Balconies, decks and porches that are accessible from inside the dwelling unit must have at least one receptacle outlet installed within the perimeter of the balcony, deck or porch. That receptacle can’t be located more than 6½ feet (2m) above the balcony, deck or porch surface.

Homes must have at least one outdoor receptacle at the front and rear of the house. They must be readily accessible from the ground and positioned no more than 6 1/2 feet above grade (ground level). The receptacle must be no higher than 6 1/2 feet above the pool deck. This receptacle must have GFCI protection.

Balconies, decks, and porches that are within 102 mm (4 in.) horizontally of the dwelling unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch. The receptacle outlet shall not be located more than 2.0 m (6 1⁄2 ft) above the balcony, deck, or porch walking surface.

If the outdoor circuit is installed correctly and safety measures are adhered to, the outdoor outlet should not require its own circuit.

The best way to run electrical wire under outdoor decks is to do it in a conduit and use an exterior-grade wire and box as the code requires. Furthermore, it is important that if the wiring is above-ground, it should be high enough that animals can’t nibble on it.

Electrical wiring may be buried beneath a deck or routed through framing. Whether beneath a deck or at another exterior location, installing outdoor electrical cable exposes electrical cable to moisture. Outdoor wiring regulations specify how to protect wires from moisture, including where to encase cables in conduit.

A GFCI circuit breaker protects the entire branch circuit and everything connected to it, be it receptacles, lights, appliances, etc. The simple solution is to install GFCI receptacle outlets or other GFCI devices further down the line, or at the end of the line on the branch circuit.

One receptacle is required at the front and rear of the house and at a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches above grade (ground level). One receptacle is required within the perimeter of each balcony, deck, porch, or patio that is accessible from the inside of the home.

The required height an outdoor electrical outlet must be is a maximum of six feet and six inches above the ground. There is no minimum height required. It is also required to have all ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFCI) protected for all outdoor receptacles.

6 feet 6 inches
One receptacle is required within the perimeter of each balcony, deck, porch, or patio that is accessible from the inside of the home. This receptacle must be mounted no higher than 6 feet 6 inches above the walking surface of the balcony, deck, porch, or patio.

Yes, the NEC does not prohibit putting an outside light fixture and an outside receptacle on the same circuit.

While a GFCI doesn’t need its own breaker or circuit, it’s likely in a circuit that requires the protection of soil defects.

The 2020 Code Making Panel (CMP) has revised the 2017 NEC rules regarding receptacles serving dwelling unit balconies, decks, and porches – specifically, the requirement that an accessible outdoor receptacle must be installed to serve attached balconies, decks, and porches.

Attached decks and balconies with interior access (including a door to the indoors) must have a receptacle no more than 6 1/2 feet above the deck or balcony walking surface. As a general recommendation, houses also should have a receptacle at each side of a deck or balcony, accessible from the ground.

Outdoor Receptacles. A permanent swimming pool must have access to an electrical receptacle that is no closer than 6 feet and no further than 20 feet from the closest edge of the pool. The receptacle must be no higher than 6 1/2 feet above the pool deck. The receptacle must have GFCI protection.

The receptacle outlet shall not be located more than 2.0 m (6 1⁄2 ft) above the balcony, deck, or porch walking surface. Balconies, decks, and porches that are within 102 mm (4 in.) horizontally of the dwelling unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch.