[Shop-talk] Re-wiring an outdoor outlet

[Pat Horne]

Scott,

Several thoughts. There needs to be a GFCI Function on any outside circuit. It could be a GFCI breaker in a panel or a GFCI outlet. 

I would get a GFCI outlet tester to see If the circuit has the GFCI functionality somewhere. It’s redundant to have a GFCI outlet & breaker on the same circuit. 

Since this outlet doesn’t seem to be up to code I’d question whether the sub panel was installed to code also. If it isn’t a real sub panel, but rather just a disconnect there may be something farther back in the system that is supplying the GFCI function, either a GFCI breaker in another panel or a GFCI outlet in the garage or a bathroom. 

As for replacing the outlet/cutting the PVC, yes it can be done on the straight conduct. If it were me, I’d cut the conduit back to a straight part and then complete the conduit with a flexible conduit like what is used on an A/C unit. That way I’d the outlet gets hit or stressed it won’t break like your old one. I’d also install an in use cover on the Outlet box so that it Will still be water resistant when something is plugged into it. 

I’d be happy to discuss this further with you if desired. 

Peace,
Pat

Pat Horne 
We support Habitat for Humanity


On Jul 10, 2020, at 1:45 PM, Scott Hall <scott.hall.personal at gmail.com> wrote:


I have this:

https://i.imgur.com/QWy2Ikn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/s39fdds.jpg

Happening at the new house. Those rocks surround the pool deck for ornamentation, I guess. 

Shockingly (or not, heh), those outlets work. I'd like to re-do the whole thing to be anchored into the ground and not make me nervous every time I look at it.

The pool is about eight feet away. Maybe two feet of that rock...'garden' then six feet of concrete decking. Those outlets themselves don't appear to be GFCI, though I'd think it was a good idea. They have their own sub-panel, on the side of the house maybe forty feet away.

I'm completely okay with throwing the breaker and installing a new actual outlet, I'm soliciting advice on how to re-do that conduit (can you 'splice' conduit so I dig and then do it like I'd do PVC?) and anchor the whole thing firmly to the ground. And for specific solutions you guys can think of too--I was thinking I could pour a concrete 'rock' in the garage with a hole for a gang box and then put that where this thing is now, etc.

Thanks guys.

Scott
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