Passed my final electrical inspection yesterday with just a ‘couple of dings.
This was 90% DIY with service entrance install, and some paid consulting from a licensed electrician.
The inspector said I needed to install an “in use” cover on an outdoor, wall-mounted receptacle. This is a listed outdoor water proof box that will also take a spring-tensioned flip down cover.
I had already put an in use cover on the same kind of box on the exterior garage wall shop after he did the final on that, but I hate those chinzty plastic things…in my mind, it’s just a matter of time before something whacks up against that cover, breaks it off, then what do you have? An entirely exposed exterior recepticle that will remain exposed, and probably will get used that way until someone runs down for another chintzy cover….which will also get smashed…and on and on.
The requirment for an “in use” box seems to run contrary to what the code is supposed to do….provide long-term protection from dangerous electrical faults. So what if someone leaves a cord plugged into an exterior box with a spring tension cover….that cover still acts as protection, like a roof, over the cord-receptacle connection, and doesn’t risk being broken off. Besides, why would anyone long-term, leave a cord plugged into a box? Maybe for Christmas lights?
Just curious as to what your inspectors are requiring, and maybe there’s a more durable in use cover that I’m not seeing on the shelves?
Replies
Take a look at:
http://www.aifittings.com/whnew73.htm
Still a cheap cover, but at least the receptacle is recessed...
Hay those look great....thanks
I think Red Dot or Muberry makes an all-metal in use........
.. you are aware that the in-use covers prevent rain from splashing onto the receptacle.... ?
and the plain hinged cover is watertight only with the cover closed ? or that the galvanized mounting strap tends to rot away..
sounds like a rowdy place anyway ;>)
I just installed some receptacle boxes made by Arlington. They set back farther in the wall, and do not extend out much past the siding. This allows for a cord to be plugged in, and the cover still closed. They are made with an integrated J-channel for vinyl siding. They also make one for mounting on top of siding and brick.
You will have to replace the existing receptacle box. And, they only come in white. I have been told they are paintable.
Cost is about $10.
Bryan
Take a look at MJLonigro's link. That is the box I installed. Looks like we both had the same idea at the same time.
"Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio
Edited 2/3/2006 9:22 am ET by BryanKlakamp
I've got both the all metal die cast kind and the plastic ones. The band of possible accidents that would break the plastic but not the metal doesn't seem all that large to me. A direct hit carrying some lumber around would probably kill both kinds.
-- J.S.
Commonly used residential weatherproof covers come in two types: Ones that have flip covers that only protect the receptacle itself and 'in-use' covers that protect the receptacle and connection when a cord cap is plugged in.
TThe former is intended for supervised situations. You plug in a circular saw or hedge trimmer. If it was to start raining it would be expected that you would unplug the cord and retreat to cover.
In use covers are designed to be rainproof and to protect the connection when the cord is plugged in. These usually have some sort of dome. With a cord cap plugged in and the dome closed any rain, dew or spray is kept away from the connections. This is the way to go with exterior receptacles planned for the unsupervised use.
As far a durability and longevity I can say none of them are indestructible. Surface mount any box along the route of a forklift without some strong protection and you can pretty well figure out how long it will last.
On the other hand for traffic areas with even heavy foot traffic I have noted that even surface mounted boxed with large domes projecting tend to last longer than I would have thought. Partly I attribute this to the fact people seldom actually walk close to walls.
Given some potential for abuse the aluminum units tend to be tougher. The primary method of avoiding abuse is to locate them away from areas of traffic or likely abuse. An inside corner is often a good place. Also bollards structural overhangs or curbs can be installed to shield the location.
Largely it is up to the electrician to carefully select the location and materials to increase longevity.
"Besides, why would anyone long-term, leave a cord plugged into a box? Maybe for Christmas lights?
Low voltage landscape lighting is a major reason. The transformer/timer stays plugged in 24/7.
For you northern folks, engine block heaters.
Frank DuVal
Now that I think about it....when the relatives come to stay next to the garage with their RV, and tap into your exterior outlet.
My main objection is the dome that sticks so far out...but that would be rectified by using a recessed box....ala http://www.aifittings.com/whnew73.htm
Edited 2/6/2006 8:52 am ET by johnnyd
....another nice side benefit with using the raised covers....is helping wasps and hornets in their search for a new home
of course the smart boys at http://www.aifittings.com/whnew73.htm have even figured that one out with those little bug covers. Of course, the first time you actually USE the in-use function, you will carefully store those little covers in a very safe place. LOL.
HAHAHAHA..............those Arlingtons are a nice idea.......and that's my problem around the house, I wait for the next good idea and NOTHING ever gets finished......!but at least the plastic covers let you see the little darlins, I also tried building little cedar birdhouse looking enclosures....and that REALLY attracted them
Wasps....what they really like in my area are way up underneath the fascia board right up in the inside peak of the gable where the soffit comes together. Can't see it from the outside up on a stepladder.
I was on the "prohibited" step of the step ladder, kind of hanging on with one hand, putting really runny Cabot stain on the cedar fascia board....well, I have a t-shirt with a really nice long spatter mark down the back that my brush made when I had to use it to fend of the buggers dive bombing me from thier nest up there.
their fear factor is something else..........I just leave them alone now..I don't mess with them at all.......