Weatherproof Outlet Symbol
Definition: The Weatherproof Outlet symbol represents an outdoor-rated electrical receptacle installed in a sealed enclosure with a moisture-resistant cover, used in wiring diagrams to denote a 15 A or 20 A AC power outlet suitable for damp or wet locations in compliance with NEC Article 406.9 and IEC 60884-1.
Also known as: outdoor outlet, exterior outlet, WP outlet, outdoor receptacle, wet-location outlet, weatherproof receptacle, in-use cover outlet.
What the Weatherproof Outlet symbol means
The Weatherproof Outlet symbol identifies a standard duplex or single receptacle that is housed in a weatherproof box and fitted with a gasketed or bubble-style in-use cover to protect against rain, condensation, and dust. In a wiring diagram it marks a branch-circuit endpoint on an exterior wall, deck, patio, or equipment area.
The symbol communicates that the outlet must be GFCI-protected (required by NEC 210.8(A) for all outdoor 15 A and 20 A, 125 V receptacles), and that the cover must maintain its weatherproof rating even while a cord is plugged in. The two terminals—Hot and Neutral—connect to the line-side conductors of the protected branch circuit.
How to identify the Weatherproof Outlet symbol
The glyph appears as a rectangular or rounded enclosure outline, similar to a standard outlet symbol but with a 'WP' label, rain drop indicator, or a cover-flap line drawn across the face. The Hot terminal exits from the top and the Neutral terminal from the bottom of the symbol, representing the two circuit connections. This distinguishes it from an indoor outlet symbol, which carries no weatherproof designation.
Function in a circuit
A weatherproof outlet provides safe access to branch-circuit power in outdoor and damp environments. The sealed cover—either a flip-lid (self-closing) or a deep bubble while-in-use type—prevents water from entering the receptacle face. A GFCI device (either integral to the outlet or upstream on the circuit) trips within 5 ms if leakage current exceeds 4–6 mA, protecting users from shock in wet conditions.
Standards: IEC vs ANSI
| IEC 60617 | IEC 60884-1 (plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes) governs the mechanical and electrical requirements for socket outlets; outdoor installations additionally require IP44 (splash-proof) or IP55 (jet-proof) enclosures per IEC 60529 and must include a self-closing cover per IEC 60884-1 clause 13. |
|---|---|
| ANSI/IEEE 315 | NEMA WD-6 specifies receptacle and plug configurations used in North America (e.g. 5-15R for standard 125 V 15 A); NEC Article 406.9 requires outdoor receptacles to have weatherproof covers rated in-use for wet locations, and NEC 210.8(A)(3) mandates GFCI protection for all outdoor 15 A and 20 A, 125 V receptacles. |
| Key difference | IEC uses IP-coded covers and CEE socket forms; NEMA uses specific configuration codes (5-15R, 5-20R) and requires UL-listed in-use covers. The GFCI requirement is North American (NEC); IEC equivalents use RCD (residual current device) protection at the distribution board rather than at the outlet itself. |
Terminals / pins
| Pin | Name |
|---|---|
| hot | Hot |
| neutral | Neutral |
Typical values
Rated voltage: 125 V (North America) or 230 V (IEC regions); rated current: 15 A or 20 A; GFCI trip threshold: 4–6 mA within 25 ms (UL 943); cover rating: NEMA 3R minimum (rain-tight) or IP44 minimum; box volume per NEC 314.16.
Where the Weatherproof Outlet symbol is used
- Patio and deck power outlets for outdoor appliances, string lights, and entertainment equipment
- Garage apron and driveway outlets for EV trickle charging and power tools
- Pool and spa equipment areas where NEC 680 requires GFCI protection within 20 ft
- Garden shed and outbuilding exterior walls providing circuit power to outdoor tools
- Landscape lighting transformer and irrigation controller feed points
- Commercial building perimeters for maintenance equipment and seasonal decorative lighting
Example
In a backyard electrical plan, the weatherproof-outlet symbol appears on a privacy fence post fed by a 20 A GFCI-protected outdoor branch circuit; the symbol shows the Hot and Neutral terminals connected to the circuit conductors, the box symbol indicates a NEMA 3R enclosure, and a note specifies a UL-listed bubble while-in-use cover to comply with NEC 406.9.
Key facts
- The Weatherproof Outlet symbol has two terminals: Hot (line) and Neutral, corresponding to the two current-carrying conductors of the branch circuit.
- All outdoor 15 A and 20 A, 125 V receptacles in the United States require GFCI protection per NEC 210.8(A)(3), regardless of whether they are installed on new or existing circuits.
- The designator for a receptacle in electrical drawings is typically 'WP' for weatherproof or 'GFI' when GFCI-protected; ANSI/NEMA does not assign a single letter code to outlets.
- NEC Article 406.9(B)(1) requires a weatherproof in-use cover that maintains protection even when a cord is plugged in—simple flip-lid covers are only permitted where the outlet is not considered 'in-use' when unoccupied.
- IEC 60529 requires a minimum IP44 rating (splash-proof from any direction) for outdoor socket-outlets; direct-rain exposure requires IP55 or IP65.
- Weatherproof outlets must be installed in a box rated for wet or damp locations (NEMA 3R minimum) with weatherproof conduit fittings at all cable entries.
- In IEC regions, outdoor socket-outlets must have a self-closing shutter mechanism per IEC 60884-1 to prevent accidental contact and moisture ingress when unplugged.
Frequently asked questions
What does the weatherproof outlet symbol mean in a wiring diagram?
The weatherproof outlet symbol represents an outdoor-rated power receptacle installed in a sealed enclosure. It indicates that the outlet and its cover must meet wet-location or damp-location requirements, and that GFCI protection is required for 15 A and 20 A, 125 V circuits per NEC 210.8(A)(3).
What does a weatherproof outlet look like in a schematic?
The symbol resembles a standard outlet rectangle but includes a 'WP' label, a rain-drop indicator, or a cover-flap line. Two terminals—Hot and Neutral—exit from the top and bottom of the symbol. The enclosing box outline signals that a rated weatherproof enclosure is required at that location.
Does a weatherproof outdoor outlet need GFCI protection?
Yes. NEC 210.8(A)(3) requires GFCI protection for all 15 A and 20 A, 125 V outdoor receptacles in dwelling units. The GFCI can be provided by a GFCI outlet at the location, a GFCI breaker upstream, or a GFCI outlet earlier on the same circuit.
What is the IEC vs ANSI difference for outdoor outlet symbols?
IEC drawings use IP-rated socket symbols with a self-closing shutter indicator per IEC 60884-1, and protection is specified by an IP code (IP44 or IP55). ANSI/NEC drawings use a 'WP' label and specify NEMA enclosure types (3R or 4). Both require a cover that maintains ingress protection when a cord is connected.
What NEMA enclosure rating is required for a weatherproof outlet box?
A minimum of NEMA 3R (rain-tight) is required for outdoor receptacles. In areas subject to direct water spray or hose-down—such as near pool equipment—NEMA 4 (watertight) is recommended. These ratings are defined in NEMA 250.
What is the minimum IP rating for an outdoor outlet in IEC countries?
IEC 60529 requires a minimum of IP44 (protected against splashing water from any direction) for outdoor socket-outlets. Locations exposed to water jets (e.g., near car-wash areas) require IP55, and fully submerged locations require IP68.
How many terminals does a weatherproof outlet symbol have?
The weatherproof outlet symbol has two terminals: Hot and Neutral. In grounded installations a third ground conductor is also present in the physical outlet and box, though the simplified symbol typically shows only the two power terminals.
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