Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

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hunt4679

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Perry, Ohio
I ran into a problem with a homeowner a few weeks back, I changed an old unprotected outlet on the outside of this persons house to a GFCI with a Inuse (bubble) cover and they didn't like that thing sticking out from their house. I told them that it is a new code and it has to be installed. I finally got them to understand.
My question is what do you do if they refuse to accept that?
 
Re: Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

You don't have a choice, so you put it on there.
They make some in use covers that don't stick out as much. If they don't like it they can change it when you leave.
 
Re: Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

I run into this objection on a fairly regular basis. Nobody likes the look of a bubble cover. What I generally do is tell them up front that if I have to work on that outdoor receptacle, it gets one of these, and I proceed to show them the bubble cover. That way, all the cards are on the table, and the decision is now theirs. If I havn't fussed with the outdoor receptacle yet, and they disapprove of the bubble cover, then I don't have to do anything.
 
Re: Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

MDSHUNK, I like that idea. But if you dont do any work how do you charge for your time for driving and going through the process of explaining it to them?

[ January 28, 2006, 10:00 PM: Message edited by: hunt4679 ]
 
Re: Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

Originally posted by hunt4679:

My question is what do you do if they refuse to accept that?
Click to expand...
My town in NJ requires a permit to install a GFCI.

That being said, the old "Do whatever you want after inspection" concept enters...I do, however, inform them that the cover is code, is for their protection, and if removed all claims (warranty, permit, HO insurance, etc) become immeadiatley VOID. They now become responsible should any "undesireable" events occur.
If they "get" the internet, I suggest a visit to Darwin Awards
 
Re: Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

Originally posted by hunt4679:
MDSHUNK, I like that idea. But if you dont do any work how do you charge for your time for driving and going through the process of explaining it to them?
Click to expand...
Hey, a service call is a service call, even if all I did was reset a breaker or just offer helpful advice. "Sixty-five bucks, please".
 
Re: Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

The bubble cover might still be optional, depending on which code cycle you're under. 99 only requires it if the intent is unattended use.
 
Re: Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

what mdshunk said,,when they call you,,and mention an outside rec.,,mention to them that you are required to install a unsitely cover,,that sticks out about 6 inches.
this way there prepared when you get there,,
 
Re: Inuse cover on GFCI change out?

Twice this has happened to me. I told the homeowner after showing them the bubble cover thats its the code and that I will cut a gem box into the siding to make it the least intrusive I can...So far the ppl appreciate the effort and are thankful
 
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