In use outlet covers that don't let wasps in?

[Innovate1]

Put some Red Dot Code Keeper covers on the house many years ago. They work but the cord holes are always open and wasps like them. I used some like this on the shop building. They don't have any openings when closed and only a small opening by the cord when in use. But the house ones are recessed into the siding (like for PVC siding although it is hardy board). Don't think these will work with the recessed receptacles. What are some option for ones that will work on recessed? I suppose I could 3d print some plugs for the old covers...

Related question - Some of the outdoor receptacles I used covers on that are not the in use type. Passed inspection 20 years ago but wondering if those are code or if all outdoor covers are to be in use covers.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Use one of these to "unrecess" the receptacle.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-1-Gang-Metallic-Weatherproof-Outlet-Box-Extension-Ring-with-4-1-2-in-Holes-Gray-WSE450G/300845915

The "flip lid" covers haven't been compliant for years.

 

[Innovate1]

Looks like in use covers were required in the 2002 code but our area lags way behind. Thinking that will be flagged when I eventually sell so I should upgrade them all.

 

[Codyboy]

Use one of these to "unrecess" the receptacle.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-1-Gang-Metallic-Weatherproof-Outlet-Box-Extension-Ring-with-4-1-2-in-Holes-Gray-WSE450G/300845915

The "flip lid" covers haven't been compliant for years.

How will that help?
I have some in use covers and I think mine do just like OPs in that the bulk of the cord plug keeps the cover from fully closing and leaves a gap toward the bottom for wasps to enter.
As far as the flip lid covers, I have a lot of those under porches. Being under the porch they are covered and out of the weather.
But even if they weren't under cover why would they be non compliant? If there is no cord plugged in what does it matter?

Looks like in use covers were required in the 2002 code but our area lags way behind. Thinking that will be flagged when I eventually sell so I should upgrade them all. snip--"Passed inspection 20 years ago"

If it passed then why would it be flagged now?
If me and I thought it was an issue when selling I'd just unplug anything plugged in and now the cover is closed.

 

[mike93lx]

Looks like in use covers were required in the 2002 code but our area lags way behind. Thinking that will be flagged when I eventually sell so I should upgrade them all.

Selling doesn't trigger updating stuff like this.

 

[Innovate1]

Selling doesn't trigger updating stuff like this.

True but it doesn't stop an inspector from making note of it. I may just leave them until it becomes an issue. Main thing now is preventing wasps. The covers I linked to close pretty tightly with a small cord in them.

 

[Innovate1]

How will that help?
I have some in use covers and I think mine do just like OPs in that the bulk of the cord plug keeps the cover from fully closing and leaves a gap toward the bottom for wasps to enter.
As far as the flip lid covers, I have a lot of those under porches. Being under the porch they are covered and out of the weather.
But even if they weren't under cover why would they be non compliant? If there is no cord plugged in what does it matter?

If it passed then why would it be flagged now?
If me and I thought it was an issue when selling I'd just unplug anything plugged in and now the cover is closed.

Mine fully close with large cords but that's not the issue. Holes for cords for the ones I have now are open even with no cord when lid is fully closed.

Referring to being flagged by a home inspector for a potential buyer down the road not any sort of code enforcement. They seem to like finding stuff like this to include. Closing the cover doesn't prevent someone from noting it's not current code (even though it may not be required to be updated).

 

[mike93lx]

True but it doesn't stop an inspector from making note of it. I may just leave them until it becomes an issue. Main thing now is preventing wasps. The covers I linked to close pretty tightly with a small cord in them.

Inspectors can flag all kinds of stuff, sure.

I recently installed these and like them a lot

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Arlington-DBVR1C-1-Gang-Clear-Low-Profile-InBox-for-Flat-Surface-Retrofit-Vertical

There are a bunch of different versions depending on siding type

 

[Stuart in MN]

I assume the issue is when there's nothing plugged in. I wonder if there's a snap in plug available, if not someone with a 3D printer could whip something up pretty quickly

 

[Innovate1]

I assume the issue is when there's nothing plugged in. I wonder if there's a snap in plug available, if not someone with a 3D printer could whip something up pretty quickly

It's still an issue with nothing plugged in as noted in post 7 (and post 1). The cord holes don't get covered when the lid is fully closed. I didn't find any existing 3d print models but didn't spend a lot of time looking. I am going to model up a plug to 3d print. That should be pretty easy to do.

 

[alfredeneuman]

A piece of ductape over the holes would halt the wasp invasion.

 

[mm08822]

Try and install a brush (whiskers) to close off the opening. There are many brush styles and dimensions. (No, I dont mean paint brushes.)

Look online....mcmaster should have a variety.

If you have the polycarbonate covers throw out those POS, buy the cast alum.

 

[sparky 1971]

These are what I used on my house and have the brush already installed. I have wasp's everywhere but haven't experienced them in my in use covers.

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[JuncleJohn]

Do you have an old crappy extension cord? Cut off a piece a few inches long and use it to plug the hole.

John

 

[JohnX14]

Inspectors can flag all kinds of stuff, sure.

