Outdoor Electrical Done Right: Patios, Pools and Landscape Lighting

Outdoor circuits face water, frost heave, UV and lawn equipment. They are held to stricter rules than anything inside the house, and for good reason — a fault outdoors is far more likely to involve a person standing on wet ground.

• Every outdoor receptacle needs GFCI protection and an in-use ('bubble') weatherproof cover.
• Buried cable and conduit have minimum depths that depend on the method and location.
• Pool and spa equipment requires bonding as well as grounding — this is not optional and not DIY.
• Low-voltage landscape lighting still needs a properly located, weather-rated transformer and circuit.
• Never run a permanent load on an extension cord. If you need power there, install a circuit.

Plan outdoor power at the same time as the landscaping. Trenching once for lighting, an outlet at the far end of the yard and a future shed circuit costs a fraction of doing it three times.

Outdoor, pool and spa wiring needs the right permit, bonding and inspection in Québec, so it pays to do it right the first time with a licensed pro. Before any outdoor, pool or spa project, make sure your electrician holds a valid licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ website