How to Weatherproof Outlets Using While-in-Use Covers
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Are you ready to install Christmas lights? Halloween lights? What if weather moves in?
What happens to an outlet like this when rain hits it?
Let’s not test our GFCI outlet continuously. Instead, give it a chance and keep our homes safer: I recently installed a bubble cover on an outdoor outlet to protect my home.
It’s almost as simple as replacing a screw, but here’s a head’s up. Double check the distance needed on what you want to plug in first before purchasing.
Weatherproof while-in-use outlet covers do come in different depths.
Jumbo vs Regular
So if you need more distance from the outlet as your cord curves down, you might need a jumbo size cover.
TOOLS NEEDED:
- Screwdrivers (probably flat head, Phillips too if you buy an Intermatic weatherproof cover)
- Electrical Tester
- I also pulled out a cloth to clean the debris off the outlet
- Aaaaaand espresso to fuel this project.
We have this Commercial Electric set.
I’m partial to an outlet tester because it tells you if there are any problems with the outlet, but I couldn’t find it for the video. The voltage tester is just as good for detecting a live outlet. Really, you only need one, or neither. Grabbing an Echo Dot (https://youtu.be/MpZsPYt47hw or any other device that lights up) and seeing if it lights up is just as effective.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
- Regular-size Intermatic WP1000C Guardian Series Single Gang Weatherproof While-in-Use Cover, Clear or…
- Larger Depth Intermatic WP1110C 1 Gang Vertical/Horizontal 3-5/8-Inch Deep Weatherproof Box, Clear
I’ve also installed a full on 1 gang Commercial Electric in the past and it’s held up well here in the desert. So the different sized units I showed you in the picture above from Home Depot are also good options (unlisted because they are not available on their website, I haven’t tried the options listed on the website, and I’m not giving you a recommendation without having tried it first).
First, turn off the circuit breaker in your electrical panel.
I still like to make sure the outlet is turned off. Just because it is marked at the electrical panel does not mean some shenanigans did not occur between marking the panel and this moment in time. If you don’t have a fancy electrical tester like this fairly simple one, plug something in and see if it turns on.
Then get started taking off the old cover that allows rain in.
If your outlet has been installed for any amount of time, expect to see some dirt and debris. This is your chance to clean it up and start the clock again.
Next, pull out the plastic insert that matches your outlet:
This weatherproof outlet has a few configurations perforated for easy removal in the foam. The two weatherproof outlet covers I’ve used in the past have the foam is attached to keep the elements out of the outlet.
Last, screw on your weatherproof outlet cover and enjoy!
