Exterior/Outside outlet install options

[CarCrazyRDM]

I'm planning to install some exterior outlets on my newly built detached garage soon, possibly this weekend, and I'm curious as to what the best/preferred method is. The two options I've come across are to cut a hole the size of a single gang box in the side of the building and then mount the box like you would any other, having kind of a flush mount weather rated outlet cover on the outside of the wall. The other option seems to be to mount the gang box facing inside the building and then only drill a 1/2" or maybe 3/4" hole through the back of the box and exterior wall and mount an entire enclosed box on the outside of the building.

Is it just a matter or whether you want to have a "flush mount" electrical outlet or one that protrudes 3" from the side of the structure? I know I would prefer the flush mount look but part of me also thinks only drilling a hole in the side of the building, as opposed to a big square, allows less opportunity for leaks, sealing issues, etc. Is one better than the other or just personal preference? And/or are there other options I am not considering?

Also, if it matters to your suggestion, I have hardiplank on the side of my garage.

Thanks for any input.

 

[aandpdan]

I used these:

The problem with keeping everything flush is that you now need "in-use" covers. They're going to stick out a bit. The older covers with just the flip type covers and foam seals won't meet current code.

The covers in the picture are "in-use" rated. They only stick out about 1/2".

2011 NEC: 406.8(B) Wet Locations.
(1) 15- and 20-Ampere Outdoor Receptacles. 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed outdoors in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

I used these:

The problem with keeping everything flush is that you now need "in-use" covers. They're going to stick out a bit. The older covers with just the flip type covers and foam seals won't meet current code.

The covers in the picture are "in-use" rated. They only stick out about 1/2".

2011 NEC: 406.8(B) Wet Locations.
(1) 15- and 20-Ampere Outdoor Receptacles. 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed outdoors in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.

That looks like a sweet outdoor box! Do you have a link to where to buy them? I haven't seen anything like that at Lowes Depot.

 

[aandpdan]

Amazon has some.

CarCrazy these are for a flat surface:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002W6ZOOM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and these are the horizontal versions for vinyl:

https://www.amazon.com/Arlington-DBHR141C-1-Horizontal-Electrical-Weatherproof/dp/B004K1G0KO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467312924&sr=8-1&keywords=DBHR141C-1

 

[CarCrazyRDM]

aandpdan,

Thanks for the info. I'm glad you brought this up because what I currently purchased are the foam backed mounting plates with not in-use covers.

I'll search around a little more on Amazon or maybe Lowes and/or HD too. I think the horizontal box will work better with my hardiplank but not sure the "ridge" on the back that is made for vinyl will align properly. My planks are tall enough that just a flat-backed box should work OK, it will just be angled slightly upwards.