Outdoor Receptacle Covers

Most homes have one or more outdoor power outlets (receptacles) and these should always be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).  See HandyHomeowner topic  GFCIs  for details on this important safety device.

In addition to GFCI protection, outdoor receptacles should also have weather-resistant covers to protect them from moisture and dirt (a bad electrical combination), both which are likely outside the house.

 

 

Residents sometimes have something plugged into an exterior outlet for a long time (fountain pump, Christmas lights, etc.)  If you have anything plugged in for more than a short time, your should install a While-In-Use receptacle cover.  These devices give protection from dirt and moisture while a power cord is plugged into the outlet.

There is strong debate among experts (electricians, inspectors, engineers) about what constitutes damp or wet locations and where these are really required.  I’ll let others argue about it, but it seems more common sense to me to just install a while-in-use cover anywhere you might have a cord plugged in outdoors.

They are available at all hardware stores and home centers.  Installation is simple and usually involves just one or two screws.  They come in different designs and sizes.

 

Tags: cord, cover, exterior, GFCI, outdoor, outlet, plug, receptacle, while-in-use