Final answer:
When a rooftop air conditioner's servicing receptacle is installed outside, it must have a weatherproof cover and be GFCI protected to shield against moisture and prevent electrical shock due to ground faults.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a rooftop air conditioner is installed on a strip shopping center, and the required 15- or 20-ampere, 125-volt receptacle is placed outside for servicing, the additional precautions that must be followed include both having a weatherproof cover and being GFCI protected (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). The weatherproof cover ensures that the receptacle is protected from outdoor elements such as rain, which could potentially cause electrical shorts or other damage. The GFCI protection is crucial for safety, as it helps to prevent electrical shock by quickly cutting off power if a ground fault is detected, such as current leakage that can occur with moisture or damage to the air conditioner's electrical system.
It is important to follow these safety measures to ensure both equipment and personal safety. The circuit breakers commonly found in homes are designed to handle a specified maximum current, and they trip to prevent overcurrent that could result in fire hazards or damage to appliances. Circuit breakers serve a slightly different purpose than a GFCI; however, both are integral to electrical safety in different scenarios. For outdoor electrical installations especially, GFCI protection is mandated by electrical codes due to the higher risk of ground faults.