Can you use electrical outlets outside?

Outdoor outlets are a much more convenient way to plug in your outdoor tools and lighting, and you can install one in a single day. Outdoor electrical outlets differ from indoor outlets because they have watertight covers that protect the outlet even with a cord plugged in.

What is code for outside outlets?

Homes must have at least one outdoor receptacle at the front and rear of the house. They must be readily accessible from the ground and positioned no more than 6 1/2 feet above grade (ground level).

Are outdoor outlets safe in rain?

Yes, you can safely use electrical appliances outside while it’s raining (assuming you are under cover, such as in an outdoor kitchen/dining area), as long as you have a waterproof cover in place.

What happens if outlet gets wet?

Water causes an interruption that makes the outlet quit working, but the wires connected to the outlet may carry a live electrical current. The live current poses both an electrocution hazard and a fire risk. To minimize risks, you need to turn the power off at the breaker box as quickly as possible.

Should outdoor outlets be weather resistant?

All residential outdoor outlets are required to be weather-resistant; this includes outlets installed in the front and rear of your home on patios, decks and near pools and hot tubs. To meet Code, they must be paired with proper weatherproof enclosures for complete protection from the elements.

How much does it cost to add an outlet outside?

If you’re installing an outdoor outlet yourself, you can easily spend under $50 for the project. Most GFCI outlets from big-box stores cost between $17 and $40, which is about $12 to $25 more than a traditional outlet.

Do exterior outlets need to be on their own circuit?

Individual GFCI outlets do not have to be on their own circuits. The only reason I can think of that would be a safety concern would be if the GFCI’s were not listed for outdoor use or not in weatherproof boxes. They are gfci outlets and they are both in weatherproof boxes. Inspectors are often wrong.

Does an outdoor outlet have to be on its own circuit?

Receptacles that are used outdoors must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter, or GFCI, protection for safety. GFCI devices automatically trip if they sense an imbalance in the circuit that may indicate a fault to ground, which can occur when electrical equipment or anyone using it is in contact with water.

What happens if an outlet gets wet?

How do you protect outdoor outlets from rain?

How to Protect Outdoor Outlets From Rain

  1. Install the Right Kind of Outlets. Which outlet or receptacles do you need for outdoor use?
  2. Install GFCI Protection. You need GFCI protection for your home in any location that may come into contact with water.
  3. Install Bubble Covers for Outdoor Outlets.