Uses for Rooftop Receptacles

Rooftop Receptacles

• Ground fault circuit interrupters must protect rooftop receptacles because they are located outdoors and exposed to the elements; anyone using rooftop receptacles could come in contact with rain or puddles, which increases the risk of electrical shock. The ground fault circuit interrupter protection on the receptacles cuts power to the outlet when the current surges. This protects users against injury or death by electrocution. Hinged covers can be placed over the receptacles to keep out dirt and moisture when they are not in use.

Required Use

• You should have a rooftop receptacle if you have an air conditioning unit located on your roof. The National Electric Code requires the presence of an electric receptacle within 25 feet of an air conditioning unit. If the unit ever requires repair, service personnel can plug electric tools or lamps into it. The presence of the receptacle eliminates the need for long extension cords and the danger of dangling them over the side of the house or trying to run them through windows into your home.

Decoration

• Rooftop receptacles come in handy when working on the roof to decorate your home. Plug in flood lamps so you can better see what you are doing. If you hang holiday lights and there is no good place to plug them in near the ground, run the lights to the receptacle. The blowers that inflate large blow-up decorations can also be powered through the rooftop outlets.

Considerations

• Outlets on your roof can be either 15- or 20-ampere receptacles. Speak to a building inspector or licensed electrician before you begin installing or making changes to the receptacles on your rooftop. The National Electric Code is followed throughout the United States, but your area could have unique requirements, including spacing or requiring covers. Make sure your plans follow local code before you begin to avoid costly changes after the project is over.