WP Boxes

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Alwayslearningelec

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What constitutes a weatherproof box both indoors & outdoors? NEMA 3R & 4 & 4X are different. NEMA 3R doesn't seem to be fully weatherproof but 4 & 4x does.

How about indoor? If you needed to use a 4" ceiling junction box with blank cover what would be considered weatherproof? A cast FD or FS box I assume?
 
The chart on enclosure types in 110.28 should help you a bit as they better define the environment as opposed to the term "weatherproof".
 
augie47 said:
The chart on enclosure types in 110.28 should help you a bit as they better define the environment as opposed to the term "weatherproof".
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That's a great chart I never new about. Referencing that chart technically there is no weatherproof box for indoor use which makes sense. Drawing I have says all indoor boxes must be weatherproof. WT%
 
horsegoer said:
That's a great chart I never new about. Referencing that chart technically there is no weatherproof box for indoor use which makes sense. Drawing I have says all indoor boxes must be weatherproof. WT%
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What is the application that these are being installed?
Not heard of such a requirement on the interior. Only time came across this was for a large handicap shower/bathroom where the whole room would/could be exposed to water spray, it needed WR covers. It was a huge tileing job as well; floor, walls and ceiling all had to be able to withstand water spray.

But I have seen requirements from the stand point of the energy code that required boxes and penetrations be sealed, either by caulk or other means that restrict air flow. Also there are boxes that are constructed to achieve this as well. These are not necessarily watertight or weather resistant, just designed for meeting energy codes. Here it is the box that is sealed not the cover.
 
Fred B said:
What is the application that these are being installed?
Not heard of such a requirement on the interior. Only time came across this was for a large handicap shower/bathroom where the whole room would/could be exposed to water spray, it needed WR covers. It was a huge tileing job as well; floor, walls and ceiling all had to be able to withstand water spray.

But I have seen requirements from the stand point of the energy code that required boxes and penetrations be sealed, either by caulk or other means that restrict air flow. Also there are boxes that are constructed to achieve this as well. These are not necessarily watertight or weather resistant, just designed for meeting energy codes. Here it is the box that is sealed not the cover.
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boiler room.
 
From a prior code cycle 2010 NYS codes E3304.4 Enclosure Types

"Note: The term raintight is typically used in conjunction with Enclosure Types 3, 3S, 3SX, 3X, 4, 4X, 6 and 6P. The term rainproof is typically used in conjunction with Enclosure Types 3R and 3RX. The term watertight is typically used in conjunction with Enclosure Types 4, 4X, 6 and 6P. The term driptight is typically used in conjunction with Enclosure Types 2, 5, 12, 12K and 13. The term dusttight is typically used in conjunction with Enclosure Types 3, 3S, 3SX, 3X, 5, 12, 12K and 13."
 
Round here folks use Bell boxes. As a guy that has to deal with working on stuff later on I'd much rather have a hot dipped mallable FD box.
 
horsegoer said:
What constitutes a weatherproof box both indoors & outdoors? NEMA 3R & 4 & 4X are different. NEMA 3R doesn't seem to be fully weatherproof but 4 & 4x does.

How about indoor? If you needed to use a 4" ceiling junction box with blank cover what would be considered weatherproof? A cast FD or FS box I assume?
Click to expand...
horsegoer said:
What constitutes a weatherproof box both indoors & outdoors? NEMA 3R & 4 & 4X are different. NEMA 3R doesn't seem to be fully weatherproof but 4 & 4x does.

How about indoor? If you needed to use a 4" ceiling junction box with blank cover what would be considered weatherproof? A cast FD or FS box I assume?
Click to expand...
As a retired sparky with 50 years in the trade I never considered cheap bell boxes water or no much protection from the weather after opening up dozens of them with water & rusted screws. I installed aluminum Killark FS back feed boxes on 2 of my outside walks over 40 years ago. Used Hubbell yellow weatherproof heavy gasketed covers. Both have been buried under a foot of snow several times and when I open them up every 10 years dry inside. I used stainless steel 6/32 screws coated with antiseeze. The cast iron FS & FD boxes are great but are heavy. Not a big fan of plastic boxes for any devices except in corrosive areas.
 
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