Outdoor Outlets: What You Need to Know for Safety and
Exposure to rain, sprinklers, or even the occasional coastal breeze can cause damage to outdoor outlets. Moisture is the enemy, and it can lead to electrical shorts or
Even if you're just working in the garage with the main door open, using an outdoor cord is the safest choice. It's too easy for an indoor cord to be accidentally dragged outside into a puddle or left out in the rain.
Mr. Electric outlines the safest methods for running power outdoors. Plan your route and power needs. Use weatherproof, outdoor-rated conduit and wiring. Dig trenches for underground cables, following local codes. Install GFCI outlets for safety. Test the system before use. Test the system before use. Looking to 'amp up' your outdoor experience?
When running power outside, a GFCI-equipped outlet ensures safety, and is required by code in all areas exposed to moisture, like the outdoors. When adding an outdoor outlet, be sure to choose an outdoor-rated, weatherproof model with built-in, high-sensitivity GFCI.
A cord can become a fire hazard if it's overloaded, damaged, or too thin for the tool you're using. Leaving it constantly exposed to the weather makes all these problems more likely. What Really Happens When You Leave Cords Outside?
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
Get detailed specifications, case studies, and technical data for our PV container and energy storage solutions.
123 Renewable Energy Street
London EC1A 1BB, United Kingdom
+44 20 7127 4182
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM GMT