What outdoor electrical outlets do I need for a deck or patio in New Brunswick?

Outdoor Electrical Outlets for Decks and Patios in New Brunswick

Planning outdoor electrical for your deck or patio in New Brunswick means accounting for our Maritime weather — rain, snow, ice, salt air, and temperature swings from -30°C to +35°C.

CEC Requirements for Outdoor Receptacles

The Canadian Electrical Code (adopted by New Brunswick) sets minimum requirements for outdoor receptacles:

• At least one outdoor receptacle is required at the front and back of every home (new construction)
• All outdoor receptacles must be GFCI-protected — no exceptions
• Weather-resistant (WR) receptacles are required for all outdoor locations
• In-use covers (also called bubble covers or while-in-use covers) are required for receptacles exposed to weather, even when a cord is plugged in. The old flat flip-up covers are no longer code-compliant for wet locations.

What You'll Want on a Deck or Patio

Beyond the code minimums, practical deck and patio use calls for:

1. General-use receptacles (120V, 15A or 20A)

• At least 2 duplex outlets on a covered deck or patio, placed for convenient access


• One near the seating area (phone charging, speakers, fans)


• One near the cooking/BBQ area (electric griddle, rotisserie, blender)


• Space them so no point on the deck is more than 3–4 metres from an outlet

2. Dedicated circuit for hot tub or sauna (if applicable)

• Hot tubs typically need a dedicated 240V, 40–50 amp circuit with a GFCI breaker and a disconnect switch within sight of the tub but at least 1.5 metres away


• Cost: $1,000–$3,000 for the electrical alone, depending on the run from your panel

3. Lighting circuits

• Separate circuit for deck lighting keeps lights working even if you trip an outlet breaker


• Low-voltage landscape lighting (12V) can run from a transformer plugged into an outdoor outlet


• Line-voltage fixtures (120V) mounted on the deck require weather-rated boxes and fixtures rated for wet or damp locations

Wiring Specifications

Outdoor circuits in NB should use:

• NMD90 cable inside walls and protected areas
• NMWU cable (rated for direct burial) or conduit for any wire run exposed to weather or buried underground
• Minimum 12 AWG wire for 20-amp circuits (recommended for outdoor use to handle longer runs)
• UF-rated or outdoor-rated boxes and covers — metal boxes corrode quickly in NB's coastal humidity

Installation Costs in New Brunswick

| Item | Typical Cost |
|------|--------------|
| Add 1 outdoor GFCI outlet (short run from interior) | $200–$400 |
| Add 1 outdoor GFCI outlet (long run from panel) | $400–$700 |
| Full deck electrical (4 outlets + lighting circuit) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Hot tub circuit (240V, GFCI, disconnect) | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Landscape lighting transformer + wiring | $500–$1,500 |

Permit Requirements

Adding new outdoor circuits requires a TSANB electrical permit. Your licensed electrician will obtain the permit and arrange the inspection. The inspector verifies proper GFCI protection, weatherproof covers, correct burial depth for any underground runs (minimum 18 inches for NMWU cable), and proper grounding.

NB-Specific Considerations

Frost heave: Underground conduit and wiring should be buried below the frost line (4–5 feet in most of NB) or in rigid conduit that can handle some ground movement. Shorter runs near the house, protected by the foundation's heat, can sometimes go shallower with inspector approval.

Coastal corrosion: If you're near the coast (Saint John harbour, Shediac, Bathurst, Grand Manan), use stainless steel or plastic outdoor boxes instead of painted metal. Salt air corrodes standard metal boxes within 3–5 years.

Ice and snow load: Mount outlets and fixtures where snow sliding off the roof won't hit them. In-use covers need to stay closed even with ice buildup. Spring and fall storms are hard on outdoor electrical — inspect covers and connections after each storm season.

Seasonal use: If your deck is screened in or three-season, receptacles may be classified as "damp" rather than "wet" locations, which affects the cover type required. Your electrician will determine the correct classification.

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