Self closing covers on exterior weatherproof electrical receptacles.

[TVH]

What position must the self closing cover be installed for exterior weather proof electrical receptacles? I have seen self closing covers installed on the side of receptacles as well as top. Which is correct? If the receptacle is in use shouldn't the self closing cover be on the upper part of the receptacle to help keep moisture away from the plug and receptacle? Info apprecaied.

 

[iwire]

If you are talking about these types of covers







you can no longer use these in wet locations.


You need to use this type now and they must be installed per the instructions.





Or



Or

406.9 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations.

(A) Damp Locations. A receptacle installed outdoors in a
location protected from the weather or in other damp locations
shall have an enclosure for the receptacle that is
weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (attachment
plug cap not inserted and receptacle covers closed).
An installation suitable for wet locations shall also be
considered suitable for damp locations.
A receptacle shall be considered to be in a location
protected from the weather where located under roofed
open porches, canopies, marquees, and the like, and will
not be subjected to a beating rain or water runoff. All 15-
and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking receptacles
shall be a listed weather-resistant type.



(B) Wet Locations.
(1)[/B] 15- and 20-Ampere Receptacles in a Wet Location.
15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed in
a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof
whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. For other
than one- or two-family dwellings, an outlet box hood installed
for this purpose shall be listed, and where installed on
an enclosure supported from grade as described in 314.23(B)
or as described in 314.23(F) shall be identified as “extra-duty.”
All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type
receptacles shall be listed weather-resistant type.

There are exceptions and more sections, worth looking at.