Do I need an outside outlet cover?

[NewShockerGuy]

So we are in the final steps of the patio and deck install.. While they are doing everything I had asked for some outside lighting. I will update and get pictures in the morning but we currently have an outside outlet that looks like this:
Except turn it 180 degrees.:

We have a outside voltage box to power the lights and it's simply plugged into the current outlet. I looked at my neighbors and they have something like this:

Should I tell them tomorrow to put a box like the above on my outlet? They aren't done yet so this might be jumping the gun, but just wanted to make sure that there should be something covering the outlet.

As it sits now if you have something plugged into the outlet the little flap is open and the outlet is exposed somewhat compared to if nothing is in the outlet and you see the flap closed against the outlet like in the picture.

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yes u want a "waterproof in-use" cover.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Thank you! I will tell them tomorrow so they can make the change!

As far as sticker shock... , it hurt at first, but having made 1/3 payments is a lot easier than writing one giant check...I'm past it. Blows my mind that in theory we could have bought a jeep grand Cherokee flat out for what all this is costing...lol But I guess this is a much better investment than a vehicle that will only depreciate.

-Nigel

 

[tfi racing]

Yes u want a "waterproof in-use" cover.

Yep,that is the rule and it should be GFCI protected as well.

 

[cybrdyke]

Intermatic now makes them in several colors. There's a orange-ish one that will blend into the brick a little better.
CD

 

[CJ7VFR]

There is also an "In use cover" that does not stick out as far, or is as big as the one shown. It comes in colors like gray, bronze and white, and uses an expandable rubber piece to extend the cover out when its in use, and then collapses back down to a slim profile when not in use.

Here is a picture of it when its expanded out and in use:

Here is a picture of it when its collapsed and not in use:

This cover also just pivots up and out of the way like a normal old style outdoor cover when you want to use it on non-wet days. Here is a picture of it partially opened. It does open all the way up, but I could not find a picture of that. Mine open up almost a full 180 degrees. This cover is Bronze in color:

I have a few of these on my exterior outlets. They are NEC approved for in use wet locations and I think they look a lot better than the huge clear ones. Mine are about 5 years old, and the rubber part is holding up great!

I do like the idea of colored covers though. That is something I have not seen yet, but sounds interesting!

Jim

 

[Norcal]

When you replace the cover, then it would have to meet current code requirements, so yes.

 

[j1620]

Current code also specs weather rated gfci receptical looks much like tamper resistance

 

[Toolfool]

I use these : http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K1G0YA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[inphx]

I use these : http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K1G0YA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Me too - the Arlington enclosures if you are doing new construction or have the wall cavity space allow for code compliant "covered in use" exterior outlets to be recessed into the wall and flush. But about $25/box from ebay

/

 

[wyliesdiesels]

There is also an "In use cover" that does not stick out as far, or is as big as the one shown. It comes in colors like gray, bronze and white, and uses an expandable rubber piece to extend the cover out when its in use, and then collapses back down to a slim profile when not in use.

Here is a picture of it when its expanded out and in use:

Here is a picture of it when its collapsed and not in use:

This cover also just pivots up and out of the way like a normal old style outdoor cover when you want to use it on non-wet days. Here is a picture of it partially opened. It does open all the way up, but I could not find a picture of that. Mine open up almost a full 180 degrees. This cover is Bronze in color:

I have a few of these on my exterior outlets. They are NEC approved for in use wet locations and I think they look a lot better than the huge clear ones. Mine are about 5 years old, and the rubber part is holding up great!

I do like the idea of colored covers though. That is something I have not seen yet, but sounds interesting!

Jim

Those are cool! Never seen them before. I wonder how long the rubber would last?

 

[CJ7VFR]

Those are cool! Never seen them before. I wonder how long the rubber would last?

Mine are going on 5 years now. The rubber is actually pretty thick so I don't think it would tear very easily.

The only time I really use the pull out feature on mine is during the holidays for my Christmas lights. That is why I wanted something that had a low profile, so that the other 11 months of the year they were less noticeable.

Other than that, I use them occasionally to plug stuff in for picnics, BBQ's or to have some music playing when I am working outside. In those cases you just flip up the cover just like the old style outdoor covers.

