What type of protection is required for an outdoor receptacle used for holiday lighting located under the soffit of a dwelling?

For an outdoor receptacle used for holiday lighting located under the soffit of a dwelling, a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is required for protection. GFCIs are specifically designed to protect people from electric shock by monitoring the electrical current flowing through a circuit. If an imbalance occurs—indicating that some current is leaking to the ground—the GFCI will quickly interrupt the circuit, thus preventing potential electric shock hazards.

Outdoor receptacles are exposed to environmental conditions that can increase the risk of moisture and water contact, making GFCIs crucial in these situations. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates GFCI protection for all outdoor receptacles to enhance safety, especially where water can be present, such as during rainy weather.

Other types of protection, such as fuse protection, surge protection devices, or single-pole circuit breakers, do not provide the same level of immediate protection from electrical shock in outdoor environments, particularly from ground faults, which is the main concern in this context.