Electrical – Does an outdoor outlet mounted on a patio ceiling require protection from a GFCI

electricalgfcioutdoorpatio

My home's patio is covered by a permanent ceiling/canopy. As I'm starting do more electrical work, I've noticed that the two outlets mounted on the ceiling are not protected with GFCI; they are also not covered with an outdoor outlet box cover (photo below).

I believe that the box cover is not required since there is no way for rain or water to come in direct contact with the outlet (it is mounted under a ceiling, about 12' above ground), however I'm suspicious about the lack of the GFCI.

Does the NEC require a GFCI on this circuit? There are no other GCFI devices upstream to this outlet.

Electrical outlet mounted on patio ceiling.

Best Answer

I don’t know where that porch roof is at, what laws govern electrical work there if any or whether that receptacle was inspected and approved by an authority of jurisdiction when it was installed. But you seem to be concerned that it’s not GFCI protected and I would too. Even if you have electrical laws where you live, it’s a minimum requirement and you are certainly allowed to exceed them.

Tip: If you decide to install a GFCI receptacle and you know the circuit layout, replace one of the receptacles upstream from that one that’s inside the house instead of trying to work over your head on that ceiling.