How High Should An Outdoor Electrical Outlet Be?

As outdoor electrical outlets are subjected to different weather patterns, installing them falls under strict building codes.

The required height an outdoor electrical outlet must be is a maximum of six feet and six inches above the ground. There is no minimum height required. It is also required to have all ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFCI) protected for all outdoor receptacles. There must be a receptacle required for decks, porches, and patios.

The biggest difference between outdoor wiring and interior wiring is the protections needed against water, weather, and dampness. For this reason, it is required by law to use GFCI-protected outlets and boxes.

Before engaging in electrical work, check your local electrical codes and follow all safety requirements. Hiring a registered electrician will be the safest route and ensures that proper electrical codes are being followed.

Outdoor electrical outlets, also referred to as outdoor receptacles, must be installed in a variety of locations. During home construction, there are requirements for how many outlets are needed along the exterior of your property.

Once these requirements are met you have more leeway when it comes to the location and height of outdoor electrical outlets.

Along with installing outdoor electrical outlets on building structures, you can also have them installed on poles or posts within your yard. This will shorten the distance needed to run extension cords and is especially useful for pools and permanent patio structures.

All outdoor receptacles must be protected using a GFCI receptacle, GFCI breaker, and a weather-proofed security housing. These will protect your electrical outlets from the elements and reduce the risk of shock.

Standard NM cable has a vinyl outer jacket and waterproof insulation but is not intended for use in outdoor locations. Only use cables that are approved for outdoor use for maximum safety.

Circuit cables that are serving wall-mounted outdoor electrical outlets and light fixtures can be run through the wall and use standard nonmetallic cable. These are easier to install than running new lines from the pole or burying them underground.

Outdoor electrical outlets that are away from the house are usually run underground, for safety reasons.

Call the national ‘Call Before You Dig’ hotline at 811. The hotline operator will notify all utility providers in your area who will send a representative to your property to mark their lines running beneath the ground.

This will help you from cutting into dangerous lines and putting yourself in harm’s way, as well as disrupting utilities.

You can use power equipment to dig no closer than 24 inches to marked lines and then a hand shovel if you need to get closer than that.

Related Questions

Do Outdoor Outlets Need to be On Their Own Circuit?

While outdoor outlets are not required to be on a separate circuit, it can be very useful. When using outdoor outlets for things such as Christmas lights, it can be easier to flip a breaker in your house to turn them on and off rather than set a timer or go outside to plug and unplug them. 

Does Outdoor Electrical Wire Need to be in a Conduit?

Usually, local codes require that outdoor wiring be protected by conduit in an instance where outdoor wiring is installed above the ground.If the wiring is buried, most codes allow for Type UF cable, which is covered by heavy plastic sheathing. If using wire with a thin thermoplastic insulation, it will need to be encased in conduit for maximum protection.

Do Outdoor Outlets Need 20 Amps?

15–amp receptacles are typical for household appliances, lamps, and other accessories. This would be able to accommodate outdoor lighting. A 20–amp receptacle is for heavy-duty appliances and power tools, electric mowers, trimmers, etc.