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Exterior outlets... dedicated?

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17K views 19 replies 13 participants last post by  Justin_99  
#1 ·
I have zero outlets on the outside of my house. I want to add 3; one in the front and 2 on the back of the house. Do each of these need to be dedicated or will a single 20amp circuit suffice for all?

TIA
 
#4 ·
As far as I know they don't each need to be on their own circuit but, as suggested, consider your potential loads. Local codes will determine 15a or 20a.
 
#9 ·
dalepres is correct, current code required in use covers ( bubble covers ), 1 way to mitigate the look, is to use the Taymac collapseable covers, which fold to about 5/8" when nor in use, the other is to use an Arlington recessed box ( has built in smoke plastic lid ) and the cover plate protrudes about 1/2". BTW current code also calls for exterior GFCI to be weather resistant ( WR ).

http://www.aifittings.com/landing/weatherproof

http://www.hubbell-rtb.com/p-220-non-metallic-low-profile-wiu-covers
 
#14 ·
So far as outlets/breakers go... It is what you are using ALL at the same time!

In the case of outside outlets, typically only one will be used at a time. Like for an electric lawn mower or similar. That has been in the past, so far as the future, if you don't think you would use more than one outlet at a time for anything high amperage (compressor, lawn mower, heater), then no problems with them being on the same circuit.

Good idea to run separate wires back to the panel, then you can place them on separate breakers in the future if needed.

As for GFCI's, I installed separate GFCI's on each outside outlet and am glad I did. Then if the GFCI trips, it is at the outlet I am using. No going hunting for the GFCI!

Not very much more expensive to install separate GFCI's or install a GFCI breaker. Well worth getting rid of the "GFCI hunting" annoyance.
 
#15 · (Edited)
So far as outlets/breakers go... It is what you are using ALL at the same time!

In the case of outside outlets, typically only one will be used at a time. Like for an electric lawn mower or similar. That has been in the past, so far as the future, if you don't think you would use more than one outlet at a time for anything high amperage (compressor, lawn mower, heater), then no problems with them being on the same circuit.

Good idea to run separate wires back to the panel, then you can place them on separate breakers in the future if needed.

As for GFCI's, I installed separate GFCI's on each outside outlet and am glad I did. Then if the GFCI trips, it is at the outlet I am using. No going hunting for the GFCI!

Not very much more expensive to install separate GFCI's or install a GFCI breaker. Well worth getting rid of the "GFCI hunting" annoyance.



Justin.... Good point......

Boy have I had difficulty finding the tripped GFI in certain instances... behind a fully stacked shelving unit in the garage that the circuit had been extended to a back of the house bedroom..... a utility room behind a second installed water heater... overgrown rose bushes....behind refrigerators..:vs_mad:

If it is an obvious run.... like a counter sabc, I'll use just one... but I sure wish that we'd spend the extra $10 and locate each GFI.... especially on the strange run circuits.

Best