Arlington Mounting Bases, waterproofing

[dbrooks1027]

I have two MM23 Arlington that I am joining together, total dimension is 39" high 17-1/2" wide. Installing a manual transfer switch next to meter. I am cutting the vinyl siding to the above dimensions. Just curious of how the rest of the community installs these products. Do you cut off the tabs and screw the bases directly into the exterior plywood? Do most electrical installers try to install the j channel or tell the customer to get a siding guy to complete the water proofing install?

 

[garbo]

I have two MM23 Arlington that I am joining together, total dimension is 39" high 17-1/2" wide. Installing a manual transfer switch next to meter. I am cutting the vinyl siding to the above dimensions. Just curious of how the rest of the community installs these products. Do you cut off the tabs and screw the bases directly into the exterior plywood? Do most electrical installers try to install the j channel or tell the customer to get a siding guy to complete the water proofing install?

Not sure but was taught that any time we installed mounting screws or bolts thru a hole inside of boxes to use a flat washer that has a black sealing ring around it. After securing would use bathroom silicone caulk to completely cover the screws & flat washer. A little ugly but in damp or wet locations keeps moisture out. First job was in a large slaughterhouse with 8 to 10 hours of daily night wash down with high pressure. Also worked in a large candy company that had same wash downs. I would ask the AHJ / local inspector if it was okay. These guys were always great at answering questions by qualified workers. They would rather only come once to a job then fail a job only to have to return. Heck even after I was a sparky over 30 years while talking to one of the great inspectors they would suggest a cheaper and faster method.