An electrical receptacle assembly with protective housing is adapted for installation in unconventional areas or surfaces, including areas that are more susceptible to spills or other contaminants than traditional mounting locations. The electrical receptacle assembly includes a receptacle subassembly with a main receptacle body and a front surface portion in which a plurality of electrical contacts are housed and made accessible to corresponding contacts of an electrical or electronic device. A housing defines a cavity for receiving the receptacle body, and a face plate is coupled to the housing and defines a receptacle opening for engaging and supporting the electrical receptacle subassembly. The face plate may take on many different sizes and shapes for a desired application, while the other components of the electrical receptacle assembly can remain the same.