when do I need to use a weatherproof in use cover

[Dennis Alwon]

See, where my hang-up lies is due to the fact that rain is often associated with wind. Matter of fact, every now and again it will literally "rain sideways". Does a roof that provides substantial protection from weather 364 out of 365 days of the year still qualify as protection from weather?

Look at the damp location definition. I would think that it fits but I hear you. Shall we plan for hurricanes, etc. Reasonable is up to the ahj on this one. There is no easy answer....

 

[76nemo]

I personally cant think of anything uglier than an FS box mounted on siding with a big ol bubble cover to boot. Your looking at like 8 inches of protursion. and most people look horrified when they see it. I will almost always cut the box in the wall. And I was always led to beileve that if there is a roof over the outlet than it is considered damp location not wet.

Is that any uglier than a WP box with a regular recep unprotected? I did a house three years ago only to come over and very well compliment the deck work until I saw he tapped off of my GP circuit and have unprotected outside recep's. How's that suit you? After all of the time I spent putting that residence above and beyond, some handyman comes in later and taps off of my work

 

[mdshunk]

Look at the damp location definition.

Yeah, I know, but "such as" doesn't necessarily qualify the location in every case.

 

[stickboy1375]

I personally like the 45? angle to determine damp from wet.

 

[mdshunk]

I personally like the 45? angle to determine damp from wet.

I recently learned that's how the DOT guys check to see if your truck needs mud flaps or not. Draw a 45? angle from where the tire contacts the road, toward the rear bumper. If the line hits the bumper first, you're good. If that line comes out beyond the back of the truck, you require mud flaps. (The ticket is 144 dollars )

 

[stickboy1375]

I recently learned that's how the DOT guys check to see if your truck needs mud flaps or not. Draw a 45? angle from where the tire contacts the road, toward the rear bumper. If the line hits the bumper first, you're good. If that line comes out beyond the back of the truck, you require mud flaps. (The ticket is 144 dollars )

Every time I follow a truck I dont think it helps... :grin:

 

[C3PO]

I see it a bit differently then Marc however it comes down to what is considered wet location.

Here is the art.


I find this very interesting-- If I install an outlet in a wet location it does not appear that I need an in use cover unless there is something plugged into it at all times. So why does every jurisdiction make us use in use covers if nothing is plugged into them in a wet location?

Dennis, isn't Section 406.8(B)(2) for "other receptacles" as in receptacles other than 406.8(B)(1) which is for 15 & 20 Ampere receptacles in a wet location. I believe B 1 requires in use covers regardless of intended use.

 

[tonyou812]

My other problem with bubble covers is how many times do you see them with the cover broken off? The way I see it the customer plugs into it and while they are using the cord for a weed wacker or blower or something that requires them to move around, inevitably the cord catches the side of the cover and "snap" its gone. Im not saying that bubble covers dont "save" lives but why cant someone make one that wont break off when the wind blows?
In new construction Ill almost always use the sunken in ones, these make the most sense and have a lower failure rate.

 

[iwire]

I see it a bit differently then Marc however it comes down to what is considered wet location.

Here is the art.

406.8(B)(2) Other Receptacles. All other receptacles installed in a wet location shall comply with (B)(2)(a) or (B)(2)(b).
(a) A receptacle installed in a wet location, where the product intended to be plugged into it is not attended while in use, shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof with the attachment plug cap inserted or removed.
(b) A receptacle installed in a wet location where the product intended to be plugged into it will be attended while in use (e.g., portable tools) shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug is removed.

I find this very interesting-- If I install an outlet in a wet location it does not appear that I need an in use cover unless there is something plugged into it at all times. So why does every jurisdiction make us use in use covers if nothing is plugged into them in a wet location?

That section only applies to receptacles that are not 125 or 250 Volt 15 or 20 amp.

406.8(B)(1) requires ALL 15 and 20 amp 125 or 240 volt receptacles to have a bubble cover in wet locations regardless of any other circumstances. (Well there is one exception for high pressure wash down areas)


I also believe in the unwritten 45 degree rule. :smile:

 

[peter d]

Im not saying that bubble covers dont "save" lives but why cant someone make one that wont break off when the wind blows?

The only ones that won't snap off are the die-cast metal ones from Red Dot. I like to use those whenever I can.

 

[jdsmith]

The only ones that won't snap off are the die-cast metal ones from Red Dot. I like to use those whenever I can.

Hvae you ever painted them to help with the ugliness factor? I don't see why it wouldn't work, it's just a lot of time.

 

[LarryFine]

Actually, I thought you would pull out the hammer

Nah, a megger.