Advice on trimming out exterior outlets

[GarageGuy89]

Adding some exterior outlets with the weather proof 'in-use' outlet covers.

Problem I am running into is being able to open the covers without having to cut back an inch of my cedar lap siding around the box. Unsure if I just need to bevel back some 1 by material, add a box extension, or what, while having it look professional for the wife.

Trying to find a picture or real world application that someone else has done, but running dry. The box is right on a horizontal cedar lap seam so it doesn't help the cause.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[matt_i]

Sorry this isn't what you asked for but I ran into the same issue with vinyl.

I ended up with the side-opening cover because of the greater clearance left-right, originally i wanted the clear in-use covers like you mention but they just wouldn't fit.



If you have access to the back side of the wall you could theoretically push the box farther outdoors, but at some peril to weatherproofing. I didn't want to rely on just the foamy gasket. The flange I chose has a J channel built into it.

This is what's behind the trim-ring.



You might be able to weatherproof a side-opening clear cover with a thin sheetmetal drip-cap that's sandwiched under the siding, but it would be tough for a top-opening clear cover due to the extra height the drip-cap would have to be.

 

[neitzel]

Here's a similar solution.
basically cut enough siding away to mount a flat base for the receptacle to mount to.
All you need is a 6" piece if 1x6" or 5/4 x 6" depending on your siding.

 

[6768rogues]

Here's a similar solution.
basically cut enough siding away to mount a flat base for the receptacle to mount to.
All you need is a 6" piece if 1x6" or 5/4 x 6" depending on your siding.

Yea, what he said.