What kind of GFCI do I need for outside?

Quick Answer

For outdoor areas exposed to moisture, the recommended GFCI is a weather-resistant GFCI outlet or receptacle. This provides protection against electrical shocks while being designed to withstand exposure to the elements. The specific type needed depends on whether it will be used for a permanently installed appliance or temporary use:

– For permanent outdoor fixtures like lights or pumps, install a weather-resistant GFCI outlet. Choose an ‘in-use’ cover style to allow cords to run through while protected from rain.

– For temporary use like holiday lights or power tools, install a weather-resistant GFCI receptacle. A ‘bubble’ style cover leaves the sockets accessible but blocks moisture when not in use.

In either case, look for outdoor GFCIs rated for wet locations and bearing the UL listing mark to ensure safety and performance. Avoid indoor, non-weather resistant GFCIs which lack waterproofing.

What is a GFCI?

GFCI stands for ‘ground fault circuit interrupter’. This is a special type of outlet designed to prevent electric shocks. GFCIs work by monitoring electricity flowing in a circuit and quickly shutting off power if there is an imbalance, which occurs when current leaks through water or a person’s body. This rapid cutoff prevents severe or fatal shocks.

While GFCIs are now required in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and other wet locations, they were originally invented for outside use back in the 1960s. Early GFCIs helped prevent tragedies like electrocutions from faulty outdoor appliances and wet wiring.

So while indoor GFCIs help protect against electric shocks around sinks and tubs, outdoor models add weatherproofing to handle moisture, splashing and storms. They have water-tight covers and seals plus corrosion resistant contacts. This durability makes them ideal for electrical safety in damp or wet environments.

Where are GFCIs Required Outside?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates GFCI protection for all outdoor receptacles in these locations:

• Pool, spa and hot tub equipment
• Outlets within 20ft of a pool, spa or fountain
• Crawlspace and unfinished basement outlets
• Kitchen countertop outlets where located outside
• Boathouse outlets near or below water level
• Balconies, decks, porches and gazebos
• Outlets at outdoor kitchens
• Outdoor outlets for refrigeration equipment

Other areas where GFCIs are strongly recommended but not necessarily required:

• Driveways, garages, and accessory buildings
• Outlets around gardens, yards and patios
• Outlets near sprinkler/irrigation controllers
• Fountain, pond and waterfall pumps
• Holiday lighting and decorations
• Power equipment like mowers, saws, drills used outdoors

The more moisture expected, the more important GFCI protection becomes for safety.

Choosing a GFCI Type for Outdoor Use

When picking the right GFCI model for outdoor installation, the main choices are:

Weather Resistant GFCI Outlet

This permanently mounted option replaces a standard receptacle outlet, providing GFCI protection and water resistance. It works well for appliances that stay plugged in most of the time like pond pumps, lights or sprinkler controls. Choose an ‘in-use’ style outdoor outlet cover if cords will be plugged in routinely.

Weather Resistant GFCI Receptacle

The GFCI receptacle installs just like an outlet but lacks a cover plate for open access to the sockets. This style is preferable when power needs are temporary or change often like holiday lights. Look for a ‘bubble’ style cover to protect sockets from rain when not in use.

GFCI Circuit Breaker

For whole-home outdoor protection, a GFCI circuit breaker provides shock prevention for all outlets on the circuit. This approach avoids needing GFCI outlets at every location. Note that indoor-only breakers tend to be cheaper but lack weather and waterproofing abilities.

Portable GFCI

For contractors bringing outdoor power tools onsite, portable GFCIs plug into outlets to provide temporary protection. However, these units are not substitutes for permanent outdoor GFCI installation required by code and provide only limited moisture resistance.

Installing and Wiring an Outdoor GFCI

When installing or replacing an outdoor GFCI, follow these steps:

1. Turn off power to the circuit at the main electrical panel.
2. Open the existing outlet and disconnect all wires.
3. Connect the wires to the matching LINE terminals on the GFCI using proper wire stripping and secure connections.
4. Connect a short jumper wire from the GFCI LINE terminals to the LOAD terminals.
5. Screw the GFCI securely into the outlet box and install the weatherproof cover.
6. Turn power back on and test the GFCI using the TEST and RESET buttons.

Pay close attention to connecting the LINE and LOAD terminals correctly. LINE carries power from the panel INTO the GFCI, while LOAD sends power OUT to other outlets downstream. Reverse line and load connections are a common wiring mistake that prevents proper function.

If replacing multiple outdoor outlets, connect the first outlet’s LINE terminals to the panel as above. Then chain subsequent outlets by connecting their LINE terminals to the first outlet’s LOAD terminals.

Outdoor GFCI Cost

Typical costs for outdoor GFCI devices:

GFCI Device	Cost Range
GFCI Outlet	$15 – $30
GFCI Receptacle	$15 – $35
GFCI Breaker (for 1 circuit)	$40 – $70
Portable GFCI Adapter	$10 – $20

With professional installation, total costs for a single outdoor GFCI outlet will be $125 to $250 depending on the device type and complexity of the install. Whole home outdoor protection with a GFCI breaker costs $300 to $600 typically.

Testing and Resetting an Outdoor GFCI

It’s important to periodically test outdoor GFCIs using the TEST and RESET buttons to confirm proper operation:

1. Press TEST – This trips the GFCI and cuts power to connected outlets.
2. Plug in a light or radio to confirm power is off.
3. Press RESET to restore power after a successful test.
4. Repeat monthly for maintenance.

If the GFCI won’t reset or frequently trips, consult an electrician to inspect for any loose, damaged or wet wiring causing grounds faults. Malfunctioning or damaged outdoor GFCIs should be replaced immediately to prevent potential shock risks.

Conclusion

Installing weather resistant GFCIs like outdoor receptacles or outlets provides critical protection from electrical shocks in damp, wet or stormy outdoor conditions. Choose GFCI devices rated for water exposure and check local codes for required locations. Follow proper wiring procedures and periodically test GFCIs for safety. With the right outdoor rated GFCI installed and maintained properly, you can work or relax outdoors with greater electrical safety and peace of mind.