Are existing outdoor receptacles on an older home grandfathered?

jimmerz

Hey all, Just wondering if someone may be able to help me with this?

I know that NEC states that any new construction outdoor receptacles must be GFCI protected, but what about older homes that were built prior to this requirement? If it's a grounded rec. with a waterproof cover, is this sufficient?

I know it's a good idea to upgrade them, but just curious as to where this would fall? Seems like a grey area.

Thanks, Jim

electures

The NEC is not retroactive. The wiring has to meet what ever code was in affect at the time of installation. Local ammendments may supercede though.

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All responses based on the 2011 NEC.
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joecaption

Code or not, it's a 10 min. job to change to a GFI and about $15.00 or less for the part.
Better safe then sorry, or dead.

AllanJ

If you want the features or advantages or protection of something new then you would not be asking the question of whether what used to be there is grandfathered.

Grandfathered means not complying with updated regulations but also not required to be upgraded or replaced yet.

Grounding (of the receptacle via equipment grounding conductor) protects equipment with or without a ground fault circuit interrupter. The GFCI protects people with or without the EGC in the wiring.

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bobelectric

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