in-use covers

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fireryan

Senior Member
Location
Minnesota
I took a code class last night and we wee talking about the new weather resistent gfi. The instructor was thinking that if you use the weather resistent outlet than you can use just a regular outdoor cover instead of the bulky in use cover. Has anyone else heard this?
 

Dennis Alwon

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Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
I took a code class last night and we wee talking about the new weather resistent gfi. The instructor was thinking that if you use the weather resistent outlet than you can use just a regular outdoor cover instead of the bulky in use cover. Has anyone else heard this?
The instructor is incorrect. Bubble cover is still needed. What article did he cite.
 

electricmanscott

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
I took a code class last night and we wee talking about the new weather resistent gfi. The instructor was thinking that if you use the weather resistent outlet than you can use just a regular outdoor cover instead of the bulky in use cover. Has anyone else heard this?

I would ask the "instructor" for a refund. Yikes.
 

infinity

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Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
I like the "either or" concept. I don't really understand the new requirement. I must use an in use cover to keep water out but now I must also use a WR receptacle. If the in use cover is already doing it's job why the new requirement?
 

Dennis Alwon

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Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
I have heard that the wr recep, were brought in because of the use of the clear bubble covers. Apparently the sunlight was hurting the device thus the new recep.
 

SEO

Senior Member
Location
Michigan
I took a code class last night and we wee talking about the new weather resistent gfi. The instructor was thinking that if you use the weather resistent outlet than you can use just a regular outdoor cover instead of the bulky in use cover. Has anyone else heard this?
Gfic receptacles have had in their instructions to use an in-use cover for years. Section 406.8 (B) (1) says that 15 and 20 ampere receptacles installed in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weather-proof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. It doesn't say a gfci receptacle. It may be protected by a gfci in a panel or a dead front. O5 NEC.
 
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Karl H

Senior Member
Location
San Diego,CA
I like the "either or" concept. I don't really understand the new requirement. I must use an in use cover to keep water out but now I must also use a WR receptacle. If the in use cover is already doing it's job why the new requirement?

How many "In-Use" covers have you seen with it's "Bubble" popped?
Leaving that poor defenseless receptacle shivering out in the cold
pouring rain? :D
 

infinity

Moderator
Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
How many "In-Use" covers have you seen with it's "Bubble" popped?
Leaving that poor defenseless receptacle shivering out in the cold
pouring rain? :D


A few. Here's one that is not so defenseless:

IMG_2024.JPG
 
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