My outdoor outlet stopped working after it rained. What do I do?

Your outdoor outlet likely tripped its GFCI protection due to moisture - this is a safety feature working as designed. Start by checking if the outlet has a reset button, or look for a GFCI outlet elsewhere (often in the garage, basement, or bathroom) that may control your outdoor circuit.

First, ensure your safety - never touch or attempt to use a wet electrical outlet. Wait for it to completely dry before investigating. Once dry, look for a small "reset" button on the outlet itself or trace back to find the GFCI device protecting that circuit. GFCI outlets have "test" and "reset" buttons and are commonly located in garages, basements, or bathrooms. Press the reset button firmly - you should hear a click.

Under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, all outdoor outlets must have GFCI protection within 1.5 meters of grade level. This protection detects even tiny electrical leaks that could occur when moisture enters the outlet, immediately cutting power to prevent electrocution. When water gets into an outdoor outlet - whether from rain, snow, or sprinkler systems - the GFCI trips as a safety measure.

If resetting the GFCI doesn't restore power, you may have a more serious issue. Water intrusion can damage the outlet, wiring connections, or create a ground fault that keeps tripping the protection. Common problems include deteriorated outlet covers, damaged weatherproof boxes, or loose wire connections that allow moisture penetration. Old outdoor outlets without proper weather-resistant covers are particularly vulnerable.

This is where professional help becomes essential - diagnosing why a GFCI won't reset requires electrical testing equipment and expertise. The problem could be a damaged outlet, compromised wiring, or moisture still present in the electrical box. Working on outdoor electrical systems while troubleshooting can be extremely dangerous, especially if moisture is involved.

For your safety and to meet ESA requirements, have a licensed electrician inspect the outlet and its protection. They can determine if you need a new weather-resistant outlet, improved weatherproofing, or if there's underlying wiring damage. Modern outdoor installations use "in-use" covers that protect outlets even when something is plugged in - a worthwhile upgrade if your current setup uses basic flip covers.

Don't ignore this issue - a repeatedly tripping GFCI or one that won't reset indicates a real electrical problem that could worsen over time. For reliable outdoor electrical service that meets Ontario safety standards, contact Electrical Ottawa for a professional assessment and any necessary repairs.

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