Double outlet box buried and becoming infested by insects

[IONH]

I ran some conduit a couple years ago when building a water feature into a double outlet receptacle box with a cover. This box is flat against the ground. I did put crushed stone around it below and then covered with mulch so it would not stand out.

The cords go in through the bottom on the sides but is not water tight (from the side) and that is where the insects (specifically termites) get in.

I am thinking about taking a bucket with a lid and cut the bottom off. Then excavate around the electrical box and below it to get everything away from the openings. Then I can put the lid on and mulch over again to hide. As the lid hinges open and is about 2" thick, I'll need to use a bucket that's larger than I would like so it can swing open. Or I could remove the lid of the receptacle so I could use a smaller bucket as the lid of the bucket will protect the receptacle from the weather.

I took some pictures to post but had a problem with my SD card. Though I bought it as a set of box and cover, the cover looks like this but double gang.

 

[tankd0g]

I ran some conduit a couple years ago when building a water feature into a double outlet receptacle box with a cover. This box is flat against the ground. I did put crushed stone around it below and then covered with mulch so it would not stand out.

The cords go in through the bottom on the sides but is not water tight (from the side) and that is where the insects (specifically termites) get in.

I am thinking about taking a bucket with a lid and cut the bottom off. Then excavate around the electrical box and below it to get everything away from the openings. Then I can put the lid on and mulch over again to hide. As the lid hinges open and is about 2" thick, I'll need to use a bucket that's larger than I would like so it can swing open. Or I could remove the lid of the receptacle so I could use a smaller bucket as the lid of the bucket will protect the receptacle from the weather.

I took some pictures to post but had a problem with my SD card. Though I bought it as a set of box and cover, the cover looks like this but double gang.

Could you just cut the cord end off and direct wire it into a water tight junction box?

 

[G_P]

If termites can get in then so can water.

Raising the box above ground world be the first step.

Sent from my SPH-M920 using Tapatalk 2

 

[IONH]

Could you just cut the cord end off and direct wire it into a water tight junction box?

I could, but I would rather not in case one of the pumps had to be replaced. Much easier to plug a new one in. Plus, my mosquito catcher which is plugged into one of the outlets which is always on instead of switched has a DC transformer on it I think so I wouldn't be able to do that.

If termites can get in then so can water.

Raising the box above ground world be the first step.

That is very true, which probably doesn't help my termite issue inside the box. Of course, they'd probably tube in anyway and bring their own moisture if needed as it is a short distance.

I think I'll do the bucket idea. If the cover can come off without breaking it, that seems like a good option. I'll have to cut a slot on the side at the top of the bucket by the lid for one of the cords as it is too short. The others I can bring in from the bottom.

 

[Junkman]

If termites are getting into the electrical box, then what are they doing to your home. I would suggest an exterminator, and fix the termite problem.

 

[IONH]

If termites are getting into the electrical box, then what are they doing to your home. I would suggest an exterminator, and fix the termite problem.

House and garage are chemical treated, no more termites in the garage, never found any in the house even after a half dozen inspectors tried their best.