What type of outlet must you plug outdoor lighting into?

When installing outdoor lighting, using the proper type of outlet is crucial for safety and effectiveness. The outdoor environment presents specific challenges that require outlets designed for exterior use.

Why Outdoor Lighting Requires Special Outlets

Standard indoor electrical outlets are not suitable for outdoor installation for a few key reasons:

• Exposure to weather – Outdoor outlets must withstand rain, snow, humidity, and temperature extremes that would damage or corrode regular indoor outlets.
• Moisture resistance – Outdoor outlets need to be water-resistant to prevent shorts, fires, and electrocutions.
• Grounding – Outdoor outlets require grounding to prevent shocks and increase safety.
• Tamper resistance – Outdoor outlets should have tamper-resistant shutters to prevent curious children from inserting objects.
• Durability – Outdoor outlets need to be durable and rugged to withstand long-term exposure to the elements.

Using a regular indoor outlet outdoors risks water getting into the outlets and wires, corroding the components, shorting out the system, and potentially causing fires, shocks, and electrocutions. Only outdoor-rated outlets can provide the necessary protection.

Types of Outdoor Lighting Outlets

There are a few common types of outdoor outlets designed for safety and reliability:

GFCI Outlets

GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, outlets are required for most outdoor receptacles. GFCIs can quickly break the circuit if they detect a fault, protecting against electrocution and shocks. They have a test and reset button to confirm they are working properly.

Weather Resistant Covers

Weather resistant covers completely seal off the outlets from moisture. They have foam gaskets and upward-facing receptacles that prevent water from entering.

In-Use Covers

In-use covers allow an electrical cord to pass through the outlet cover while still protecting unused receptacles from water. These are common for landscape lighting.

Temporary Covers

Temporary covers are placed over outdoor outlets when not in use. They are removable for when the outlets need to be used.

Extra-Duty Commercial Grade

Extra-duty GFCI outlets are even more durable than standard models, with tamper-resistance and weather-proof construction. They are ideal for commercial installations.

Wiring Considerations for Outdoor Outlets

Properly wiring outdoor outlets is critical for safety:

• Use exterior-rated wiring. Outdoor-grade wires have thicker, waterproof insulation.
• Make sure wiring is GFCI protected through GFCI outlets or breakers.
• Use in-ground wiring rated for wet locations for hardwired garden and landscape lights.
• Ensure tight waterproof connections to prevent moisture from entering.
• Provide strain relief for cords to prevent loose connections from vibration or pulling.
• Allow extra slack in wiring to account for expansion/contraction and settling.
• Meet minimum burial depth requirements to protect wires from damage.

Where Outdoor Lighting Outlets Should Be Installed

Consider the purpose when deciding where to place outdoor outlets:

• For general outdoor use, install them every 6-12 feet around patios, decks, and porches.
• Place receptacles near exterior doors for holiday lighting and decorations.
• Install them high enough to avoid rain and snow accumulation.
• Put floor-level outlets around gardens and pathways for maintenance tools.
• Install outlets up high under the eaves for hanging security and spot lights.
• Use exterior wall mounting blocks to install outlets wherever they are needed.

Distribute outlets evenly around the exterior to allow lights to be placed in optimal positions.

Installing New Outdoor Outlets

If adding new outdoor receptacles, here are the steps to take:

1. Turn off power at the main breaker panel.
2. Run exterior-rated wiring to the new outlet locations.
3. Choose outdoor-rated boxes and conduit for the new outlets.
4. Install GFCI outlets or GFCI circuit breakers.
5. Attach weatherproof covers and test the outlets.
6. Label the new circuits at the electrical panel.

Hiring a qualified electrician is highly recommended for any new outdoor outlet installation.

Types of Outdoor Lighting

There are several common types of low voltage outdoor lighting that require special outdoor outlets or wiring:

Landscape Lighting

Garden, walkway, and spotlighting to accent landscaping features. Low voltage wiring runs through the garden to 12V fixtures.

Security Lighting

Bright spotlights, floodlights, and motion sensor lights to provide security around the exterior of a home.

Deck and Patio Lights

Low voltage rail lighting and step lights to illuminate decks, patios, and walkways for safety and ambiance.

Path Lights

Low wattage lights along pathways used to mark access and prevent tripping hazards.

Post Lights

Lights mounted on posts around driveways and yard boundaries for visibility and decoration.

In-ground Well Lights

Recessed adjustable lights installed in the ground to illuminate walls, steps, benches, and important features.

Swimming Pool and Fountain Lighting

Underwater luminaires for pools and fountains, requiring a GFCI protected subpanel.

Lighting Type	Wattage	Common Locations
Landscape Lighting	2-15 watts	Gardens, flower beds, trees
Security Lighting	50-500 watts	Corners of house, garage, driveways
Deck and Patio Lights	2-8 watts	Steps, railings, posts, benches
Path Lights	1-5 watts	Sidewalks, pathways, driveways
Post Lights	50-100 watts	Yard boundaries, driveways, mailboxes
In-ground Well Lights	5-30 watts	Steps, walls, signs, sculptures
Pool and Fountain Lighting	300-500 watts	Underwater in pools, ponds, fountains

Low Voltage Transformers for Landscape Lighting

Low voltage outdoor landscape lighting runs on 12 volts supplied by a plug-in transformer. Key considerations when selecting a landscape lighting transformer include:

• Wattage – Determine the total wattage needed to power all fixtures.
• Voltage – Common options are 12V or 15V.
• Mounting location – Transformers require GFCI protection and drainage.
• Number of lighting zones – Multiple taps allow dividing into zones.
• Timer compatibility – Transfomers work with digital timers to control when lights turn on/off.
• Smart control – Some transformers have WiFi capability for app and voice control.

Always follow the transformer manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and circuit sizing. Use a multimeter to test the fixtures and ensure correct low voltage power.

Hardwired Low Voltage Lighting

Some outdoor landscape lighting is hardwired directly to 12V or 120V power instead of using plug-in transformers. Benefits include:

• Lower voltage drop over long cable runs, providing brighter light.
• Circuits can support more lights.
• No need for a plug-in transformer that requires draining and GFCI protection.
• Cables can be buried underground as needed.

Hardwired lights require installing new wiring from the electrical panel through landscape conduit to each lighting fixture location.

Plug-in Landscape Lighting

Plug-in landscape lighting uses standard 120V household current instead of low voltage transformers. Benefits include:

• No voltage drop over long distances resulting in maximum brightness.
• Tap into existing outdoor receptacles instead of installing new wiring.
• Simpler installation by plugging lights directly into outdoor outlets.

The downsides are the lights are not as energy efficient, cords may be visible, and outlets must be located nearby. Use caution to prevent tripping hazards or equipment damage from cords.

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Safety Tips

• Use only UL listed, outdoor-rated low voltage fixtures and wiring.
• Install a GFCI protected transformer and circuits.
• Keep wiring away from standing water and underground utilities.
• Connect components tightly and caulk penetrations on lights.
• Place stakes or supports to avoid straining wires.
• Bury wiring at the correct depth according to code.
• Group lights on zones using multiple transformer taps.

Maintaining and Troubleshooting Outdoor Lighting

To keep outdoor lighting performing properly:

• Visually inspect the system to check for damaged components or loose wires.
• Test GFCIs using the test and reset buttons to ensure proper operation.
• Check for signs of corrosion and water intrusion on outlets and fixtures.
• Replace old caulk and weather seals to prevent water entry.
• Repair or replace broken fixtures, cables, and fittings.
• Clean dirty lenses and fixtures to maintain light output.

If lights stop working, check the transformer, timers, fuses/breakers, voltage, and fixtures for faults. Test sections of wiring to isolate connection issues. Call an outdoor lighting professional for complex troubleshooting and repairs.

Conclusion

Outdoor lighting brings many benefits but requires using specific outlets and wiring methods designed for safety and reliability outdoors. Select fixtures, transformers, wires, and receptacles rated for exterior use. Follow electrical codes and manufacturer guidelines for installation. Use GFCI protection and weatherproof components. With proper materials and installation, outdoor lighting can be appreciated for years to come.