4 Advice to Choose a waterproof electrical plugs

With competitive pricing and on-time delivery, Linko aims to be your trusted supplier and partner. Before the next rain shower, homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida, need to ensure their outdoor electrical elements are secure. Here are essential tips from David Gray Electrical to prepare outdoor outlets and waterproof electric boxes. As the fluctuating Florida weather this holiday season might bring rain, attention to outdoor electrical elements becomes crucial. Whether you're setting up festive lights or using outdoor devices, ensuring their safety is paramount. Are your outdoor outlets and electric boxes ready for the rain? Let’s explore some tips to keep them safe and dry.

Use a GFCI Outdoor Outlet

The installation of a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is mandated by the National Electrical Code. To identify a GFCI outdoor outlet, look for "test" and "reset" buttons along with embossed letters "WR" (indicating weather resistance). Every outdoor GFCI outlet should be managed by its own dedicated 20-amp circuit. Once installed by a professional, these outlets will allow you to safely use holiday and decorative lighting all year long.

Ensure Proper Installation of Outlets

If you’re unsure whether your outdoor outlets were installed correctly or meet current codes, it’s best to hire a professional to inspect them thoroughly. Previous homeowners might have used unlicensed electricians or taken shortcuts. Should any issues be found, they are usually easy to rectify. Contact David Gray Electrical to confirm the correct installation of your outlets.

Enhancing Safety with Weatherproof Covers

It is possible to safely use electrical appliances outdoors even in the rain, provided you have weatherproof covers. Known as "bubble covers" or "flip up covers," these designs allow cords to be plugged in while remaining safe from moisture. Required by the National Electrical Code, these covers feature grooves for extension cords to exit from the bottom. Consult an electrician to find the best waterproof cover configurations for your family’s needs.

Implement Safety Measures

Several precautions can help ensure the safety of your family and guests when using outdoor electrical appliances during bad weather. Verify that your swimming pool wiring complies with the latest code requirements. Avoid the use of permanent extension cords outdoors and instead rely on professional, permanent wiring. Never operate power tools connected to an ungrounded extension cord, and never leave outdoor electrical appliances unattended. The David Gray Electrical Services team is committed to keeping homes safe from electrical hazards throughout the year, especially during the holiday season. Proper preparation of outdoor electrical outlets and electric boxes is essential to prevent potential dangers when it starts to rain. For all your outdoor electrical safety needs, contact David Gray Electrical Services today. Have a specific requirement for waterproof electrical plugs? Our experienced sales team can guide you to the right options suitable for your needs. Contact us now.

Insights on Protecting Outdoor Electrical Outlets

Overview: Protecting outdoor electrical outlets from the elements can be achieved through various products. Deputy editor Matthew Millham details options such as surface-mounted versus flush-mounted assemblies, metallic versus non-metallic boxes, and weatherproof versus in-use covers. He covers ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and provides information on tapping into existing circuits or adding new ones for outdoor installations. If you ever need to power tools like a saw or compressor for outdoor projects, using an external receptacle is more convenient and safer than running an extension cord from the house. Consequently, model building and electrical codes now mandate outdoor receptacles for new homes. However, due to constant updates in codes, older receptacles might not meet current standards. When replacing or adding receptacles, it’s important to follow updated guidelines rather than relying on existing setups. For example, my home, purchased a few years ago, had an issue with the outdoor receptacle on the newly added deck. It had a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) but was not weather-resistant with a wrongly installed cover that wasn’t weatherproof, causing water to possibly stream in from day one. Such situations are common due to the complexities novices face in choosing the right boxes and covers, explaining why some jurisdictions require professional electrical work.

Surface-Mounted Installations

Surface-mounted installations involve attaching the box to the surface, leaving it exposed. This setup requires listed weatherproof boxes, labeled as "suitable for wet locations," along with weatherproof covers to prevent water entry. Surface-mounted boxes are generally screwed to siding or trim via external lugs or installed using knockouts in the back for a hidden mount. However, non-weatherproof holes must be waterproofed, and certain jurisdictions might not approve this method due to potential integrity issues. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines for approved methods and materials.

Flush-Mounted Solutions

Flush-mounted installations involve cutting a hole for the box to be recessed, making the front flush with the surface. In dry locations, a flush-mounted box doesn't need to be weatherproof, but the cover must be. Using standard indoor boxes outside is not ideal as they might leak air and are hard to integrate properly with exterior water and air barriers. Purpose-built exterior flush-mount boxes, such as those from Arlington Industries and TayMac, offer better solutions with easier integration and sealing. These UV-resistant plastic boxes are designed for various claddings and wall systems and can be used for new or retrofit applications. Some models also include metal inserts for metallic conduit compatibility.

Specialized Flush-Mount Boxes

Specialized flush-mount boxes, like those from Arlington Industries and TayMac, provide superior integration with water-resistive barriers on exterior walls and include integral in-use covers, decreasing the need for additional purchases and installations. These boxes are designed for use with exterior rigid foam and other cladding materials, making them versatile across different conditions. For more detailed insights, check out FineHomebuilding #290. For specific inquiries about two hole plug or related products, please contact us for expert advice.