WeatherProof boxes (Bell box) and installing drain holes

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sw_ross

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It seems like I’ve previously seen in the installation instructions information about installing drain holes in the bottom of the box for moisture/water to escape.

Another electrician and I were talking about caulking the box and I mentioned installing drain holes. I didn’t see any information in the box that I was currently installing at the time about it though.

I’ve definitely opened up WP boxes that had a bunch of water in the bottom of the box causing tripping issues with the receptacle that was installed in it.

Questions-
1) Do you caulk the box?
2) Do you drill out drain holes in bottom of the box?
3) Do you mount the box with the included brackets that come with the box or do you just drill out the back of the box and use a drywall screws?
 
sw_ross said:
Questions-
1) Do you caulk the box?
Click to expand...

No, but we have used silicone on the cover
sw_ross said:
2) Do you drill out drain holes in bottom of the box?
Click to expand...

Yes, but please don't tell anyone
sw_ross said:
3) Do you mount the box with the included brackets that come with the box or do you just drill out the back of the box and use a drywall screws?
Click to expand...

Yes, but I don't use drywall screws. We used hex head screws or sometimes decking screws.
 
Exposes Dennis' zoophillist nature. By drilling a hole in the box he provides a home for some of N Carolina's critters such as fire ants. :)
They seem to love outdoor bell boxes.
 
I usually cut a notch in the bottom of the cover gasket which allows water to drain. Drilling a hole is another option. I wouldn't caulk anything.
 
sw_ross said:
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3) Do you mount the box with the included brackets that come with the box or do you just drill out the back of the box and use a drywall screws?
Click to expand...
Often drill the back and use a sheet metal screw. Typically with a fender washer and silicone caulk under the washer.
 
augie47 said:
Exposes Dennis' zoophillist nature. By drilling a hole in the box he provides a home for some of N Carolina's critters such as fire ants. :)
They seem to love outdoor bell boxes.
Click to expand...


I had a horrible time with ants, not fire ants, with the old motorized timers. Ants got so we sprayed all around and cleaned it out. Then the ants returned and destroyed the timer. Installed a new one and the ants got it again. I finally told the owner I would move the timer into the barn but that was the last time I would mess with it. The ants never bothered it in there.

Even with the WP timer the ants got in.
 
A little of topic but I have had trouble with fire ants and pressure switches on pumps, don't know why but they sure like them.
 
Yes holes are a good idea. Just recently I went back to an outdoor installation I had done with stupidest-thing-ever-raintight EMT fittings. LB was filled with water. Drilled a hole in the bottom of that puppy. Good thing the raintight EMT fittings were there 🤬
 
I drill holes as well. Opened up to many that had no sort of drainage.
I also use the mounting tabs unless impractical. Than use the optional mounting holes in back of box. Then chaulk top and both sides leaving bottom open.

While on quick tips.
Installing PVC Female adapters on GRC.
I use PVC glue. I always get strange looks when I tell the apprentice to get the special GRC glue.
It loosens up the the PVC so it threads on easy and all the way.
Wipe done the threads on the GRC and put in on. No half screwed on Female Adapters or broken fittings. Larger fittings wipe done both, inside FA and outside GRC. We it sets your good to go.
It also helps on your risers installation as well with hubs.
Or service equipment with PVC in disc hub when you have a wire way/ gutter above it.
 
Before the new WR devices came out they did not have SS screws. I always would replace device screws with SS and drill a hole in the box bottom. Later on when the instructions changed, I packed the threaded holes with duct seal, and sealed around the cover with silicon, but the key is drill a small hole in the bottom.
When the 6/32 screws break off thats it for the box, and replacement was next.
As far as mounting, I would use the tabs, fastening with SS pan head square drive.
I worked for the same company 38 years and would often go back to work on something I had installed years prior, so the holes, duct seal all worked.
But I seldom used Bell Boxes, and preferred FS style.
 
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I use pipe dope one the threaded openings drill a weep hole on the bottom and drill holes in the back or use the tabs, it all depends on my mood and the surface I'm mounting the box to.
I caulk/ duct seal/ silicone behind the box if needed.
 
I'm pretty sure I read instructions that told us to caulk the plugs for wet ratings.

I always drilled drain holes. I used them above every canopy light at gas stations and had an inspector in Wilmington ask about drain holes. He was the only one ever to ask about them. He was impressed when I showed him. I was impressed he came up on top of the canopy. :)
 
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