Do I need an licensed electrician to change an outdoor outlet that no longer has any power?
Question:Or is this something where I just turn off all the power to the hose, purchase the outlet at home depot, then install it myself?
Answers:
Matt,
I would think that the problem you should be more concerned with why the outlet has no power. Is it a tripped GFCI on the inside of the house? Is the outlet under the eve and on a Christmas light switch? More likely the outlet is just a tripped GFCI... So go though you entire house push the TEST and then RESET on every GFCI. If one is already tripped then that the one that controls your outside outlet. If that the case you don't need to buy anything.
You don't need a licensed electrician, but it is certainly a good idea. For one thing, since it is an outdoor outlet, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires a certain kind of outlet called a GFCI which is designed not only to protect the outdoor outlet in variating weather conditions, but yourself as well. If I were you, I would try to ask a nearby electrician for "advice." Call it ego or whatnot, but 9 times out of 10, he or she will not only do it for you, but charge you little or nothing as well.
it depends on the state and city codes it is possible in some states to do such work in your own home as long as you live in it. BUT PLEASE CHECK your local Electrical inspector office/ or official
In the USA you have the right to work on anything in your own home, including electrical. You should follow codes and only do work that you understand and above all-- be safe.
You can do it. Just make sure you have the proper replacement outlet & BE SURE you have the breaker off!
turn off all the power to the hose, purchase the outlet at home depot, then install it myself?
God Bless
if you positively know how to do it, i see no harm in it. i have done it more than once and i am no electrician. if it already is protected by a gfi, then no problem. if it is does not have gfi protection, then it must be installed. it does not have to have a gfi on the outside outlet if it is connected to an inside outlet that has a gfi on it. one gfi will protect all outlets beyond it. oh yes, follow jasons advice before doing anything else. good advice.
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