Table of Contents
What circuit are outdoor outlets on?
Plus, the National Electrical Code requires all outdoor outlets to be GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter outlets). GFCI outlets trip and turn off automatically when there’s a current leakage or short circuit, which helps prevent fires and accidental shocks.
Can interior and exterior lights be on the same circuit?
1 Answer. Yes, interior and exterior lights can be on the same circuit.
How high off the ground does an outdoor electrical outlet need to be?
6 1/2 feet
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).
Should lights and outlets be on separate circuits?
Generally a properly wired home should have dedicated lighting circuits that are apart from receptacles. Overloaded neutrals are fire hazards.
Can you use an outdoor outlet in the rain?
And how do you ensure they are safe to use? The National Electrical Code has a policy for outdoor outlets, that only weather resistant (WR) GFCI receptacles be used outdoors. They offer protection from humidity, rain, ice, and snow when properly installed in approved weather protected covers.
How many amps should an outdoor outlet be?
Most homes in the U.S. are wired with a combination of 15-amp and 20-amp, 120-volt circuits. Because 15-amp receptacles can be used with 20-amp circuits, most of the outlets you see in American homes are the standard 15-amp variety, with two slots and a U-shaped grounding hole.
What happens if you put a 20-amp outlet on a 15-amp circuit?
If your question is “can I connect a receptacle rated for 20 amps to a circuit designed for 15 amps?”, the answer is yes, because the receptacle can handle more current than the circuit is rated for. If you exceed 15 amps, the breaker will blow, and protect the receptacle.
Can I run lights and sockets be on same circuit?
Yes of course, for example desk lamps and other loads can be on the same circuit. However, there’s usually a special circuit for lighting because lighting pulls very little current, and so much thinner wire can be used, and so a separate lighting circuit is cheaper to install.