Exterior Outlet Boxes

[tealetm]

What is everybody's favorite exterior outlet box? I have my shop sided (1" pine board and batten) and want to add a few exterior outlets prior to sealing up the walls. Some of the options at the local HD/Lowes just seem cheesy and those clear plastic covers seem like they will break as soon as kids come within 10' of them.

(Black is preferable but I can always paint the boxes)

I found an old thread recommending an Arlington box but they don't seem to be readily available. This style appeals to me though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K1G0YA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tealetm]

Of course the first time I looked at the link they only had one in stock. Now that note is gone so they may be available after all...

 

[nadogail]

Arlington's advertisements in EC&M magazine make them look like a Premium Grade Product, your local Electrical Wholesale Supply House should be able to help you.

Do not confuse your local big box home center with an electrical supply house.

 

[tealetm]

Good advice thanks and I will most likely take a trip to one of the supply houses this week. Just doing some thinking/planning from my desk at the moment.

 

[bigmike989]

I like the Taymac metal ones. Taymac MX3200

 

[Idle Serge]

I have recently picked up and installed some Tymac stuff from the local Home Depot - price seemed reasonable and quality isn't bad:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TAYMAC-...let-Cover-for-Outdoor-Outlet-ML500G/205689220

I'm sure there are better options out there...

 

[adrenalinejeeper]

What is everybody's favorite exterior outlet box? I have my shop sided (1" pine board and batten) and want to add a few exterior outlets prior to sealing up the walls. Some of the options at the local HD/Lowes just seem cheesy and those clear plastic covers seem like they will break as soon as kids come within 10' of them.

(Black is preferable but I can always paint the boxes)

I found an old thread recommending an Arlington box but they don't seem to be readily available. This style appeals to me though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K1G0YA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I put these Arlington boxes on our house. They are okay for outlets that aren't used often, but the doors are a little bit of a pain to open and close. They tend to stick closed and flex around, you have to almost push up on the bottom wall of the box to release the little tab holding onto the door and wiggle the door a little to get it to lift.

If I was doing it again I would probably look for something more solidly built. Although I love that these are fairly low profile when not in use.

 

[dave*99]

What is everybody's favorite exterior outlet box? I have my shop sided (1" pine board and batten) and want to add a few exterior outlets prior to sealing up the walls. Some of the options at the local HD/Lowes just seem cheesy and those clear plastic covers seem like they will break as soon as kids come within 10' of them.

(Black is preferable but I can always paint the boxes)

I found an old thread recommending an Arlington box but they don't seem to be readily available. This style appeals to me though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K1G0YA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've installed several of these Arlingtons on my house. The look great and have a low profile. They can be a bit tricky to open. They stay closed nicely when something is plugged in. They can be had with a smoke cover or a solid cover. They are paintable.

I have several of the Taymac N3R mentioned above. They pop open while a plug is connected. This is a typical orange 16/3 extension cord with molded plug I refer to. If you pre-bend the cord hard right at the plug, they might stay shut. But that's not good for the cord.

I prefer the Arlington. I have also used the Arlington type having a J channel for siding around the perimeter.

 

[Racer_X]

I've installed several of these Arlingtons on my house. The look great and have a low profile. They can be a bit tricky to open. They stay closed nicely when something is plugged in.

I'm interested in this thread because there's a spot on my house where I would like to put a receptacle.
For my situation, I'm looking for the most weatherproof solution out there. This area of my house gets hit with heavy (sideways) rain and snow.

 

[dave*99]

I'm interested in this thread because there's a spot on my house where I would like to put a receptacle.
For my situation, I'm looking for the most weatherproof solution out there. This area of my house gets hit with heavy (sideways) rain and snow.

The Arlington box and the shroud around the plug area are all one piece. Even if some water were to enter the covered area, the electrical components would be well above anything wet. Use a WR rated receptacle.

When the box and cover are separate pieces, the seal between the two is critical. Proper installation and use of the supplied gasket and some sealant are key.