Outdoor Receptical Help Please

Hi guys,

I am looking to install a new outdoor receptacle for a roof ice melt system.

The max draw is 20 amps.
The panel (power source) is outdoors about 50 feet from where I want the new receptacle located. The receptacle will be located under a soffit basically out of the weather, but exposed to outdoor conditions.
I'd like to route the wire outside.
I have a spare 20 amp breaker.

Here are my questions:

can you guys recommend a receptacle. I assume I need to use a GFCI outlet or GFCI breaker.
what size and type of wire should I use
does the wire need to be in a conduit

I'm sure I have not asked all the questions, but thought this thread could get the discussion started.

Thank you for your help.

Bob-

 

If that is the amps that the device draws when on it can't be on a 20 amp circuit. Do you mean the manufacture specifies a 20 amp circuit?

It would be best to use PVC conduit and three individual THWN wires (black, white, green). You need a weather rated receptacle and an in use cover. (Assumes 120 volts.)

 

Good stuff here. Thank you.

I need to check on the amperage. I thought I read that the max draw was 20 amps so I figured a 20 amp circuit would be sufficient. Is this not true?

Thanks for the data on wires, conduit and receptacle.

Great site!

Bob-

 

Circuits are rated to run at 80% of their maximum. Hence, a 20 amp circuit maxes out at a continuous 16 amp load and would therefore not suffice if you actually needed 20 amps.

 

Even if it is not continuous it would be a crap shoot at best. If it has a standard 120 volt plug it is less than 15 amps. If 20 amp plug probably more then 15.


Image source: Freson's Hardware

 

Not a receptacles, you need a GFI (30mA Trip) breaker for equipment protection. GFI receptacles are 4-6 mA trip. What brand panel do you have? This is probably something that will have to be ordered.