Outdoor Power Point Stops Working After Rain (Most Common Causes in Brisbane)
A Brisbane-focused storm-season guide explaining why outdoor power points stop working after rain, the most common moisture-related electrical causes behind it, and the warning signs homeowners should never ignore.
If your outdoor power point stops working after rain, it’s not “just water on the outside.”
In Brisbane homes, this is one of the most common storm-season electrical faults; especially in backyards, patios, and outdoor entertaining areas.
And here’s the key point:
Outdoor power points are supposed to handle weather.
So when one stops working after rain, it usually means water has gotten inside the electrical parts, or a protective device (like the safety switch) has cut power to prevent danger.
This can become serious because moisture + electricity can lead to:
electric shock risk
repeated safety switch trips
burnt wiring inside the wall
corrosion that worsens over time
hidden arcing and overheating
Let’s break down the most common causes, what to look for, and what to do next.
Quick Diagnosis Checklist (Before You Touch Anything)
Before you reset anything, check these:
Did it stop working immediately after rain, or hours later?
Did the safety switch trip when it happened?
Is the outdoor power point shared with other outdoor lights or circuits?
Was anything plugged in outside during the storm?
Is the cover cracked, loose, or missing a proper seal?
If the safety switch tripped, that’s a strong sign of a moisture fault.
1. Water Has Entered the Outdoor Power Point (Most Common Cause)
This is the #1 reason outdoor outlets stop working after rain in Brisbane.
Even if the cover looks fine, water can enter through:
worn seals
cracked plastic covers
loose faceplates
broken hinge covers
gaps in the wall mount
older fittings not rated for heavy weather exposure
Once moisture gets inside, it can:
trip the safety switch (RCD)
cause corrosion on terminals
create electrical leakage
stop the outlet from working entirely
Signs:
it fails only after rain
it works again once everything dries out
you notice moisture or fogging inside the cover
the safety switch trips when you use it
2. The Safety Switch (RCD) Has Tripped Due to Leakage Current
Outdoor outlets are linked to a safety switch for one reason: protection.
When rain introduces moisture into wiring or connections, the RCD detects leakage current and cuts power.
Common causes:
damp wiring behind the outlet
water tracking along cable insulation
moisture in the outlet terminals
corrosion building up over time
Signs:
the safety switch trips when you plug something into the outdoor outlet
it trips only during storms or humid days
it may reset but trip again quickly
If the RCD trips repeatedly, don’t keep resetting it.
3. Water Has Got Into the Wiring Behind the Wall
In some Brisbane homes, rainwater enters through wall gaps, brick cavities, or poorly sealed conduits.
This can allow moisture to reach:
cable joins
junction boxes
wiring terminals
wall cavity connections
This is more common if the outlet is:
mounted on an exposed external wall
near downpipes or gutters
under a deck edge
near garden irrigation or sprinklers
Signs:
outlet is dead even when it’s dry outside
the circuit trips randomly
other external power points are affected too
4. Corrosion Has Built Up Inside the Outlet (Hidden Damage Over Time)
Water exposure doesn’t always cause immediate failure.
Sometimes, months of small moisture exposure causes corrosion.
Corrosion can lead to:
poor electrical contact
overheating
terminal damage
eventual power loss
Signs:
the outlet works sometimes, then fails
plugs feel loose
outlet feels warm
discoloration inside the housing
intermittent power loss before failure
Once corrosion starts, replacement is often the safest option.
5. Something Plugged In Outside Has Faulted (Appliance Trigger)
Sometimes it’s not the outlet itself. It’s what’s plugged into it.
Common outdoor appliances that cause trips after rain:
pool pumps
outdoor fridges
chargers
power tools
garden lights
extension leads
If moisture enters the appliance or lead, it can trip the circuit or RCD.
Signs:
it trips immediately when that appliance is plugged in
other outlets work fine
the outlet only fails when that appliance is used
6. The Outdoor Circuit Shares Power With Other Outdoor Electricals
In many Brisbane homes, one outdoor circuit may feed:
outdoor power points
patio lights
garden lighting
shed power
pool equipment
So when the power point stops working, it may not be isolated to that one socket the circuit itself may be affected.
Signs:
outdoor lights also stop working
shed power is dead
patio lighting won’t turn on
multiple outside outlets fail together
This often indicates a circuit moisture fault or junction issue.
What You Should NOT Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
don’t keep resetting the safety switch repeatedly
don’t use the outlet “to see if it works now” while it’s wet
don’t spray anything inside the outlet
don’t open the outlet cover to inspect internal wiring
don’t keep using extension leads outdoors in wet areas
Moisture faults can escalate into dangerous wiring damage if ignored.
When It’s a Safety Emergency (Call Immediately)
Stop using outdoor power and call a licensed electrician if you notice:
burning smell near the outdoor outlet
buzzing or crackling sounds
the outlet feels warm or hot
visible moisture inside the outlet housing
melted plastic or discoloration
repeated safety switch trips
power cutting out even when no appliance is plugged in
These signs can indicate arcing, corrosion, or active moisture leakage.
Final Word: Outdoor Power Points Shouldn’t Fail After Rain
If your outdoor power point stops working after rain, something is allowing water into the electrical system, and it won’t fix itself.
In Brisbane storm season, the most common causes are:
water ingress into the outlet
RCD leakage trips
moisture behind the wall
corrosion inside terminals
faults in outdoor appliances or leads
The sooner it’s checked, the safer and cheaper it usually is.
👉 Need an outdoor power point inspection in Brisbane?
Contact Exclusive Electrical & Air to test the outlet safely, locate the moisture fault, and restore safe outdoor power before it becomes a bigger hazard.