How should outdoor electrical installations be protected?

• A. With weatherproof enclosures and GFCI protection where required, plus appropriate outdoor-rated equipment.
• B. Outdoor installations require no protection beyond standard indoor devices.
• C. Outdoor installations require only metal conduit with no enclosure.
• D. No GFCI requirement outdoors.

Answer: (A)

Outdoor installations must be protected from moisture and physical exposure. That protection comes from using equipment that is listed for outdoor use and enclosures that are weatherproof, with gasketed covers to keep rain and humidity out. In addition, GFCI protection is required for outdoor outlets in many locations, which helps prevent electric shock by quickly interrupting a ground fault. When you combine weatherproof enclosures, outdoor-rated equipment, and GFCI protection where required, the installation is safe and compliant for outdoor use. Relying on indoor devices, using only metal conduit without proper weatherproof enclosures, or omitting GFCI outdoors leaves the system unprotected and is not allowed by NEC requirements.