Sealing around coach fixtures

[Kdog76]

I'd like do a poll on this one, but until I learn how I'll ask the question (geared more towards new resi construction:
On installing coach fixtures on either a siding block/ J block or Arlington block, they usually don't come with gaskets like a flood light would, so how many of you seal around coach fixtures? Is it something you always do? Also, is 100% silicone or something else your preferred method of sealing?


p.s. maybe someone can point me in the right direction on starting a poll...:-?

 

[Flex]

If im out of caulk, I use Velveeta Cheese. Otherwise the caulk works fine for me.

 

[okeefe]

I Never seen a gasket you can purchase, but clear calk will work

 

[Power Tech]

If it is a custom and rock I request the mason grout the fixture to match. Especially if it is a large.

I use paintable calk, water base, water seal with my finger.

I seal everything, conduit, LB's.

Entering the skirt of mobile homes I use steel screen for rodents.

I have passed (coned) the painters or an unwitting GC to calk them but most wont fall for it.

 

[Bobhook149]

I always silicone it up tight.

 

[electricmanscott]

I have never ever caulked an outside light fixture.

 

[infinity]

I have never ever caulked an outside light fixture.

Ditto that.

 

[SEO]

Some instructions with luminaires recommend caulking.

 

[hurk27]

Some instructions with luminaires recommend caulking.

well if it is part of there listing I would say they need to supply it

other wise its just wishful thinking:roll:

 

[LarryFine]

I have never ever caulked an outside light fixture.

Same here. Just about.

If a gasket or sealant was necessary for a compliant installation, the manufacturer would have such materials and instructions included in the packaging, like flood canopies and WP covers do.

Argue with that logic.



P.Ps. If you do caulk a wall-mounted fixture or other canopy, don't seal the entire circumference; leave the bottom section open to drain.

 

[Sierrasparky]

How do you handle irregular rock-work. Who is responsible for creating a nice fit.?

 

[hurk27]

How do you handle irregular rock-work. Who is responsible for creating a nice fit.?

I would say he who lays the stone:roll:

If they cant see my light box, or receptacle box, and know that it needs a flate surface around it, they don't need to be laying stone

 

[macmikeman]

Around here are many advanced and well read up on the code book inspectors who will not pass the job unless you caulk around the fixture top and sides. I'm sure they read it someplace, they just can't remember right now....

 

[flatlander]

I would say he who lays the stone:roll:

If they cant see my light box, or receptacle box, and know that it needs a flate surface around it, they don't need to be laying stone

sounds good to me

 

[electricmanscott]

Around here are many advanced and well read up on the code book inspectors who will not pass the job unless you caulk around the fixture top and sides. I'm sure they read it someplace, they just can't remember right now....

That's usually the answer to those kind of questions.

 

[SEO]

Around here are many advanced and well read up on the code book inspectors who will not pass the job unless you caulk around the fixture top and sides. I'm sure they read it someplace, they just can't remember right now....

They may be looking at section 410.10(A). Lumininaires installed in wet or damp locations shall be installed such that water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments, lampholders, or other electrical parts.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

The inspector may not know where to find it in the NEC, but that should not stop a good electrician from knowing where and complying.
312.2, 314.15, 410.10(A)-'08, 410.4(A)-'05

 

[AVD001]

I leave it up to the GC to seal around all fixtures

 

[macmikeman]

The inspector may not know where to find it in the NEC, but that should not stop a good electrician from knowing where and complying.
312.2, 314.15, 410.10(A)-'08, 410.4(A)-'05

As I said, we have well read an up on code inspectors... And I always seal, every single time I put one up, cause I like to pass inspections. They just never are able to show me where its found in the book, I test em all the time. Its all part of my schtik.

 

[sparky76]

P.Ps. If you do caulk a wall-mounted fixture or other canopy, don't seal the entire circumference; leave the bottom section open to drain.

Thats the way I was taught