our daughters to park on when commuting to college, and need a couple of NEMA 14-50 outlets near those slabs as they both want Nissan Leafs. We will ...
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0 votes
1 answer
4k views

Extension cord requirement for outdoor string lights

I am getting ready to hang outdoor string lights in my back yard for which I will need an outdoor extension cord about 20’ in length to reach a GFCI outlet. The string lights have a two-pronged ...
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0 votes
1 answer
91 views

Identify faucet manufacturer

I have a faucet leaking from the anti syphon on the top. I need to replace the parts but don’t know the manufacturer. The original cap is long gone. It only has asse 1018 on the side. There are no ...
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