I recently installed these and like them a lot

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Arlington-DBVR1C-1-Gang-Clear-Low-Profile-InBox-for-Flat-Surface-Retrofit-Vertical

There are a bunch of different versions depending on siding type

That is my choice. I used the ones that go in before the siding with sort of a j-channel around it, but that's for my vinyl siding.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Looks like in use covers were required in the 2002 code but our area lags way behind. Thinking that will be flagged when I eventually sell so I should upgrade them all.

if your area was not on 2002 code when the house was built, then it is code complaint to not have them.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

have you tried the expandable in use cover?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerc...24-in-1-Configurations-Gray-WCWR1PG/304669863

 

[Codyboy]

if your area was not on 2002 code when the house was built, then it is code complaint to not have them.

How does someone know what code cycle was used for a given year in their area?

 

[dave*99]

How does someone know what code cycle was used for a given year in their area?

By asking the building officials (permit issuer) more commonly known as the AHJ Agency Having Jurisdiction.

 

[Innovate1]

How does someone know what code cycle was used for a given year in their area?

You could get an estimate by looking at how up to date they are now. Probably close enough for most things.

 

[dave*99]

You could get an estimate by looking at how up to date they are now. Probably close enough for most things.

So what are most things?

Here in NJ it boils down to what the housing inspector notices when you sell. Notice I said housing not building inspector.
Housing inspectors looks for smoke alarms and GFCI protection. A new certificate of occupancy is required for a sale. Open permits are an issue.

Those are most things here.

 

[mm08822]

HI's bulk up their report with current code requirements knowing full well many things are grand-fathered in from previous code cycles. The more they list, the better the inspection they did, right?

I saw 1 report where the guy used 4 pages to detail where each of the utilities' shut-offs were. Very nice but it's just fluff.

Lastly, the realtors play games with the HI list using it as a negotiating card/smoke screen. Let's go fix several line items from the report to show good will and say look at all we fixed, like changing 5 missing gfci recepts and add a few in-use covers. Meanwhile the old roof gets ignored/forgotten.

 

[dave*99]

HI's bulk up their report with current code requirements knowing full well many things are grand-fathered in from previous code cycles. The more they list, the better the inspection they did, right?

I saw 1 report where the guy used 4 pages to detail where each of the utilities' shut-offs were. Very nice but it's just fluff.

Lastly, the realtors play games with the HI list using it as a negotiating card/smoke screen. Let's go fix several line items from the report to show good will and say look at all we fixed, like changing 5 missing gfci recepts and add a few in-use covers. Meanwhile the old roof gets ignored/forgotten.

I agree that private home inspectors do exactly as you say. Do municipalities near you have municipal housing inspectors from the AHJ like my NJ town? Even rental units need a new certificate of occupancy every time a new renter signs a lease. That is administered by the municipality and their housing inspector. Same for sale of a house.

 

[mm08822]

I agree that private home inspectors do exactly as you say. Do municipalities near you have municipal housing inspectors from the AHJ like my NJ town? Even rental units need a new certificate of occupancy every time a new renter signs a lease. That is administered by the municipality and their housing inspector. Same for sale of a house.

When a home sells here, there is a new CO that has to be achieved. It covers all smoke detectors getting smoke tested (10 year battery models required after a certain date) and a big honkin fire extinguisher added in plain site in the kitchen or just off of it (for real!) with a valid service tag or receipt. People who have changed out smokes have had to show receipts for model # and date of purchase. Fire marshal does this inspection.

I've been given 2 extinguishers that show green on the gauge and look brand new but were out of date.

Any open permits have to be closed - either by passing inspection or cancelling an inactive & not started project.
__________________________________
One woman purchased a condo with an unpermitted basement that passed the CO when she bought. When she went to sell it 2-3 years later, they banged her for the unpermitted basement! Fire Marshal discovered it and sung like a canary once back in the construction office!

She then had to get permits for building and electrical. I had to go in and add missing recepts, add 3way for bottom of stairs, rehang fluor fixtures independent of ceiling grid, add afci's, and inspect all wiring and check box fills and write that up, sign and seal it.

She also had to have plumbing work corrected and fire-proofing on underside of stairway.

Needless to say this little ole lady was pissed b/c the inspectors took no accountability for missing all of this when she bought.

I'm not sure how rentals are policed.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

True but it doesn't stop an inspector from making note of it. I may just leave them until it becomes an issue. Main thing now is preventing wasps. The covers I linked to close pretty tightly with a small cord in them.

Home inspectors - yuck. They put petty stuff in their report and totally disregard or miss important stuff.

 

[Innovate1]

I agree that private home inspectors do exactly as you say. Do municipalities near you have municipal housing inspectors from the AHJ like my NJ town? Even rental units need a new certificate of occupancy every time a new renter signs a lease. That is administered by the municipality and their housing inspector. Same for sale of a house.

Had to check since we haven't had to deal with this. Yes, currently we have certificate of occupancy for home changes of ownership and rentals.

Not sure about electrical code but the city web site currently states they are on ICC 2012.