mobiledynamics
Well-known member
For a garden greenhouse....where it's always a bit humid....what is the correct rectacle for this enviroment
Wet Duty Recetapcles
- Thread starter mobiledynamics
- Start date
Aceman
Well-known member
We usually just install WR GFCI's with in use covers.
The next step up beyond that would be something washdown rated, i.e. Woodhead or Leviton wetguard. That'll be a considerable jump in price though, and I've only seen them installed in food processing plants and similar, never in greenhouses.
The next step up beyond that would be something washdown rated, i.e. Woodhead or Leviton wetguard. That'll be a considerable jump in price though, and I've only seen them installed in food processing plants and similar, never in greenhouses.
Latitude42
Member
I think this is what you are looking for....?
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mobiledynamics
Well-known member
I don't give much on those level of gaskets. I might be better off with the old school metal ones, and then run a read of rtv gasket to make my own versus the cheapied foam ones they come in
But what if I have a application where I have one plug in use and then the cover is open and then the other one is not in use ?
But what if I have a application where I have one plug in use and then the cover is open and then the other one is not in use ?
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
Then the cover is obviously useless, and no better than an indoor cover.
Why would you even leave the cover open?
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
The whole point of that style is you can close the cover over the cord. They're not so much designed for use in a humid area as they are for use outdoors where it can rain.
If you want to spend some money then you could buy NEMA 4X rated devices but that puts you in the pin and sleeve category or Hubbell has locking 4X rated devices. To be more affordable and real world a higher quality non big box store receptacle with a brass yolk and proper WP cover plus drilling weep holes in the bottom of the WP box to allow condensate to drain would work.
OP
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
It's a greenhouse...it's just humid inside@times. The in-use covers will regardless of when in-use, the ambient air is just moist. Unless I go old skool with duplex style receptacles and if a plug is plugged in, the other is till covered.
The covers allow for one or both receptacles to be used and still provide protection.
The covers need to be fully closed by the users. For items infrequently unplugged it is probably realistic to expect that. For frequently disconnected/reconnected item, not going to happen. Gravity should keep them closed most of the way.
Try these RedDots to move away from plastic. They're more durable but can still be broken if desired.
Cheap gaskets are still the problem. Grey/clear rtv on 3 sides will help - just not so pretty looking. When the cover permits 4 screws to attach it to the back box, do so.
If you can eliminate top entries into the back box you will be better off. Try and plan for bottom entry first and then side entry.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Truth !
Standard WR receptacle is the correct one, although I wouldn't assume that the WR shutters will keep out any humidity. They're used by the millions around the world in places that are even more humid than your greenhouse. True, you might have to replace them after several years, but that's not a big deal.
WP covers dont help with humidity as they have openings for the cords fit thru, so that would equalize humidity between inside the cover and outside. It would be nice to have them, though, when you are watering or using a hose around the receptacles.
You could go with marine grade or industrial grade boxes and receptacles if you want to really blow some money. Even they use standard receptacles and plugs in alot of their products.
CD
Jim greengo
Well-known member
I'd leave the seal where cords go through bottom out if there is one depending on cover.
That way condensation can atleast have a place to run out the bottom.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
The entire point of an in-use cover is to close the cover when you have something plugged in.
OP
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
Yes. POV is not in use wet
I am talking ambient humid wet air
I am talking ambient humid wet air
exranger06
Well-known member
Can you list the detrimental effects the humidity will have on the receptacle? What exactly are you trying to prevent?
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Condensing humidity will trip a GFCI or breaker. The amount of humidity required to create condensation is temperature dependent.
sberry
Banned
Nothing says you cannot cover it better either.