Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: jmellc, Location: Durham, NC
Asked on: Friday, April 1, 2011 at 11:25 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:39 am EDT
Question: I've usually been doing outdoor receptacles in 15 amp, no problems for the most part. A customer called the other day that his ckt trips when he uses an electric lawn mower. I am replacing it with a 20 amp ckt. I will do all my outdoor receps on 20 amp now, much as I can. I'm sure we will see more electric mowers as time goes on.
Replacing the outdoor receptacle circuit with a 20-amp circuit is a good solution to address the tripping issue caused by an electric lawn mower. Electric lawn mowers typically draw more current than traditional gas-powered mowers, and a 15-amp circuit may not be sufficient to handle the load.Using a 20-amp circuit provides additional capacity and reduces the risk of tripping. It is a safer and more reliable option for outdoor receptacles, especially with the increasing popularity of electric lawn mowers and other power tools.Here are some additional considerations when replacing the receptacle circuit: Use a 12-gauge wire
A 20-amp circuit requires a 12-gauge wire to handle the increased current flow.
Upgrade the receptacle
The receptacle should also be rated for 20 amps.*
Use a GFCI receptacle: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) provide protection against electrical shock and are required for outdoor receptacles.By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the outdoor receptacle circuit is safe, reliable, and capable of handling the demands of an electric lawn mower and other electrical devices. Flag for review