Outdoor electrical work is some of the most commonly done-wrong electrical in residential properties. The combination of moisture, temperature swings, UV exposure, and the assumption that 'it's just outside' leads a lot of homeowners and handymen to skip code requirements that genuinely matter for safety.
The fundamental rule: outdoor electrical needs GFCI protection
Every outdoor receptacle (outlet) in Ontario must be GFCI protected. No exceptions. The combination of electricity and moisture — rain, dew, garden hoses, even just your wet hands — means ground fault protection isn't optional outdoors. This applies to deck outlets, garage outlets accessible from outside, outlet for your barbecue or string lights, and exterior lighting with receptacles.
Weatherproof vs. in-use covers: not the same thing
There's an important distinction between a weatherproof outlet cover (the kind with flip-down flaps) and an in-use weatherproof cover (sometimes called a 'bubble cover'). Ontario code requires in-use covers for outdoor receptacles — the kind that stays sealed even when a cord is plugged in. A flip-down cover is useless the moment you plug anything into it.
Garage wiring requirements
All receptacles in a garage require GFCI protection, including the dedicated outlet for your refrigerator or freezer. The garage is treated as a wet/damp location under code. For a workshop, 20A circuits with proper spacing give you enough power for power tools without constantly tripping breakers.
If you're adding a subpanel in a detached garage (common for workshops or garage apartments), the feeder from your main panel must be sized properly and may need to include a grounding electrode system at the detached structure.
Swimming pools and hot tubs
Pool and hot tub electrical is among the most tightly regulated residential work — for good reason. The combination of large volumes of water and electricity is uniquely lethal. Key requirements under Ontario code:
- No receptacles within 3 metres of the pool edge
- All receptacles within 6 metres must be GFCI protected
- Underwater lighting must be low-voltage (12V) or specifically rated for pool use
- All metal components within 1.5 metres of the pool must be bonded (connected) to a common ground
- Hot tubs (spas) require a dedicated 240V/50A circuit with a disconnect switch within sight of the tub, but at least 1.5 metres away
- All pool wiring requires an ESA permit and inspection
Deck and landscape lighting
Low-voltage landscape lighting systems (12V transformers driving path lights) can be a DIY project. But any 120V work — adding circuits for deck outlets, hardwired overhead lighting, or outlets in a pergola — requires a licensed electrician and an ESA permit. Wiring buried underground must meet burial depth requirements and use the correct cable type (direct burial rated).
When adding outdoor electrical, plan for more capacity than you think you need. An extra circuit or two while the walls are open costs relatively little. Adding them later — after the deck is finished and the landscaping is done — costs significantly more.
Safer Electric Team
Licensed Electricians · Toronto, ON
Our team of licensed GTA electricians writes these guides to help homeowners make informed decisions. Every article is reviewed for technical accuracy.