GFCI Receptacle in Weatherproof Box

[retirede]

I use a lot of Concept enclosures as well partially due to their multiple rating - 4/12/13. Just thought it was worth pointing out, as I've experienced working with others who are absolutely convinced that Nema 12 is appropriate for outdoor use.

I seem to remember something in the Hoffman literature stating that if you provide a proper method of drainage, a N12 could be used as a N3R. I think they even sold a drain fitting for that purpose. That was back in the early '80s and things could be different now (too lazy to check). My memory ain't what it used to be either!

Buy you are correct - a N12 as-produced cannot be used outdoors, and there are a lot of people who think otherwise.

 

[kwired]

I seem to remember something in the Hoffman literature stating that if you provide a proper method of drainage, a N12 could be used as a N3R. I think they even sold a drain fitting for that purpose. That was back in the early '80s and things could be different now (too lazy to check). My memory ain't what it used to be either!

Buy you are correct - a N12 as-produced cannot be used outdoors, and there are a lot of people who think otherwise.

some of my mix-up comes from Square D panelboard cabinets that are mentioned in the catalog as being N3R, 5, 12. Removing drain screws to convert it to 3R I understand, but nothing else changes other then it has drain holes. This plus the concept enclosures having both 4 and 12 rating always gets my mind thinking the 12 is for outdoors until I look at the table in NEC and see otherwise.

I seldom have removed drain screws on those cabinets, probably technically is not a outdoor enclosure if I don't. Never see any signs of water accumulation in them either - though they usually have PVC raceway entries into the bottom wall and without any kind of gasket on those entries they usually will allow for drainage anyway.