In-use weatherproof covers

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JohnJ0906

JohnJ0906

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Baltimore, MD
My company uses a in-use cover that converts from verticle to horizontal use. (It also accomidates duplex, gfi, toggle switch, and several size single recepticles. Very versitile) Many of my co-workers don't bother to convert to horizontal before intalling, or removing the kos for the cords. The "old style" wp covers had a spring to automaticly close the cover, but these rely on gravity, and of course won't close on their own. Is there a code article that requires a wp cover to self-close, or am I just a little anal? (2nd choice seems to be popular with my co-workers) I tried to put a picture of one here, but the file is too large.
 
Not unclipping the cover from vertical to horizontal is plain laziness, in my opinion.

I don't break out the cord passages on install, as they are popular passages for bees and wasps to build nests inside the covers. The Arlington "In Box" has little removable (and replacable) tabs for the cord passage in leiu of twist outs.
 
I don't think there is an code article that calls for them to be self-closing, but I do agree with mdskunk, that it's pure laziness.

I've seen many of those "dual flip" horizontal covers mounted vertically - and "it don't just plain look right". I realize that as far as providing a seal in a wet location, it doesn't really matter, but it was designed as a horizontal application.

I love those Arlington In-Box units - they're pretty slick, and are low profile. I personally don't like the "bubble look" of those in-use covers, and have a few customers that tend to agree.

Thanks,

Brett
 
mdshunk said:
Not unclipping the cover from vertical to horizontal is plain laziness, in my opinion.

I don't break out the cord passages on install, as they are popular passages for bees and wasps to build nests inside the covers. The Arlington "In Box" has little removable (and replacable) tabs for the cord passage in leiu of twist outs.
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I agree. . You're better off not breaking any tabs. . You don't know which plugs the homeowner will use. . Why give a head start to the bugs and bees. . If the homeowner never uses the plug, it's better off with the tabs intact.

As far as the closing issue goes.
406.8(B)(1) "..... weather-proof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted."

It says "weatherproof" not just bubble cover. . A bubble cover is a piece of equipment but weatherproof requires the right equipment and the right installation. . For it to be weatherproof it has to have either an auto closer or be installed so that gravity closes it, but doesn't need to be both.

David
 
dnem said:
For it to be weatherproof it has to have either an auto closer or be installed so that gravity closes it, but doesn't need to be both.
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Is there a code section to support that, or is that an opinion? Weatherproof panels and boxes don't have self closing doors. In my opinion, if the homeowner is too lazy to close the cover themselves, that's their problem.
 
110.3(b) may have some bearing on the orientation of the cover....... be it horizontal or vertical. The manufacturer may specify that the cover be arranged in a certain way and this will most likely be part of the listing, from an NRTL, for the equipment.

Pete
 
I certainly agree it's lazy! The problem with the KOs being left in is that the homeowner dosen't know to do it, so when they plug in lo-volt yard lights or xmas lights it wont close. I will have to check the directions to see what it says. You would THINK common sense would kick in, but some of these goof-balls.....
 
steve66 said:
Is there a code section to support that, or is that an opinion? Weatherproof panels and boxes don't have self closing doors. In my opinion, if the homeowner is too lazy to close the cover themselves, that's their problem.
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Unfortunately, for 2 years, its my problem when the gfci trips and won't reset because of water in the box:mad:
 
JohnJ0906 said:
My company uses a in-use cover that converts from verticle to horizontal use. (It also accomidates duplex, gfi, toggle switch, and several size single recepticles. Very versitile) Many of my co-workers don't bother to convert to horizontal before intalling, or removing the kos for the cords. The "old style" wp covers had a spring to automaticly close the cover, but these rely on gravity, and of course won't close on their own. Is there a code article that requires a wp cover to self-close, or am I just a little anal? (2nd choice seems to be popular with my co-workers) I tried to put a picture of one here, but the file is too large.
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I use taymac covers, and you really need to convert the box or the home owner could end up in breaking the damn cover... as far as self closing, someone would just find a way to keep it open... :>
 
I saw an add from lowes and they advertised 8 in 1 metal in use covers that sell for less than $2.00 more than those garbage plastic ones.Anyone use these covers.Would like to know how well they hold up.
 
allenwayne said:
I saw an add from lowes and they advertised 8 in 1 metal in use covers that sell for less than $2.00 more than those garbage plastic ones.Anyone use these covers.Would like to know how well they hold up.
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Probably that junk pot-metal, and won't hold up worth beans, either.
 
allenwayne said:
I saw an add from lowes and they advertised 8 in 1 metal in use covers that sell for less than $2.00 more than those garbage plastic ones.Anyone use these covers.Would like to know how well they hold up.
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Used 'em before, and used one today. Cover is fine, much tougher than the plastic, problems are:
- gotta lift a little, or it will not open. People will generally just pull real hard before they realize it (done it myself), and eventually the mounting screws will break.

- it still sticks out too far, and will get sheared off!

Now, since ya gotta put this big 'ol blob on the wall anyway, why can't we just install an upside down bell box (receptacles looking at the ground) with the flip covers? Sounds odd, but it would actually stick out less, and probably survive longer...
 
I think the concept is a good one, but the products aren't as good as they could be. If something is going to be plugged in long-term, it shoud be protected. FYI, I checked the instructions today for the ones my company uses, and they say NOTHING regarding horizontal vs verticle mounting at all. (And no, I cant remember the brand!)
 
For awhile we had the convertible horiz. / vert. covers, the biggest problem i found was that unless the installer removed the locking device on the direction that was not being used.To open the cover took either alot of patience or an act of congress.The whole concept of in use covers is a great idea but that`s all it is a concept.To stick a cover made of plastic in the middle of a high traffic area is like putting up a wet paint sign DO NOT TOUCH.
 
allenwayne said:
To stick a cover made of plastic in the middle of a high traffic area is like putting up a wet paint sign DO NOT TOUCH.
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We do not have to buy the cheapest bubble cover available, that is choice made by the installer.

I usually request metal bubble covers made by Red Dot.

But the NEC does not require us to use a bubble cover at all.

Using a bubble cover is a another choice made by the installer.

There are other ways to comply with the NEC....one of the recessed set ups would be another way to go.
 
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