Hint: Waterway woes
I spotted these receptacles mounted low on the side of this building while cruising around a local harbor on a water shuttle. The type of flip-up covers used on the boxes are only weatherproof when they are closed. One of the flip-up covers on the box on the right is completely broken off. Section 406.9(B)(1) requires covers for 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V receptacles installed in wet locations to be weatherproof whether the attachment plug cap is inserted or not. That same Section also requires any outlet box hoods installed for this purpose to be listed and identified as “extra-duty.” The covers installed here are neither “weatherproof while in use” nor “extra-duty” type. The one broken cover is a good reminder why “extra-duty” type covers must be used in these situations. As their name indicates, “extra-duty” covers are constructed in a manner that makes them better able to withstand the rigors of continually opening and closing the covers.
About the Author
Russ LeBlancRuss LeBlanc
Owner
Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.
Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.