When I bought mine they only came in gray. I like the new Bronze color as it matches some of my outside light fixtures, and I may buy them to replace the gray ones once they wear out.

But I don't see that happening any time soon, so it may be something I ask my wife to get me for my birthday.

Jim

 

[ForceFed70]

Just a reminder about ALL of the current code requirements for outlets exposed to weather:
- Weather proof/rated cover
- GFCI protected
- Tamper Proof

Only 1 quick mention of the tamper proof requirement in this thread with none of the photos showing a tamper proof outlet.

 

[jd_1138]

Thank you! I will tell them tomorrow so they can make the change!

As far as sticker shock... , it hurt at first, but having made 1/3 payments is a lot easier than writing one giant check...I'm past it. Blows my mind that in theory we could have bought a jeep grand Cherokee flat out for what all this is costing...lol But I guess this is a much better investment than a vehicle that will only depreciate.

-Nigel

Darn, new Grand Cherokees are like $40k. Getting an addition put on?

 

[nine4gmc]

I installed a protected cover like you posted in the first post with a GFCI receptacle in it for our above ground pool a month or two ago, it works fine and the pool pump even has a large circuit breaker type plug made into the end of it. No problems with it fitting or protecting the plug.

 

[Mustang51js]

The only way you can use the one you have now I believe you would need around a 6 foot overhang like a porch,but easier to use a in use cover

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Darn, new Grand Cherokees are like $40k. Getting an addition put on?

Surpringly not an addition. Just a custom rear patio that is about 1000 sq ft. New composite decking treads and railings, custom front walkway, porch, and front/side retaining wall, work around the shed....lol I first entertained the thought of doing the patio myself but came to the quick realization that it took two crews of 6 people 2-3 days just to excavate the dirt in the rear. Then the countless trips up and down the hill. The one guy told me we have about 80 tons of material in the back yard.

We were away all weekend so it will be nice to show him this thread and the outlets that are needed along with the covers!

Hope to post pictures of the whole process once it's all done!

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Yep,that is the rule and it should be GFCI protected as well.

A weather resistant/tamper proof gfi with an in use cover.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

You guys know I'm all for doing things as "correct" as possible, but I have yet to find an in use cover that works for my L1430R & L1430P with 8/3 SOOW cable for my genny inlet/outlet boxes on the house/shed. I've also never seen ANY inlet box rated for wet are use. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay what I see weather resistant twist locking connectors/recepts/inlets go for. I checked it out. It would have added almost $500.00 to my genny-in-the-shed hook up project...

Tommy

 

[mobiledynamics]

There are the gen inlet boxes

I used both a Hubbell and Leviton wet in use rated one for the same L14-30 application- generato....but these may be very overkill for the average consumer. We never really lose power. Maybe a brownout or 2 during the summer.

But between Sandy and Irene, I went ball-2-walls for a in-use wet weather setup

 

[xyster101]

Tamper proof outlets ****. Pain to plug into and the cost is crazy. How is a kid supposed to learn not to stick a fork in an outlet with tamper proof? That's how I learned at age 3. Still remember it 30+ years later!

 

[LS6 Tommy]

There are the gen inlet boxes

I used both a Hubbell and Leviton wet in use rated one for the same L14-30 application- generato....but these may be very overkill for the average consumer.

I'm aware of the wet in use twist lock stuff. I just couldn't justifiy almost $400.00 just to be able to run my genny in my shed. I got the weather tight receptacle and a 75' 8AWG cable for under $125.00. I already had the standard inlet box.

Tommy

 

[CJ7VFR]

When I bought my generator and Transfer Switch to power the stuff I needed to be able to stay in my house during Hurricane Sandy, I also purchased a Power Inlet box from the same people I bought the Transfer Switch from, which is Gen-Tran.

The power inlet box I have is the L14-30 type, and maintains its In-use wet location rating because the cord plugs in from the bottom.

Here is a picture of the one I have from the Gen-Tran website. It is $49.00. Is this the type you are looking for Tommy?

Here are two pictures of mine installed on my house with the L14-30 cord attached to it: