A quality outdoor GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is an absolute treasure.
You install it once then never have to worry about it again (until it saves your life).
The best GFCI outlet brands design a receptacle that monitors itself to make sure it’s always functioning correctly, provides continuous ground fault protection, and is tamper resistant.
Conversely, a poorly designed GFCI outlet is a dangerous waste of time and money.
To make sure you’re getting a quality GFCI outlet, we’ve reviewed the Top 4 Outdoor GFCI Outlets of 2024.
Rest easy knowing that you’re protecting your home with one of the best GFCI outlets available. Let’s dive straight into the reviews.
Contents
Top 4 Best GFCI Outlets
Preview | Product | Key Features | |
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Best Overall | EATON TRSGF15W Arrow Hart Tamper Resistant Duplex Gfci Receptacle, 125 Vac,... |
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Premium Choice | Legrand radiant Self-Test GFCI Outlet, 15 Amp, Safe for Kids, Tamper... |
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Excellent Value | Leviton GFCI Outlet, 15 Amp, Self Test, Non Tamper-Resistant with LED... |
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Lutron, White CAR-15-GFST-WH Claro 15-Amp Self-Testing Receptacle |
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1. Leviton GFNT1-W Self-test SmartlockPro Slim GFCI
- Includes Color matched standard size wallplate
- Gfcis provide protection from dangerous electrical shocks that might occur from faulty appliances or tools, wet or Damp locations
- Automatically self tests periodically to ensure gfci protection
The Leviton GFNT1-W stands out for its proactive safety features. It continually performs automated tests to ensure it’s always ready to react to any electrical inconsistencies, maintaining your safety by identifying and interrupting ground faults promptly, even during its self-tests.
Moreover, it has a status indicator light too that displays the protection and power status of the circuit along with the indication of a reversal of the load/line. It comes with a patented lockout system that prevents resetting if the outlet is damaged or can’t respond to any circuit fault.
Due to this reason, it is the best GFCI outlets you can find on the market. It has a slim and shallow construction that reduces the depth and makes it very easy to install.
The 15-Amp UL listed outlet has the dimensions of 1.32-inch x 1.69-inch x 4.21-inch, and it only weighs just over five and a half ounces.
Pros
- The GFNT1-W comes in two different capacities: 15-Amp and 20-Amp.
- It has an added protection feature with which it can automatically detect any faults in the circuit by running internal tests.
- It also has status indicators lights to show protection and power status.
- The outlet is equipped with patented lockout action to respond to the ground faults quickly.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any face plates or screws.
- The test button is very stiff to push.
Verdict It is the best GFCI outlet that comes at a very affordable price, and the UL listed product is straightforward to install too. The automated tests run feature takes the lead over the competition.
2. Eaton GFCI Self-Test 15A -125V Tamper Resistant
- GFCI RECEPTACLE OUTLET: GFCI outlets protect against injury from electric shock and disconnect power when protection is lost
- AUTOMATIC SELF-TEST GFCI RECEPTACLE: Conducts an automatic test every three seconds, ensuring it's always ready to protect. If the device fails the test, the trip indicator light (red LED) flashes to signal that the GFCI should be replaced
- AVAILABLE COLOR: Pass and Seymour’s Self-Test GFCI Receptacle Outlet are available in white, ivory, black, brown and Ivory
Eaton’s Self-Test GFCI Outlet is designed with a tamper-resistant duplex receptacle, complemented by a standard-sized wall plate in a color that matches the outlet, blending safety with style.
The outlet protects against any dangerous shocks from electricity that might occur due to faulty tools or appliances or even due to dampness or wet areas.
It has the capability of conducting frequent self-tests to make sure the outlet keeps the circuit safe for you and your family. It also has temper resistant shutters to assist in preventing any foreign object being inserted in it. Due to this reason this product is the best GFCI outlet when it comes to child safety.
The 15-Amp, 12V outlet weighs only five and a half ounces and its dimensions are 2.8-inch x 2-inch x 4.6-inch. For installation you just need to screw it in and that all.
The only thing that kept it from heading our list of best GFCI outlets is that it does not comes with any certification.
