Dumb Question

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cordova64

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This is a dumb question, but I need to ask it anyway. I have never been requested to install some receptacles below grade before, until now. Can you tell me if there is a code reference against it? If not has anyone seen a UL approved box that would allow it? Thanks in advance for your help.
 
as in a "sump" hole ?? can you provide a little more detail ?
 
receptacles rated for direct burial ?? or do you mean wet location, like in some quazite boxes ? ( I guess I could see gfi's in wp boxes there, never done that)

edit: oops, took too long to type that hehe, see above
 
the "dumb" is not the question, it's the fact that I don't have a better answer.
Reviewing the Code, I would agree..a quazite box with a GFCI & weatherproof cover seems like it would suffice.
If I were going to install such I would want a decent gravel base for drainage.
I could not find referecne in the IBC or IRC, but locally building inspectors will not allow electrical below the "flood plane" if thats applicable.
 
The only problem with the Quazite (or similar) boxes would be drainage. Even throwing 12" of gravel under them may not solve the problem of water building up in them. In the cases where I've seen this arrangement, there has always been water standing in the box, sometimes completely submerging the bell box. And while the bell box & cover are rated 3R, that's not good enough for submersion.

A proper sized and pitched piped drainage system would alleviate the problem.


Oh, and me reference to the 'dumb' portion of the question means I have yet to see a dumb question.
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480sparky said:
. . . I have yet to see a dumb question.
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The requirement for a listed weather-resistant type as required by 406.8(B)(1) shouldn't be overlooked.

Actually, I have seen a dumb question. I remember being too shy to ask a question in my early years . . . those were dumb questions because they didn't get asked. I have since found that the questions I ask are also the same ones that others wouldn't ask. :smile:
 
charlie said:
The requirement for a listed weather-resistant type as required by 406.8(B)(1) shouldn't be overlooked.

Actually, I have seen a dumb question. I remember being too shy to ask a question in my early years . . . those were dumb questions because they didn't get asked. I have since found that the questions I ask are also the same ones that others wouldn't ask. :smile:
Click to expand...
What color is the green ground wire?:D
 
charlie said:
........Actually, I have seen a dumb question. I remember being too shy to ask a question in my early years . . . those were dumb questions because they didn't get asked. .....
Click to expand...

But, since it doesn't get asked, then it's not a question, it's just a thought then.

I know. I'm getting pickey.
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Even with the quazite boxes and good drainage, short of having a sump pump, water will still probably collect and ruin the GFI receptacles, consider putting a 50 to 100 amp pin and sleeve receptacle in the quazite box, then use a portable temporary panel board with the receptacles above grade. This will make for easier acess, with no electronics below grade to be damaged. especially if it happens to rain during the fair.
 
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