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Use GFCI When Adding Exterior Electric Outlet

  
  
  

electric outletThere are times when you need to add an electrical outlet to the exterior wall. This is easiest when you have an outlet on the interior side of the wall and can branch off of it to supply power to the new outlet. You must use GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter or GFI for short) protection.

Outdoor elements can cause problems for unprotected outlets (think rainwater), so not only must the outlet be GFI protected, but you also should have a weatherproof box cover. These allow you to use the outlet yet protect it from the weather.

If you are cutting through stucco, a grinder makes quick work of the job. Mark out the lines and slowly cut the perimeter. Use a junction box and caulk around the perimeter. The weatherproof box will have gaskets to further seal out the weather.

After installing the GFCI outlet, install a box cover that uses a plastic dome to protect the outlet. This is hinged and opens to allow you to use the outlet, then swings closed to seal out rain. The other type of cover uses small doors on each individual plug, but once these small doors are opened, it exposes the outlet to rain and could potentially allow rainwater to come into contact with the electricity.

Comments

actually, 
 
save your money and do not put a GFCI outside of your home. They will inevitably rust and create a short or just stop working. 
 
Instead, put the GFCI on the inside of the home and tie the exterior outlet (regular plug) to that GFCI. 
 
Then, when the exterior outlet rusts, replace it for $2, not for $15 (the cost of a GFCI).
Posted @ Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:07 AM by george
Love that outlet cover protection, it will protect devices and the electrical systems from short circuits.
Posted @ Thursday, February 27, 2014 12:29 PM by orange county electric
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