Pros
- It is capable t protect any broken appliances in the circuit due to wet areas.
- It can run self-tests to check the integrity of the circuit on a frequent basis.
- Its temper resistant shutters make it the best GFCI outlet for child safety.
- Your purchase includes a color matched wall plate.
Cons
- A notable limitation is its absence of quality standard certification, an essential aspect to consider for ensuring long-term reliability.
- It is useless if you want to use it with the 6-plug adapters because there is not enough spacing between the two switches of the outlet.
Verdict
The best part about this receptacle is its tamper-resistant shutter which makes it the best product out there to provide child safety.
3. Lutron CAR-15-GFST-WH Claro 15-Amp
- Continuously protects against electric shock & electrocution by interrupting power if a ground-fault is detected.
- Required by the NEC for areas around the home within a close proximity to a water source (kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, basement, garage/carport, pool area).
- Patented reset/lockout feature prevents reset if the GFCI is unable to respond to a ground-fault or if it isn't wired properly. Regularly conducts an automatic self-test to ensure safety.
The Lutron Car 15 is a 15-Amp receptacle that also comes with the self-testing ability. The duplex receptacle comes in different color to go well with your interiors plus it is also equipped with the tamper-resistant shutter that keeps any foreign objects away.
The test/reset buttons of this outlet are capable of checking and automatically ensuring the device is running correctly. The tests are run every 30 seconds to reassure your safety.
While this outlet is compatible with decorator-style switches and dimmers, note that the coordinating wall plate is sold separately, allowing for personalized style choices.
The Car 15 GFST only weighs five and a half ounces, and its dimensions are 1.5-inch x 1.3-inch x 4.1-inch. This outlet combines the features of both above-listed products because it offers tempered shutters for child safety which was not in the first product and it is also UL listed which was not the feature of the second product on our list.
Pros
- The Car 15 GFST is UL listed product.
- It comes with a tampered resistant shutter for child safety.
- It can run self-tests every 30 seconds to check the integrity of the circuits.
- The outlet comes in different coordinating colors to suit your interiors.
Cons
- It is more expensive than the rest of the GFCI outlets.
- Doesn’t add to the values because it offers the same features at a high cost and is only useful if you are overly obsessive about matching colors.
Verdict
Despite that it comes at a high price, the Car 15 from Lutron is a UL listed product that also offers child safety, and if you want it to match your interiors, then you have plenty of options to avail too.
4. Legrand-Pass & Seymour 1597TRWRWCC4
- 15 Amp duplex receptacle
- Tamper resistant shutter mechanism
- Test/reset button automatically checks every 30 seconds to ensure the unit is functioning properly
This GFCI outlet from Legrand-Pass & Seymour also keeps you safe from any injury caused by electric shock and instantly disconnects the power when protection is lost. You will include a GFCI outlet along with the mounting screws and a matching wall plate and matching screws to keep the device consistent with your interiors plus a sheet of 10 stickers for outlet protection.
It can keep you safe from the shocks that are caused by ground faults, and it can run a self-test every 3 seconds to make sure that there is no issue prevailing within the circuit. The dimensions of this product are 1.7-inch x 3-inch x 4.7-inch and the outlet only weighs five and a half inches.
The outlet doesn’t come with any tampered resistant shutters, therefore; you have to keep your child away from the outlet, and it is also not come with any quality certifications.
Pros
- It can frequently run safety checks on the circuit every 3 seconds.
- Your package will include a matching wall plate, screws and a sheet of 10 stickers for outlet protection.
- It is effortless to install.
- It is capable of disconnecting the power in case of any incidents associated with electrocuting.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with tempered shutter resistance.
- It doesn’t adhere to USA standards.
Verdict
It does the basics right, and that is why it ends up on the list of best GFCI outlets. It won’t break your wallet in half and will keep you safe from being electrocuted.
Buying Guide
This buying guide is for your assistance to buy the best GFCI outlet for your home. It also contains the questions that you might appear in your mind when you think about purchasing a receptacle. This buying guide will assist you regarding different aspects that you should consider when buying the best GFCI outlet.
Despite the fact that most of the residential GFCI outlets have pretty much similar features to offer but some of the aspects make a specific outlet outperform other options available on the market.
