Mounting Receptacle on Round Column

[flengineer]

I need to mount receptacles in round concrete columns (interior and exterior damp location). The diameter of the columns is such that there will be 1/8" gap between the ends of the coverplate and the column. Does anyone know of a coverplate with a gasket or other device that can bridge the gap so the cover is installed "flush". Additionally, this is in an aesthetically sensitive area that will be see a lot of exposure to the public. We don't want any edges that could be used to break the cover.

 

[infinity]

Is it possible to incorporate a small flat spot around the outlet box a little larger than a cover? This could be done prior to the pour.

 

[cowboyjwc]

I go with what Rob said. If the columns are already in place, I think it's going to be tough.

 

[GoldDigger]

I go with what Rob said. If the columns are already in place, I think it's going to be tough.

Blue sky ideas (MacGyver style):
Use a mud ring or extension bent to match the column curve and then sanded flat on the surface that meets the cover plate?
Actually, a box extension might fit tightly to the box if it there is enough clearance and then provide a flat surface for the cover plate. The whole thing would just stick out farther from the column.
Last wacky idea: A wiremold type surface mount box ground on the back to fit the curve of the column.
For aesthetics, on the other hand, just a separate chunk of weather stripping type foam cut to fit and then painted grey to match the concrete.
I doubt that you will find an integrated assembly with that kind of gasket.

 

[infinity]

I would go with a flat area or even a partial recess in the pour especially with a damp use cover on the exterior locations.

 

[growler]

I need to mount receptacles in round concrete columns (interior and exterior damp location). The diameter of the columns is such that there will be 1/8" gap between the ends of the coverplate and the column. Does anyone know of a coverplate with a gasket or other device that can bridge the gap so the cover is installed "flush".

The covers for a damp location come wih a gasket and the ones I use may be gray in color so I would just use gray calk to match. 1/8" isn't much and I can do a calk job that will look good ( so long as the color matches the cover or the column). Yes a thin line of calk behind the black gasket material and wipe off the excess.

 

[infinity]

The covers for a damp location come wih a gasket and the ones I use may be gray in color so I would just use gray calk to match. 1/8" isn't much and I can do a calk job that will look good ( so long as the color matches the cover or the column). Yes a thin line of calk behind the black gasket material and wipe off the excess.

I agree that using some caulk on a small 1/8 gap might work but is this really code compliant with a cover listed for a damp location?

 

[petersonra]

seems to me I have seen some kind of box that has a rounded back side for mounting on a round column.

 

[cowboyjwc]

The covers for a damp location come wih a gasket and the ones I use may be gray in color so I would just use gray calk to match. 1/8" isn't much and I can do a calk job that will look good ( so long as the color matches the cover or the column). Yes a thin line of calk behind the black gasket material and wipe off the excess.

OK, I missed the 1/8" part and that could work. I might check with the AHJ before I got to crazy. As Rob suggested, they might not agree.

 

[growler]

OK, I missed the 1/8" part and that could work. I might check with the AHJ before I got to crazy. As Rob suggested, they might not agree.

After thinking about it a bit more an 1/8" is so small that maybe 2 of the regular box caskets ( extras are cheap to buy) would solve the problem. I would have to try it but I think they will compress enough in the middle so as to fill in the 1/8" gap at the edges.

I really want to use duct tape but that's because I'm a fan of the Red Green show.

 

[James S.]

After thinking about it a bit more an 1/8" is so small that maybe 2 of the regular box caskets ( extras are cheap to buy) would solve the problem. I would have to try it but I think they will compress enough in the middle so as to fill in the 1/8" gap at the edges.

I really want to use duct tape but that's because I'm a fan of the Red Green show.

It IS the handyman's secret weapon.

 

[GoldDigger]

It IS the handyman's secret weapon.

While the true craftsman uses gaffer's tape instead.

 

[norcal]

After thinking about it a bit more an 1/8" is so small that maybe 2 of the regular box caskets ( extras are cheap to buy) would solve the problem. I would have to try it but I think they will compress enough in the middle so as to fill in the 1/8" gap at the edges.

I really want to use duct tape but that's because I'm a fan of the Red Green show.

I took this picture at the Frankfurt (Germany) Airport on 9/12/11, a bit blurry of a cell phone pic but does show that the use of duct tape for a patch job is not limited to the US, or Canukistan.

 

[Fliz]

I agree that using some caulk on a small 1/8 gap might work but is this really code compliant with a cover listed for a damp location?

I'm just curious why it wouldn't. I've run into AHJs that won't accept a cover in a wet or damp location without caulk to make it sealed off from possible water. After all, stick a bubble or flip cover on some stucco and watter will seep through the texture do to the rough texture of the stucco (and other finishes).

 

[infinity]

I'm just curious why it wouldn't. I've run into AHJs that won't accept a cover in a wet or damp location without caulk to make it sealed off from possible water. After all, stick a bubble or flip cover on some stucco and watter will seep through the texture do to the rough texture of the stucco (and other finishes).

I see an issue where the cover is designed, tested and listed to be installed on a flat surface. If the surface is curved then it's NG. Also a listed cover used according to it's directions and in its proper location doesn't require caulk unless the manufacturer requires it.

 

[kwired]

I see an issue where the cover is designed, tested and listed to be installed on a flat surface. If the surface is curved then it's NG. Also a listed cover used according to it's directions and in its proper location doesn't require caulk unless the manufacturer requires it.

And that brings us back to a flat cover will not work on a round surface, now everyone go back to post 1 and start all over again

 

[eHunter]

Probably too late in the game at this point, but this may have been a solution if planned for early on.

http://www.carlonsales.com/techinfo/brochures/electrical/JBox-Curved_Lid_Brochure.pdf

 

[kwired]

Probably too late in the game at this point, but this may have been a solution if planned for early on.

http://www.carlonsales.com/techinfo/brochures/electrical/JBox-Curved_Lid_Brochure.pdf

It is never too late.

 

[eHunter]

It is never too late.

:thumbsup: Thank you, I needed the laugh.

 

[jusme123]

can't you purchase a thicker style cover and use a drummel and file the curve into the cover, as stated its only an 1/8"