exterior wall outlets..residential

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jnsh2

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I thought that all exterior wall outlets had to be GFCI protected. Contractor stated that only one had to be protected. I think he's wrong...
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed outdoors must be GFCI protected. There is one exception for snow-melting or deicing equipment that are not readily accessible.

Is it possible that the contractor meant that only one needed to be an actual GFI, and then the rest could be protected from that one receptacle?

[ September 19, 2004, 07:22 PM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

OK .when is an in use cover req.If there is a cable oulet is an in use required ? To me yes.
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

in use covers are required for any items that will stay plugged in,water pump,outdoor lights,x mass lights,hot tub..
I see nothing to require them if they are for general use and unplugged after use.
A few might argue that they might be used during a rain.My problem with them is they are costly and poor quality
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

I know this thread started off asking how many outdoor receptacles had to be GFI protected and I believe that was answered. But, somehow we drifted off onto the requirements of "in use" (bubble) covers. From the way I read 406.8 (A & B) if a receptacle is located outdoors in a protected area (i.e under a roofed porch)it can be covered with a standard weatherproof cover (whether it has a plug in it or not). However, where a receptacle is subject to driving rain or water run-off it must utilize a bubble cover.

Now, here's the rub :
a) Your customer just built a 1 million dollar house. Who's gonna want one or two of those ugly bubble covers on the front of their new home ?

b) How do you, the electrician, know if this receptacle is going to be utilized to plug in Xmas lights (unless they're on either side of the front door) or a landscape lighting transformer ?

c) Should you ( the electrician) be cited for a violation (up front) with the assumption that at some point in time these receptacles are going to be utilized as "in use" ?

d) If the front receptacles on either side of the door are switched (obviously you know they're going to be utilized for Xmas lights) would you install bubble covers to pass inspection and remove them at the customer's request after the inspection ?

Didn't mean to throw a wrench into this. Just curious to know what some others think.

Thanks,

Phil
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

You guys must be working off of the '99 code. The '02 code requires "in use" covers for all 15 and 20 amp, 125 or 250 volt outdoor receptacles.
406.8(B) Wet Locations.
(1) 15- and 20-Ampere Outdoor Receptacles. 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed outdoors in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.
Don
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

I would agree that wet location receptacles require in-use covers regardless. The receptacle that is located on the front porch under a roof would be considered a damp location as defined in 406.8(A). Some discretion could be applied when determining "subject to beating rain or water runoff" and I think that is where the confusion is between contractors and inspectors. The requirements for a damp location states that the weatherproof cover requirement is when the plug is not inserted.
I have advised contractors that I will not accept outdoor receptacles without in use covers if there is a transformer cord or other use at the time of inspection. I can advise, but not control, what happens after I leave the job site. I log on the report what covers are provided.
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

Originally posted by goldstar:

Now, here's the rub :
a) Your customer just built a 1 million dollar house. Who's gonna want one or two of those ugly bubble covers on the front of their new home ?


Who says you have to use the ugly bubble-style ones? I've used them, and I agree that they are ugly, but I've also seen some metal ones that hinge on top, seal with gaskets, and completely cover the receptacles whether they are in use or not. They would serve the same purpose as the bubble ones and don't look so bad.

b) How do you, the electrician, know if this receptacle is going to be utilized to plug in Xmas lights (unless they're on either side of the front door) or a landscape lighting transformer ?

When I acquire the ability to see into the future like that, I'll certainly patent it. I'll license it to you for a small fee, since you seem like a nice guy. :D

You can't be held accountable if someone decides to do something with their electrical system that is against code. All you can do is install it properly and hope they don't violate code at some point in the future.

c) Should you ( the electrician) be cited for a violation (up front) with the assumption that at some point in time these receptacles are going to be utilized as "in use" ?


As long as your installation was done according to code, I don't see how you can be cited based on what a homeowner might do in the future.

d) If the front receptacles on either side of the door are switched (obviously you know they're going to be utilized for Xmas lights) would you install bubble covers to pass inspection and remove them at the customer's request after the inspection ?


No. Inspections are not supposed to be dog & pony shows. Once something passes inspection, it's supposed to stay that way. Making changes after it passes constitutes illegal work, and if the changes themselves constitute a code violation, you won't have a leg to stand on if you get caught.
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

A receptacle at 24" high with the roof eave overhanging the wall 12" to 24". Wet location or damp location?
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

Originally posted by royta:
A receptacle at 24" high with the roof eave overhanging the wall 12" to 24". Wet location or damp location?
Sometimes damp vs. wet rivals that other monumental discussion as to what is workmanlike manner ;)
Many people(including myself) seem to agree on a 45 degree "rule" from the edge of the overhang to the wall. Within or above the line is damp and below is wet.
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

Makes sense. Is that how the NEC sees it though? I don't mind installing one, but if the homeowner doesn't like it, I shouldn't have to lie to the person and say that's what the NEC requires.
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

Originally posted by royta:
Is that how the NEC sees it though?
I'm sorry, I was trying to make a point sarcastically. The difference between wet vs. damp is not clear in the NEC. It is one of those things left to the AHJ to interpret.
 
Re: exterior wall outlets..residential

Read 406.8 A. It says shall have a cover for attachment cap when not inserted,that1s the key word not inserted.Soffit receps are for holiday lighting.You know real well that with a switch they will be left plugged in.Here if the recep is protected from direct run off or within 6 ft of the edge of the porch/lanai then a reg wp cover but t.v. receps in these areas get an in use cover.Same thing it will be left plugged in. ;)
 
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