As home inspectors we always recommend Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) receptacles are installed in wet or damp areas. We should also be looking at the cover on the receptacle; there is a difference. There is also a difference, by definition of a “wet” or “damp” area. A wet area is defined as being exposed to large amounts of water (on an exterior wall not protected by a roof, near a pool or hot tub). A damp area is defined as being exposed to small amounts of liquid (basement, crawl space, under an awning). Receptacles located in wet areas should have a cover that is weatherproof when a plug is in it. Receptacles located in damp areas should have a cover that is weatherproof when a plug is not in it. They have a cap that covers the receptacle. As earlier stated they will be either GFCI or AFCI protected. So what should a home inspector be looking for:

• Loose or damaged receptacles
• Protective cover is damaged, loose or missing
• Gap between receptacle and protective cover plate
• Incorrect ampacity
• Improperly wired
• Unapproved exterior wiring used
• Open ground / reversed polarity
• Scorching
• Serviced by an extension cord, drop cord, or other unapproved wiring methods
• Unsafe location
• 240 Volt circuit not supplied by a 4 conductors

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