gfi outside is it safe

diymark

Hello... I recently had someone install a outdoor gfi on the balcony. I noticed the entire box was exposed. The gfi was not built in to the stucco of the house like the ones that came with the house were. Is it safe? The contractor gave me some reason I dont understand why he did not install the switch in the stucco.

jbfan

If it is a weather proof box with an inuse cover it is safe.
If you have questions about the box, snap a picture for us to see.
The reason I don't try to install a box into stucco, is I won't take the time to repair the stucco afterword, which may take longer for me than the install of the receptacle.

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Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

Bob Mariani

If it is a waterproof box it is fine. Installed as a surface mount to avoid chipping the stucco as well use using a none waterproof box for a recessed application may still allow water to get in to the box through the stucco, so you would have a worse job. If installed prior to the stucco as your old house, a special box made for that application would have been used.

Scuba_Dave

Post a pic if you can



It shoud have an in-use cover, grey or clear






It should not have one of the old-style covers

diymark

thanks.... I just wanted to be sure it is safe. Also.. it doesnt look as nice as the gfi that was built into the stucco by the builder. It is a waterproof box but I was concerned because it is always exposed since it is mounted on the outside of the stucco. I thought surely water could find its way in there.

Bob Mariani

Cut the stucco with a Fein Multi-Master and you will not chip the stucco.

jbfan

Spend $300 for a tool that I may need 3 times a year?
No thanks




I would like one though!

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Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

HouseHelper

Dremel has a less expensive one ($99) not as good or as rugged, but for those 3-4 times a year you need it, it is well worth the $.

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Bob Mariani

It will be handy for trimming plates, cutting any material without chips for cut-in boxes. I am an electrical contractor and had one for 15 years now. Actually I now have three multi-masters. Just wait until you can afford or can justify the Fein, the others are not accurate enough for professional work.

georgiasparky

I bought a MM a while back. I don't know how I managed all these years without one. I'll bet I have used it a dozen times this month alone. It's like a sawzall, but it has finesse.

diymark

So the reason the contractor may have installed the surface mount is because it is safer than trying to install it recessed in the stucco? Is there a way to install the gfi in the stucco waterproof/tight/ safely? Or would that not be recommended? It looks so much better recessed.

georgiasparky

You can install it anyway you want. All it takes is time (your contractor's) and money (yours) to flush mount it. And, it may involve other crafts (i.e., drywall). If installed properly, it just doesn't matter -- both are safe.

A picture would be helpful.

Timster

Well, I really could use a Fein mulimaster, but the patent ran out a year or two ago, and now there are a few copies.

I just bought the Rockwell Sonicrafter copycat for $139 and a bunch of blades were included. The dremel was to small for my uses...

Here is a short video of the Rockwell at work; the guy uses it as a hammer, which I wouldn't do, but this 2.3 amp tool is fantastic so far: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew7ZJx0e1ag

It is not a Fein, but it is a really good copy, in my opinion. Now I don't have to borrow the Fein from different buddies anymore...

I couldn't justify the outrageous price for replacement blades on the Fein.

The Rockwell is burly.