What is a GFCI Outlet?
We all have GFCI outlets in our homes yet, many of us are not aware of their purpose. GFCI receptacles are the power outlets that are mostly found in the washrooms of our homes (or near the refridgerator).
You can quickly identify these GFCI outlets with the couple of buttons found on their face: one of them is for test and the other one for reset. When electric current flows through the devices, it begins from the hot terminal and returns to the ground.
It is where the GFCI plugs come in to play its part. It compares the current leaving the hot terminal and the current that returns to neutral.
If there is a sizeable difference between the two, then the receptacle knows that there is a leakage somewhere. If there is a danger due to water damage or electrocuting, then the outlet will shut off the electricity to prevent any harm to you.
These GFCI outlets are very good at keeping you safe from electric shocks, and you need to have one in your home. Although they have a similar name to a USB wall outlet – their function is completely different. One is for protection (GFCI outlet), the other is for convenience (USB wall outlet).
GFCI outlets protect you from faults that occur inside your home. Other protection devices include surge protection devices. A good whole home surge protector acts as the first line of defense when lightning or utility-related surge events occur outside of your home. The next line of defense is surge protectors that exist at the power points within your home, such as a surge protector for washing machines and refrigerators. Combined, these protection devices protect you and your electronic devices from both internal and external fault events or electrical irregularities.
What is a ground fault circuit interpreter for when I have circuit breakers?
If you are looking for complete protection, then you should have both of these devices. Circuit breakers keep you safe from any electric shocks or even fire that may result from current overloads.
On the other hand, GFCIs are far more sensitive because they can respond to any lower levels of fluctuations that cannot trip a breaker. If you’re unsure if you have a circuit breaker in your home, you can use a good circuit breaker finder to identify where these circuit breakers might be.
Should I buy a 15-Amp outlet or a 20-Amp outlet?
Most of the products have same features with a few additions. You can also use 20-Amp GFCI outlets for larger setups. However, most of the residential users can opt for a 15-Amp outlet, and it will serve well.
There is not much difference between the two except that 20-Amp GFCIs are used bigger circuits. 20-Amp outlet is more potent than 15-Amp, and it can detect slightest of fluctuations too which are not very common in commercial use.
Why should I consider the dimensions of a GFCI outlet?
Slimmer GFCI outlets can only take about 25% lesser space in the wall box or even on the wall. Traditional GFCIs that thicker than the slim ones. In addition to the size; installation of the thinner devices is far more comfortable than, the larger, bulkier outlets.
Why must the lockout feature be patented?
The patented lockout feature is a standout, preventing the device from resetting if it’s incapable of responding to a fault or if there’s incorrect wiring, enhancing its reliability and your safety. Some traditional receptacles can reset even if it is not providing any protection.
Is there any Code requirement for the installation of the GFCI outlets?
As per National Electric Code, GFCIs are required to be installed in damp areas including washrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, porches, garages or any other area where there is a water source present.
Do I need to test a GFCI before buying?
It is recommended that the GFCI outlets that are not UL listed should be tested before buying. The GFCIs outlets should be checked on a monthly basis to make sure that the protected power is present in the device.
Bear in mind that Underwriters Laboratory (UL) requires all the devices to be self-testing from mid of 2015 onwards. The self-testing outlets can run a periodic test to ensure that the internal circuit is protected against any issues or neutral faults.
Conclusion
According to our assessment, Leviton GFNT1-W Self-test SmartlockPro Slim is the best GFCI outlet that you can buy at a very affordable price. The device comes with an added protective layer with which it consistently conducts an automated test to assure that it is capable of responding to a ground fault.
It is capable of detecting and tripping on any ground fault even if a self-test is in the process. Furthermore, the status indicator light also displays the protection and power status of the circuit along with the indication of a reversal of the load/line. These features make it the best GFCI outlet that you can buy in this price range.
So there you go, now you have all the information that you need to buy the best-suited GFCI outlet at a very comfortable rate. You can have a look at our buying guide if you have any questions associated with these devices and you can pick from one the products listed above by comparing their pros and cons.
So, happy shopping!