Saturday 19 November 2011

Learning About Waterproof Electrical Boxes

By Fiona Baron


Waterproof electrical boxes are particularly created to protect electrical panels which are either buried or exposed to the outside elements. Not only do they safeguard the electrical panel from damage that comes from moisture, they also visually conceal the electrical panel as well as any associated wiring. They will increase the overall safety of your outdoor electrical boxes since they're waterproof. These boxes can safeguard your electrical service from inclement weather, and specially engineered covers enable you to plug your electrical equipment into your box without any danger of exposing your outlet to moisture.

Why Should You Use Waterproof Electrical Boxes?

If the electrical box is allowed to be exposed to the elements, they could be quite prone to damage. This is the reason that electrical boxes are put in on the exterior of homes and garages along with other buildings. These special boxes are made to protect the electrical connection point, providing a weatherproof seal. When they're installed properly, these boxes will prevent debris, moisture, along with other damaging items from making contact with the box, and in turn will protect the electrical connection from possibly shorting out.

Installing Waterproof Electrical Boxes

Generally, you will need to have an electrician from Sacramento electrical services install waterproof electrical boxes on the exterior of the home, since it is quite important that they be installed properly. There are a few ways to put in these boxes, so an electrical contractor can determine the most effective method for your particular use. One way of installation involves cutting a standard junction box into the wall interior surface. Following this your box is open to the outdoors. A GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter can be installed, and then a cover plate and gasket can be added to create a waterproof seal. Or, a waterproof box can be linked to the wall using wall mounts and screws. Since the mounts are externally located, there is no need of having holes throughout the box's interior. This ensures that the box will stay safe and free from moisture.

How to Use Waterproof Electrical Boxes

Although these boxes work quite effectively at keeping moisture and outside debris from getting into exterior outlets, additional protection is necessary when something actually is plugged into the outside outlet. If you wish to make use of your exterior electrical outlets with no risk of coming into exposure to moisture, you will require some additional safety measures. Combining an extension cord that has a flip up cover can be a useful option. These covers may be kept closed whenever a cord is plugged in because the design includes a groove in the bottom of the lid which allows the cord to exit through the bottom. This makes the outlet a great deal safer than if this was exposed to the elements while being utilized. These covers are economical, very easy to install, and durable enough to withstand harsh elements without becoming damaged.

If you have questions regarding the best way to install waterproof electrical boxes or make use of them safely, a certified Sacramento electrician can help.




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