I'm looking to add an outdoor outlet to the back of my house. There's an existing UF cable line that runs from the exterior basement wall to the exterior first floor wall, entering directly behind a large switch panel that controls the first floor lights. I assume this is an unswitched line carrying power to that panel.
Can I add an outlet to this line? Is it safe/can it be waterproofed to cut the line, then connect the two ends inside a junction box?
Obviously, I'm tempted to add an outlet directly to the line (that is, have an outlet sitting in the junction box where I splice). I've read this is against code, and I'll need to run more cable to a separate outlet. Is this correct?
Best Answer
It depends on the size of the cable/ breaker size going up the side of the house. If that cable is protected by a 15 or 20 amp breaker it is possible to splice into the cable, as previously mentioned you do need additional wire length 1 foot minimum. you need 6” on the supply and 6” on the run upstairs to have enough slack. With that cable running from basement to the upper floor it needs to be protected up to 8’ above ground in most cases So that needs to be done correctly
if you add a box and WR rated GFCI with a extreme duty or in use cover. UF wire is usually protected from UV but below 8’ requires conduit for protection and some locations all the way back into the house requires conduit.
If the breaker is larger than 20 amp it cannot be done without adding a sub panel, And breaker as taping into a large feeder would require.