External plugs/receptacles

[Jason280]

I am finishing the wiring on a 20x24' addition (completely enclosed & insulated) to the rear of an open garage, which will include three exterior/outer 20a receptacles (two in the rear, one on the side). I understand I have to use GFCI plugs and weatherproof "in-use" covers, but any special requirements for the receptacle boxes themselves? Can I still use the standard plastic/PVC style boxes?

 

[Jim greengo]

I prefer the allied 1098 boxes over the blue pvc boxes myself anyway.

 

[Jim greengo]

I prefer the fiberglass,allied 1098 boxes over the blue pvc boxes myself anyway.

 

[beemerphile]

Carlon Superblue BH122A-UPC comes close in rigidity and is a bit deeper if you can't get the Allieds when you need them.

 

[u2slow]

I am finishing the wiring on a 20x24' addition (completely enclosed & insulated) to the rear of an open garage, which will include three exterior/outer 20a receptacles (two in the rear, one on the side). I understand I have to use GFCI plugs and weatherproof "in-use" covers, but any special requirements for the receptacle boxes themselves? Can I still use the standard plastic/PVC style boxes?

Already enclosed an insulated? I prefer surface boxes. Poke the cable thru the wall into the back of the box. Seal up the penetration.

There's cast aluminum and PVC... can't see a problem using either.

 

[Toolfool]

I've used these for several years on houses I've built.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K1G0OU/?tag=atomicindus08-20 .

 

[nh_yota]

Yes you can but there are other options. I prefer surface mount bell boxes because I feel they provide a better seal and can be easily replaced/upgraded.

 

[mike93lx]

You don't need gfci receptacles...you can use gfci breakers instead if you want.

Also keep in mind that you only need one gfci receptacle (if you go that route) for the whole circuit, as long as you wire up the downstream ones correctly.

I always use WR receptacles outdoors, regardless of the cover. I also use TR everywhere. The new ones work fine, especially after they are used a few times.

 

[nh_yota]

You don't need gfci receptacles...you can use gfci breakers instead if you want.

Also keep in mind that you only need one gfci receptacle (if you go that route) for the whole circuit, as long as you wire up the downstream ones correctly.

I always use WR receptacles outdoors, regardless of the cover. I also use TR everywhere. The new ones work fine, especially after they are used a few times.

GFCI breakers are handy for outlets mounted in less-accessible places such as under the soffit for Christmas lights. If it trips all you need to do is reset the breaker instead of getting out the ladder in the middle of the winter.

 

[beemerphile]

GFCI breakers are handy for outlets mounted in less-accessible places such as under the soffit for Christmas lights. If it trips all you need to do is reset the breaker instead of getting out the ladder in the middle of the winter.

or blank face somewhere accessible

 

[mike93lx]

or blank face somewhere accessible

Agreed, but I would never buy off brand electrical stuff.

Reality is that gfci blank faces cost about the same as a receptacle, so you might as well add plugs if you can

 

[beemerphile]

Agreed, but I would never buy off brand electrical stuff.

Nor would I, It was just the first example of a blank face GFCI that I located.

 

[exranger06]

GFCI breakers are handy for outlets mounted in less-accessible places such as under the soffit for Christmas lights. If it trips all you need to do is reset the breaker instead of getting out the ladder in the middle of the winter.

If you have to use a ladder to reset a GFCI, it's against code. GFCI receptacles are required to be readily accessible, which means anyone should be able to reach them without a ladder. The only code-compliant way to GFCI protect a receptacle up high like that is to feed it from a GFCI breaker, or feed it from a GFCI receptacle that's readily accessible, or a blank-face GFCI. I converted the garage door opener receptacle in my garage (on the ceiling) to GFCI, and I mounted a blank-face GFCI on the wall and fed the receptacle from that.

 

[sparky 1971]

Are the boxes going to be cut in and flush with the wall or surface mounted? If flush, any old plastic nail on or screw on box will work. If surface mounted, I use metal "Bell" boxes. I've seen others use the plastic or pvc surface boxes, but I've also seen those boxes busted to hell and back. The only thing with the bell boxes is to use some anti seize (I've started using Fluid Film) on the receptacle and cover screw threads. When the device needs to be changed, and it will, you can thank me then when you don't have screws broken off in the box. I've also been known to drill a 1/16" hole in the bottom of the box to let any moisture out.

 

[Norcal]

Are the boxes going to be cut in and flush with the wall or surface mounted? If flush, any old plastic nail on or screw on box will work. If surface mounted, I use metal "Bell" boxes. I've seen others use the plastic or pvc surface boxes, but I've also seen those boxes busted to hell and back. The only thing with the bell boxes is to use some anti seize (I've started using Fluid Film) on the receptacle and cover screw threads. When the device needs to be changed, and it will, you can thank me then when you don't have screws broken off in the box. I've also been known to drill a 1/16" hole in the bottom of the box to let any moisture out.

I usually drill a couple of 1/8" holes, the reason for two is because of the casting humps internally allowing water to pool inside.

 

[dscheidt]

I usually drill a couple of 1/8" holes, the reason for two is because of the casting humps internally allowing water to pool inside.

I did some work on a farm, long ago. It was a pretty typical farm, full of horrifying electrical. All the exterior outlets were mounted at crazy angles. I figured it was just abuse and drunken farmer tricks, but I found the foreman installing a new one crooked. 'all the water drains to the low spot, and one hole lets it out' he said.

 

[Jason280]

You don't need gfci receptacles...you can use gfci breakers instead if you want.

I already have several extra GFCI receptacles, so I'll go ahead and use them.