Weatherproof Cover Plates
 

Happy Sunday All,

Wiring outdoor receptacles and switch for pool and pool light. Have run RNC and terminated at Carlon weatherproof PVC boxes, originally bought Carlon plastic/pvc/CRAP covers but don't like them as the spring on the receptacle cover keeps flying off.

Question---1---- Can I use a Metal Cover Plate (swith and receptacle) on a PVC Box?

Question---2--- If so, does the cover need to be grounded because it is metal and the box is not?

Question---3---Am I interpreting NEC 410.57(b) correctly in that I DO NOT NEED TO USE the type of covers that remain weatherproof while the box is in use, IF I AM NOT LEAVING unattended equipment plugged in??? Just want to use the type that weatherproofs when not in use...is this OKAY???



Thanks to All....:thumbup:

1 and 2 ... No you cannot use a metal cover, because the cover will not have a way to ground.

3.... I cant find 410.57 Can you double check that section? In 2008 the code will require inuse covers on all recs outside. I am not up on the requirements near a pool, so someone else needs to chime in .

Thanks J. So I guess to continue down the path to safety I should remove the PVC boxes and go with metal boxes and metal covers with weatherproof "in use" covers.

The code I cited came out of a wiring book "Ultimate Guied to Wiring" copyright 2004. But regardless, you cite 2008 code and I also found this on the web " Receptacles installed in damp or wet locations, have been in the NEC for years. Prior to the 2002 Code, Article 410.57 covered these locations. This Article was moved to 406.8 in the 2002 NEC with the following changes:
B. All 15- and 20-amp, 125- and 250-volt outdoor receptacles are required to be installed in an enclosure that is weather proof whether or not the attachment plug is inserted"

So off to lowes I go...Again...thank god its close... Thanks for your help J.

Al :thumbup:

I'd use an in-use cover everywhere outside. The days of the old flip cover are fading fast...

The code isn't too specific other than to say that metal faceplates must be grounded. If your cover has screws that attach to the receptacle itself, I would consider that grounded.

Check 406.5 for the faceplate requirements, and 406.8 for damp and wet locations. There is no 410.57... Say... you wouldn't be one of those guys that just makes up code articles trying to qualify what he is saying, are you:whistling2:...

InPhase277

Inphase, you can see my reference in my post above....I am a boat driver by trade certainly not a sparky. If I was one of "those" guys I would have cited NEC Article.....uh...... 90210.....:laughing:

How come I havent heard GFCI???????? Every line near a pool or outdoors, in a wet,damp etc REQUIRES one? :eek:

What about metal recp cover, attached to recp, but...
 

So, from what I have been reading here and in 406, and mike holt, if the metal cover on a plastic box is attached to the grounded receptacle I AM OKAY......but what if it is a 4x4 box with one receptacle and one switch each on their own circut and only the receptacle is grounded. The switch side has one of those sealed levers that have a yoke on inside to activate the grounded three way switch on inside.......Still I am pretty sure I see a metal box in my future:huh:

Sorry skymaster....YES, First ciricut has two receptacles located 10' 2" away from waters edge proctected by a 15a GFCIB.... :)

Second Circuit has two three way switches controlling a 300watt 12v transformer powered by a 15a GFCIB