Depends entirely on what you plan on running off them to be honest. Most time, 20 amps is sufficient for most exterior stuff and pretty normal.

I am sure the electricians will chime in, but I am pretty sure mine are on 20 amp.

 

If you plan on running an engine block heater, I would home run them. One block heater per plug in.

Us Canucks think like that.

 

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.

 

The do not need to be dedicated. They require GFCI protection. A single 20a circuit for all 3 would be fine, as would a a single 15a circuit.

 

Thanks All,
I don't have a specific load in mind... mostly just tired of running extension cords from inside.

 

You're good to go.... just GFI em and weatherproof box em.

 

You need weatherproof, tamper resistant receptacles, GFCI protected with in-use covers. Weather proof box is not sufficient.

 

The only thing to watch out for is that, I believe, code now requires that outdoor outlets be protected during use. You have to have the big cover that covers a cord plugged in and not the old-style spring-loaded covers.

 

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

 

In use covers are required for wet locations.

If the exterior receptacle is on the back wall of a large porch or otherwise only considered damp location, it does not need the inuse cover. Just a weatherproof one to protect it while not in use.

 

If your adding three you may as well put one of the 3 within 25 feet of your A/C unit for service receptacle just to make it up to code, that is if you have central air in the home

 

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.

 

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

 

If I ran them, I know where the GFCI is. Screw the next owner.

 

Hunting for that GFCI gets billed as trouble shooting.

If you take the screw the next guy attitude, make sure your significant other knows where it is and can point it out.

Otherwise, you may end up screwing yourself.

:smile: