Knowing where your outdoor outlet’s circuit breaker is located is crucial for safety and being able to quickly reset tripped breakers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through locating the circuit breaker for an outdoor outlet, provide tips on labeling breakers, and discuss how to reset a tripped outdoor outlet breaker.
Locating the Circuit Breaker Box
The first step in finding the correct circuit breaker for an outdoor outlet is locating the main circuit breaker panel or box. Here are the most common places to check:
Garage or Utility Room
Many modern homes have the main breaker box located in the garage, utility room, or some other service area. This allows easy access for maintenance and modifications. Check along the walls of the garage or utility room for a metal breaker box.
Basement or Crawl Space
Older homes often have the breaker box in the basement or crawl space. Look for a metal grey box mounted to the wall or freestanding on the floor. The box may be painted to blend in but should be recognizable.
Closets
Occasionally breaker boxes are located inside closets, especially coat closets near the front door. Check the back wall or corners of closets for the panel.
Kitchen
Some breaker boxes are situated in the kitchen, usually along the backsplash wall. Look high and low for the telltale metal box.
Hallways
Hallways like foyers sometimes house breaker boxes, keeping them out of the way but accessible. Check the walls and corners of any hall or foyer near the front or back door.
Once you have located the main circuit breaker panel, open the metal cover to access the labeled breakers inside.
Identifying the Correct Circuit
With the breaker box open, look at the labeling to identify which circuit the outdoor outlet is on. Here are tips for deciphering the labels:
- Outdoor, Exterior, or Patio – Many boxes have a breaker specifically labeled for outdoor circuits. Check this one first.
- GFCI or GFI – Outdoor outlets are often wired to a GFCI/GFI breaker. Try flipping any breaker with this label.
- Circuit Number – If all else fails, shut off circuits one at a time to identify the correct one.
- Room Location – Circuits are sometimes labeled by room rather than purpose. The outdoor outlet may be wired with the garage, patio, pool house, etc.
Shutting off the right breaker should cut power to the outdoor outlet, confirming you have the correct circuit.
Tips for Labeling Breakers
If the breaker box is unlabeled or confusing, consider re-labeling it for easier reference. Use simple, clear labels like:
- Outdoor Outlets
- Front Porch
- Backyard GFCI
- Pool Equipment GFCI
Avoid vague labels like “utility room” or circuit numbers alone. Make sure labels are durable by using an electric label maker, laminated cardstock, or permanent marker on masking tape.
Resetting a Tripped Outdoor Outlet Breaker
If your outdoor outlet stops working, the first step is resetting the breaker. Here is how:
- Locate the correct circuit breaker for the outdoor outlet and flip it all the way to the OFF position.
- Wait a full minute before flipping the breaker back to ON.
- Head outside and check if the outlet is working again.
- If it is still not working, repeat the process by turning the breaker OFF for a full 5 minutes before turning it back ON.
- As a last resort, turn off and unplug any connected devices and appliances before turning the breaker OFF and back ON.
If the outlet still does not have power after resetting the breaker, there may be a wiring issue that requires an electrician.
Why Do Outdoor Outlet Breakers Trip?
There are a few common reasons why outdoor outlet breakers trip and need resetting:
Overload
Too many plugged in devices on one circuit can cause overload and trip the breaker. Verify you are not exceeding the outlet’s wattage rating.
Short Circuit
Electrical shorts due to damaged wiring or cords can instantly trip a breaker. Inspect all cords and connections for damage.
Ground Fault
Moisture or buried cables may create a ground fault on outdoor outlets. A GFCI breaker is designed to trip before a ground fault becomes dangerous.
Old Wiring
Outlets wired with undersized, damaged, or outdated wiring often trip easily. Consider upgrading old wiring if breakers are frequently tripping.
High-Draw Appliances
Some motorized or heating appliances like air conditioners have a high electrical draw that overloads an outdoor outlet. Use heavy duty extension cords or upgrade the circuit wiring.
With the right troubleshooting, a tripped outdoor outlet breaker can be quickly and safely reset. Contact a licensed electrician if you have any concerns replacing outdated wiring or inspecting connections.
FAQs About Outdoor Outlet Circuit Breakers
Still have questions about locating and resetting the correct circuit breaker for outdoor electrical outlets? Here are some frequently asked questions with detailed answers:
What are GFCI and GFI breakers?
GFCI and GFI stand for “ground fault circuit interrupter.” This is a special type of breaker designed to quickly break the circuit if a ground fault is detected, protecting against electrical shocks and electrocution. Outdoor outlets are required to have GFCI breakers for added safety.
Why does my outdoor outlet have no power?
If an outdoor outlet stops working, the most likely cause is a tripped breaker. Check if the outlet’s circuit breaker has flipped to the OFF position and simply needs to be reset. This is common after storms with power surges or when too many devices are plugged in.
Can I upgrade my electrical panel?
If your electrical panel is outdated or you need more circuits added, you can upgrade the entire breaker box. Full panel upgrades require hiring a licensed electrician to install a new modern breaker box properly rated for your home’s electricity needs.
Should I put outdoor outlets on a separate circuit?
Having outdoor outlets on their own dedicated circuit allows you to turn off all outdoor power easily from one breaker. It also prevents overloading if many appliances are plugged in outdoors. Consult an electrician on adding new outdoor outlet circuits.
How do I add a label to an unlabeled breaker?
Making DIY labels for unlabeled circuit breakers makes them much easier to identify. Use a permanent marker on masking tape, an electric label maker, or laminated cardstock. Label the purpose clearly like “Outdoor outlets.” Avoid circuit numbers or vague labels.
Can I locate my own underground wires?
It is extremely dangerous for untrained homeowners to locate or dig near underground wiring. Always call 811 before any digging so utility companies can professionally mark buried public utility lines on your property.
What size breaker do I need for an outdoor outlet?
Consult your electrician on properly sizing breakers for outdoor outlets. For a single additional 20 amp outdoor outlet circuit, a 20 amp GFCI breaker is generally sufficient. Larger shared circuits or heavy-duty outlets may require 30, 40 or 50 amp GFCI breakers.
Why does my outdoor outlet keep tripping?
If an outdoor outlet’s breaker keeps tripping with normal use, there likely is an underlying electrical issue. Possibilities include overloaded extension cords, damaged wiring, devices drawing too much power, or incorrect breaker sizing. Have an electrician inspect and fix any problems.
Can I install a new breaker myself?
Only a licensed electrician should install a new circuit breaker in your main electrical panel. New breakers must match your panel brand and amperage capacity. Incorrect installation could overload wiring, bypass safeties, and cause fires or electrocution.
Summary
Knowing exactly where to find and reset the circuit breaker for outdoor outlets is a key home electrical safety skill. Take time to clearly label your breaker box and familiarize yourself with the location and amperage of outdoor circuits. Tripped outdoor outlet breakers are usually easily fixed by turning the breaker OFF and ON. If problems persist, consult a professional electrician to inspect and repair your outdoor electrical wiring. With the right knowledge of your home’s breaker box and electrical circuits, you can quickly troubleshoot and restore power to any outdoor outlets.