[Head_Unit]

This used to be for a front porch light. We took out the light when we re-stucco'd and don't want to put it back. What I want to do is make it into an outlet. It is very well sheltered, so that's not an issue. If I could have an outlet here, I could plug in Christmas lights without duct-taped extension cords on the floor.

But what do I need to do for that conversion? I'm an electrical engineer and can do wiring, I just look at this and am not sure what I need. And I don't want to start tearing apart to examine, since I'd rather have a clue before starting to peel chunks of stucco off.

Is this an insert from the porch light, mounted into a blue box nailed to the stud? Or is the gray part the box nailed to the stud and the threaded piece sticking out is from the light?

Thanks!

 

[Jim Port]

The round hole is an adapter ring from a square box. The threaded stud is to mount the fixture.

You would need to switch the ring to a device ring and provide gfi protection.

 

[Head_Unit]

Ah, now I understand! I will take it apart some more.

GFCI is built into the outlet, is that correct?

 

[joed]

Use one of these with a GFCI receptacle after removing the bar.

 

[MrElectricianTV]

Use one of these with a GFCI receptacle after removing the bar.

I have never seen that Joed. Who makes it?

 

[joed]

That particular image came from

http://www.kyleswitchplates.com/circular-ceiling-outlet-cover-plates/

The duplex version is sold at Canadian tire here in Canada

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/leviton-octagonal-plate-receptacle-0526707p.html

 

[Msradell]

Use one of these with a GFCI receptacle after removing the bar.

That is a nice plate but in order to meet code it is going to require it in use cover since it's outside!

 

[BigJimmy]

Technically, you already have an outlet! :smile:

 

[Head_Unit]

...in order to meet code it is going to require it in use cover since it's outside!

Yeah, what cover do I need?

Really this is way up high and deep in an overhang, I'm not concerned, if that gets wet we will be too busy paddling the house upstream to car...
...but better to do things correctly.

 

[joed]

Being as this used to be a porch light I suspect it is up high. Does it need a bubble cover. I thought only receptacles within a certain distance of the ground needed them. In Canada receptacles 2.5 meters above grade do not need GFCI

 

[Oso954]

Assuming way up high and deep in an over hang is a damp location (not wet), the in use cover is not required. While it may be used, the older flat type exterior cover is fine.

I am not aware of any height exception for GFCI protection on exterior receptacles in the NEC. The GFCI should be the weather resistant type.

 

[gregzoll]

What if they go with the round cover that is used to run conduit for lights, etc, and then place a standard Single gang box to the side of the old light box. The only other in-use covers that are out there, are for the 4" boxes.

The one in use cover that manufacturers never think to have made, are for the round boxes.

 

[joed]

That actually looks like it might be a square box with a round plaster ring like this.

If that is true then one of these will work and accept the receptacle and any type cover you want.

 

[gregzoll]

joed you are correct. Could not tell earlier on my iPhone with tapatalk, what kind of box that was. They would just need to use a Dremel and a steady hand to cut away any stucco over that Mud Ring.

 

[Toller]

Do you have a ground in there? If not, I doubt code would allow you to use it for an outlet.

 

[Jim Port]

The electrical code requires lighting at exterior doors.

 

[gregzoll]

Do you have a ground in there? If not, I doubt code would allow you to use it for an outlet.

It is most likely hiding behind that bar for the light fixture.

Would not know, until they post a picture with that Mud Ring removed and the wires pulled out.

 

[Oso954]

From the look of the wires I see, and the fact there is a bar code on the mud ring, I would be fairly confident of finding some sort of a ground in there.

 

[gregzoll]

Same here.