What is the required protection for most exterior electrical receptacles?

The required protection for most exterior electrical receptacles is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs are specifically designed to protect against electrical shock by shutting off the electric current when they detect an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current. This is particularly important in outdoor settings where moisture is prevalent, as water can create paths for electricity to flow, increasing the risk of electric shock.

Exterior receptacles are exposed to the elements and can easily be affected by rain, sprinklers, or other water sources. By incorporating GFCI protection, the system ensures that if a person comes into contact with electrical currents while standing on wet ground or in a damp environment, the GFCI will trip, cutting off power to that receptacle in a fraction of a second.

In contrast, surge protectors safeguard devices from voltage spikes, fuses provide overcurrent protection by breaking the circuit in case of overload, and voltage regulators maintain a constant voltage level, but none serve the specific purpose of protecting against ground faults in wet locations like GFCIs do.