Why does my outdoor socket keep tripping?

Outdoor circuits are more prone to moisture-related faults. The most common causes are water in the socket enclosure, a damaged cable, or a faulty outdoor appliance. The RCD is doing its job protecting you.

Does an outdoor socket need its own RCD?

It normally needs additional RCD protection rated at no more than 30mA, but BS 7671 does not require every domestic outdoor socket to have a separate individual RCD. The electrician must design the circuit to provide the required protection while limiting unwanted tripping.

Can I install an outdoor socket myself?

Only attempt fixed outdoor electrical work if you are competent to design, isolate, install, and test it safely. In England, adding a socket to an existing circuit is not automatically notifiable solely because it is outdoors; a new circuit is notifiable. Check Approved Document P and use a competent electrician when unsure.

Caution

Updated 30 August 2026

Outdoor Socket Not Working

The external socket on the outside wall of your house has stopped working.

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What's happening?

An outdoor socket and its enclosure must be suitable for the weather, water, dust, impact, and other external influences at its actual position; BS 7671 does not prescribe IP66 for every installation. Socket outlets and mobile equipment used outdoors commonly require additional protection by an RCD rated at no more than 30mA, but that protection may be shared where the circuit design remains safe and avoids unwanted tripping. When an outdoor socket stops working, moisture, cable damage, a faulty appliance, or an operated protective device are common possibilities.

What usually causes it?

RCD or MCB for the outdoor circuit has tripped at the consumer unit
Moisture ingress into the socket or its weatherproof enclosure
Cable damage from garden tools, rodents, or ground settlement
The weatherproof cover is broken and water has entered the socket
GFCI (RCD) trip caused by a faulty outdoor appliance like a lawnmower or pressure washer

Is it dangerous?

Outdoor sockets carry additional risk because they are exposed to weather and are often used while standing on wet ground. A faulty outdoor socket can be more dangerous than an indoor one. If the weatherproof enclosure is damaged and water is visible inside the socket, do not touch it — turn off the circuit at the consumer unit from inside the house.

Can I fix it myself?

Check the consumer unit for a tripped RCD or MCB and try resetting it. If it trips immediately, there is a fault on the outdoor circuit. Check the outdoor socket enclosure — is the cover intact and closed properly? Is there any visible water inside? Unplug any outdoor appliances and try resetting again. If it stays on with nothing plugged in, one of your outdoor appliances may be faulty.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician if the circuit trips with nothing plugged in, if there is visible water or moisture inside the socket, if the weatherproof enclosure is damaged, or if you suspect cable damage (especially after digging or heavy garden work).

What will the electrician actually do?

Inspect the outdoor socket and enclosure for water damage
Test the circuit for insulation resistance and earth faults
Check the underground or external cable route for damage
Replace the socket and weatherproof enclosure if compromised
Test the applicable RCD protection against the requirements for its device type and circuit design