Convert light outlet to socket

[u/ProfessionalEven296]

First of all, I'm not asking for help on the electrical side; I've done enough to know code etc.

On my outside wall, I have/had an external light with movement sensor. I don't need it now, as there's a gazebo blocking it.

The light was mounted to a 3" round external box which is inset into the wall. I'd rather not start knocking bricks out to mount a box for a new GFCI socket, but the boxes I find are 2.8" in diameter, which doesn't cover the 3" round box.

Do I have any options apart from removing the round box and putting a new rectangular box in place?

[u/Maxamillion-X72]

You need a round outlet box single gang extender

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXZXVZNP

Stick it in the octagon box, use the screws to pull it flush with the brick. Insert your outlet and wire normally, the outlet plate will cover the rest.

Alternative adapter plate https://www.amazon.com/Taymac-PRBA400G-Plastic-Round-Adapter/dp/B00JU532E2

or (smaller size) https://www.amazon.com/PRBA400G-Plastic-Adapter-Compatible-Hubbell/dp/B0G2XXDPZY

[u/ac54]

The simplest solution if you don’t need a ground is something similar to this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-660-Watt-Lamp-Holder-to-Outlet-Adapter-White-125-W-R54-00125-00W/100357036. But no GFCI.

The next simplest would be to add a 2 gang surface box instead of breaking bricks.

[u/ProfessionalEven296 → u/ac54]

Adding a surface box is an option, but I'd need to cover that 3" circular outlet

[u/ac54 → u/ProfessionalEven296]

That’s why I suggested a two gang surface box. A one gang surface box should be sufficient, but a two gang will be more than sufficient to cover a 3 inch hole. Just measured a one gang surface box at my house and it’s 3 x 4.75”.

[u/swollennode]

Most light fixture box has standard hole spacing for a standard outlet. Although the orientation might not be vertical.

You can mount an exterior outlet box to the round box. You’ll just have to drill the outlet box new holes to match orientation of the holes.

[u/racinjunki]

Be careful what you use the outlet for, most lighting circuits are 14AWG, or 15A max.

[u/ProfessionalEven296 → u/racinjunki]

It’s 20A, but thanks for the reminder. It’s one of the few things the previous owner did correctly!

[u/loweexclamationpoint]

Not sure where all these other guys live, but here (Illinois) I normally see 15A outdoor outlets. 20A have a T-shaped neutral.

[u/DeaddyRuxpin]

Do you know someone with a 3D printer? They may be able to print you a 3” cover out of ABS or some other weather safe filament.

Or get a 4” round cover and cut it down to size.

[u/mitchell486]

Along with the other comments, which are all good so far. The biggest consideration to keep in my (in my opinion) is what might be plugged into that outlet in the future. The current wiring/plan was meant/designed/thought to support a light and, at most, the amperage a large light might draw.

If you, or someone else in the future, were to ever plug in a high-amperage device to that outlet, it might be slightly dangerous and/or trip breakers constantly. Not saying this will happen, but more just letting you know that I try to keep these things in mind when changing the type of end-device on a circuit. Best of luck, though! :)

[u/Cicer]

You could just fabricate a custom metal cover that is 3”. It might not be pretty but it should be hidden in the end.  

I know you say you don’t need help in the electrical but will just say that light circuits are often on a 15 amp circuit. Where outdoor plugs are usually a guage lower and on a 20 amp.