Outdoor Receptacle Covers

Most homes have one or more outdoor power outlets (receptacles) and these should always be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).  See HandyHomeowner topic  GFCIs  for details on this important safety device.

In addition to GFCI protection, outdoor receptacles should also have weather-resistant covers to protect them from moisture and dirt (a bad electrical combination), both which are likely outside the house.

 

 

Residents sometimes have something plugged into an exterior outlet for a long time (fountain pump, Christmas lights, etc.)  If you have anything plugged in for more than a short time, your should install a While-In-Use receptacle cover.  These devices give protection from dirt and moisture while a power cord is plugged into the outlet.

There is strong debate

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

Outdoor power outlets gone dead?  No power in kitchen, bath or garage?  Sounds like your GFCI has tripped.

Ground fault circuit interrupters have saved untold numbers of lives.  However, they can be a real nuisance when they trip unexpectedly.  Outdoor receptacles are especially prone to tripping because of exposure to moisture and minerals and tools that can cut through power cords.

Don’t wait until a trip happens to locate your reset button.  Map out each protected outlet so you know where to reset the circuit quickly.

Also learn how GFCIs work and how to test them properly (regularly and in a particular manner).   Do not rely on the built-in test button!  A false sense of security is almost worse than having no protection at all.  Dive into the  GFCIs  topic.