Incorporate Electrical Receptacles into Your Landscape

By B. E. Conrad

When most of us think about landscaping, the last thing that comes to mind is the installation of an electric receptacle.  It is important to remember, however, that electric power is often needed outdoors, so any good landscape design plan should include at least one receptacle in addition to all those great flowers, trees, shrubs and other plants.

Electric power is needed for a number of things outdoors, including lighting, heat and outdoor cooking.  Incorporating one or more receptacles into the exterior landscape can greatly increase the flexibility and usefulness of the landscape, and it is much easier to include such a receptacle from the start than to try to install it after the fact.

It is important as well to consider the placement of the receptacle when designing the exterior landscape.  In general, it is important to keep in mind that it is better to install too many receptacles than not enough.

When planning for that outdoor receptacle, be sure to purchase materials that have been designed for outdoor use.  It is important to use outdoor receptacle covers and weatherproof utility boxes.  These weatherproof materials are a necessity to avoid power outages and tripped breakers.  It is also essential to power the circuit through a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for safety reasons.  The best procedure is to install the ground fault circult interrupter directly to the main distribution panel.  If this is not possible the circuit can also be powered directly from a GFCI receptacle. 

When positioning the outdoor receptacles in the landscape, it is important to position them vertically.  Horizontal positioning will allow water to penetrate, increasing the likelihood of a short circuit.  The bottom part of the receptacle should be at least 6" off the ground.  When positioning the receptacle be sure that it is at least 6" above any mulch or other ground covering as well.

It is also important to position the receptacle in a place where it will be unobtrusive and out of the way.  Be sure the receptacle is located well away from lawn mower paths and areas where you will be watering or spraying.  Also avoid areas which may become overgrown with shrubs or bushes.

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