How to install outdoor receptacle through vinyl siding?

[Whoaru99]

I've put in electrical boxes and the trim rings BEFORE putting on vinyl siding, but how does one go about retrofitting an electrical box when the vinyl siding is already installed?

The electrical aspect is not the concern, the question is about how to make and finish the cutout through the vinyl siding without having to loosen up/remove the surrounding siding.

Thanks in advance!!

[eurolarva]

I am no pro here but I think you are going to have to remove at least one panel of siding to do what you want. You can usually pull up on the siding just above the one you want to remove then use a mini crow bar and hammer or an pair of nippers to remove the nails from the siding you want to remove. After you install the box you will have to use J channel around the box then cut the siding to fit the j channel. As I said I am no pro but I believe that is how you will have to do it. Do you have styrofoam under the siding or plywood?

[sparcebag]

If you know about the different trim boxes and there installation,and setting the elec. box, cutting the vinyl is easy use a utility knife score it with a straight edge then keep scoring freehand till your through! I may have have read wrong! there is a special trim box for retro fits thats installed after above mentioned

[Dave]

Taking off a piece or two of vinyl siding is really no big project. If I can do it, any one can

[Whoaru99]

Just found out it's actually steel siding, but I suppose the principles will be the same - albeit a bit harder to work with.

I couldn't think of any way to get the trim rings/j channel in the cutout and properly fastened without removing some of the siding.

[King Canada]

If it's steel you won't be able to snap out pieces mid-wall... You will have to back it down from the top. Is it Double-4 siding? It's possible to cut in the outlet sideways just under the lap and not use a J-block. Make sure you use a cover that seals up against the siding. Keep the band-aids handy.