Project overview
Touchstone Electric completed an Outdoor GFCI Outlet Installation with an in-use bubble cover for homeowner Ted Mcswain in Gastonia, NC. The work was performed by technician Ben Lively from our Charlotte team on May 31, 2024. This service provided safe, code-compliant exterior power directly from the panel to a convenient outdoor location.
Outdoor outlets must be protected from moisture and weather to keep people and property safe. For this project, we installed a weather-resistant GFCI receptacle and an in-use bubble cover to maintain protection whether the outlet is in use or not.
What we installed
- Weather-resistant GFCI outlet: Provides ground-fault protection required for outdoor receptacles and enhances safety in wet locations.
- In-use bubble cover: Keeps the outlet weatherproof with cords plugged in or not, helping to prevent moisture intrusion.
- 12/2 UF cable (20 ft): Outdoor-rated cable suitable for direct burial applications, ensuring a durable, long-lasting feed from the panel to the exterior point.
- 1/2-inch PVC conduit: Added where needed for physical protection and a clean, professional finish on the exterior run.
- Weatherproof bell box: Rugged exterior box for secure mounting and weather resistance at the outlet location.
The new outlet was added off a circuit at the panel on the other side of the wall, creating a tidy and reliable solution for exterior power without disrupting the home’s interior finishes.
Why this upgrade matters
Outdoor GFCI protection is required by electrical code for receptacles exposed to the elements. A GFCI helps shut off power quickly in the event of a ground fault, reducing the risk of shock. Pairing the outlet with a weather-resistant device, a weatherproof bell box, and a properly sealed in-use bubble cover helps keep moisture out and extends the life of the installation.
This setup is ideal for powering lawn and garden tools, outdoor lighting, holiday decorations, pressure washers, and entertainment equipment—without running unsafe extension cords from inside.
Code-focused installation and testing
Our team followed best practices for routing and securing the UF cable and conduit, mounted the bell box securely, and ensured correct GFCI line/load terminations. After installation, the outlet was tested with a GFCI function check to verify proper operation. The result is a neat, durable, and compliant outdoor receptacle that’s ready for year-round use.
Local service in Gastonia, NC
Touchstone Electric serves Gastonia and the surrounding Greater Charlotte area from our Matthews branch. Whether you need a single outdoor receptacle, additional outlets around your patio, or a full exterior power plan, our licensed electricians can help. We specialize in Outlets & Switches, including Outlet Installation & Repair, and tailor each project to your home’s layout and power needs.
Customer feedback
We appreciate our customers’ trust. After this project in Gastonia, Ted Mcswain praised our work with a Google review. You can view it here: Read Ted’s review on Google.
Need an outdoor outlet in Gastonia?
If you’re planning an exterior power upgrade—such as a weather-resistant GFCI with an in-use bubble cover—Touchstone Electric is ready to help. Our Charlotte team can recommend the right products, route wiring cleanly, and ensure your new outlet meets code and performance expectations.
Reach out today to schedule your outdoor outlet installation or request an estimate for additional outlet and switch upgrades around your home.
