Prepare Your Outdoor Electrical Outlets with a Few Helpful Hints From Hydes!

As the holidays roll in across the Coachella Valley, homeowners are pulling out extension cords, lights, and inflatable decorations to brighten up their yards. But before you plug in, there’s one small detail that can make a big difference. Your outdoor electrical covers.

Don’t Overlook Your Outdoor Outlets

Many homeowners don’t realize that the National Electrical Code (NEC) recently updated its rules about outdoor outlets. According to the California Electrical Code, which adopts the NEC statewide, all 15- and 20-amp, 125- and 250-volt receptacles in wet locations must have weatherproof “extra-duty” covers. Even when something’s plugged in.

That means your old flip-up outlet covers might not meet today’s standards.

What Are “Extra-Duty” Bubble Covers?

“Extra-duty” covers (often called bubble covers) are designed to protect your outlet from rain, sprinklers, and other moisture even while cords are in use. These enclosures are more durable and seal tightly around the plug, preventing water from entering and causing dangerous shorts or electrical shocks.

Think of them as the outdoor version of a rain jacket for your outlet. One that stays on, whether or not you’re using it.

Before After Electrical Bubble Cover Plugs — (Before and After Bubble Cover Plugs)

Why the Change Matters in the Coachella Valley

Even though we don’t get a lot of rain, outdoor moisture, irrigation systems, and nighttime condensation can still cause problems. The local desert climate brings sudden downpours in the winter and plenty of dust year-round. Both of which can damage exposed wiring or receptacles.

Updating to code-compliant bubble covers not only helps you meet California electrical safety laws but also keeps your holiday setup running smoothly without tripping breakers or causing GFCI issues.

Outdoor Outlet FAQs

Do I need to replace every outdoor outlet?

Yes, if your outdoor outlets don’t have “extra-duty” bubble covers, they’ll need to be upgraded to meet the current NEC requirement. A licensed electrician can inspect them quickly.

What happens if I don’t update them?

Besides safety concerns, older covers can lead to moisture getting into the receptacle. That can cause corrosion, shorts, or even electrical fires. Especially when using high-load decorations or power tools.

Can I install them myself?

Some handy homeowners can replace outlet covers, but if you’re unsure or have multiple outdoor circuits, it’s best to call a Coachella Valley electrician familiar with California’s electrical code.

4 Easy Ways To Protect Your Outdoor Outlets In Winter

1. Choose the Correct Outlet

When it comes to your electrical outlets, it can be extremely difficult to tell when problems arise. Therefore, the National Electrical Code (NEC) now requires the utilization of GFCI outlets, which automatically trip when a current imbalance is detected. It also protects your wiring from overheating and causing fires or painful shocks.

To see whether you have the right outlet type, check for the characteristic ‘RESET’ and ‘TEST’ buttons.

Additionally, make sure your outside outlets have an engraved ‘WR’ symbol, signifying that they are weather resistant. Only this kind of outlet is safe to install outdoors!

2. Weatherproofing

Obviously, water and electricity are a dangerous duo when combined, but adding a weatherproof cover to your outdoor outlets allows you to use them without having to worry. These safety features, also required by NEC, are usually clear or colorless and come in many different designs for you to choose from.

Just make sure that the particular configuration you choose is compatible with the type of outdoor outlet you have at home.

3. Installation Is Key

If your outlet is not installed properly, moisture could make its way into your electrical box and lead to several inconvenient and even dangerous issues such as tripped breakers and melted outlets.

A gasket and cover plate should always accompany your outlet upon installation, as well as a waterproof cover for added protection. While electrical outlets may be small, they can severely harm you if you’re not experienced with handling electrical issues.

This is why we recommend contacting an electrician when it comes to electrical repairs or installations.

4. Maintenance & Testing

If you find that outdoor electrical outlets have already been installed in your newly purchased home, it is essential to check and maintain them in the event that they have suffered wear and tear or are not up to code.

Many people do not check that their outlets have been properly installed and maintained upon moving into a new home, but assuming everything is in tip-top shape could very well come back to bite you later on.

We recommend that you test your outlets twice a year, especially if they are located outdoors, to ensure everything is working as it should.

Stay Safe and Code-Compliant This Season

Whether you’re hanging lights along the roofline or powering a yard full of decorations, taking a few minutes to check your outdoor outlets and covers can help prevent holiday hazards.

If you’re not sure your home meets the latest NEC or California Electrical Code requirements, Hyde’s expert electricians can help. We’ll inspect your outdoor wiring, install proper weatherproof covers, and make sure everything’s safe and ready for the season.

Have You Scheduled Your Free Electrical Safety Inspection?

Having a Silver or Gold Comfort Club membership, entitles you to an electrical safety inspection for your home (one inspection every 3 years).

This is a free, no-obligation inspection that can be scheduled for you at your convenience.

If you are interested in scheduling this electrical inspection, please talk with your technician at time of service or call our electrical coordinator at (760) 239-9919. Or contact us online with any questions. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, big or small!