Outdoor Lighting and GFCI Protection
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How to Protect Outdoor Lighting Fixtures with a GFCI Outlet: I have installed a low voltage outdoor lighting system in my home. The instructions say to plug it into an outdoor GFCI socket, but I do not have one. © By: Dave Rongey |
Installing Outdoor Lighting
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have installed a low voltage outdoor lighting system in my home. The instructions say to plug it into an outdoor GFCI socket, but I do not have one.
- What I did was put a hole in my garage wall, and plug the transformer into a socket just inside the garage.
- Then I mounted the transformer, as per directions, on the wall outside.
- I put a rubber grommet around the plug wire to seal the hole.
- Is the failure to have a GFCI outlet a major problem?
- Is it bad to run the power cord through the wall?
- The instructions said no extension cords and I am not using one.
Background: Andrew, a Homeowner from St.Louis, Missouri.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Andrew.
Installing Outdoor Light Fixtures
Application: Install Outdoor Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best Installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Tool Pouch of Electrical Tools, and Voltage Tester, Fiberglass Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience working with electrical wiring, the number of lights that will be replaced or installed and access to the light fixtures.
Precaution: Identify the lighting circuit or power source, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the electrical wiring and light fixture connections.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring for outdoor lighting should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Protecting Your Outdoor Lighting with a GFCI Outlet
- GFCI protection is required when an energized device is used outdoors where it is accessible.
- I would point out that you could extend the power from your garage through the outside wall and mount a weather proof box.
- Then a GFCI outlet and cover could be installed which would make it safe and legal as long as the extended garage circuit is protected as well.
- The garage circuit may already be protected by a GFCI outlet or circuit breaker.
- Your are so close to being able to make it right, so why not go ahead and do it right.
- Having GFCI protection will provide safety and you will know that you did it the right way.
More about GFCI and Electrical Wiring
- GFCI Wiring
- This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.
Electrical Wire for the Home
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Garage Wiring
Garage Electrical Wiring
Garage electrical wiring diagram and considerations for wiring garage circuits, complete with pictures. Careful planning for your garage with immediate and future equipment considerations will help you understand how to size your electrical circuit requirements. This information will help as an garage electrical wiring guide.
Home Electrical Codes
Electrical Code Directory covering electrical boxes, electrical circuits, electrical outlets, GFCI, electrical grounding.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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