Home Wiring Guide And Outdoor Low-voltage Lighting

2007-12-15 Word Count: 426 Category: Home Improvement

Any home wiring guide recetpacles that provide outdoor power for a residential dwelling, even if they are in an outbuilding, must have ground-fault-circuit-interrupter protection [NEC Section 210.8(A)]. Although outdoor wiring GFCI receptacles may be used, they tend to nuisance-trip when exposed to the weather. It is better to have your outdoor branch circuit powered by a cable connected directly to a GFCI circuit breaker.

Every residence must have at least one receptacle installed at the front and back of the house. These receptacles must be within 6/2 feet of the finished grade [Section 210.52(E)]. In addition, any outdoor receptacle that will be in unattended use, such as one that supplies power to a pump motor, must have a weatherproof box and a cover that protects the box even when the plug is in the receptacle [Section 406.8(B)]. Receptacle covers are available for both vertical and horizontal installations and are either on the device in the box or attached to the box itself.

An outdoor home wiring guide receptacle may be mounted on a wall, post, or any secure location. If you choose to screw a receptacle box onto a wooden post, then be sure that the post is pressure-treated to inhibit rotting. You can also mount a weatherproof electrical box on the end of two >2-inch-diameter sections of galvanized rigid metal

conduit that are threaded on one end and anchored in concrete at the other. A two-gallon bucket can be filled with concrete to form the anchor. Burial depths vary across the country.

Weatherproof house wiring plans boxes and covers are also required to protect outdoor switches from exposure to the elements. Covers to single-, double-, and triple-gang boxes operated by toggle levers are available for outdoor switches, and there is also a cover for a combination single-pole switch with a duplex receptacle.

WEATHERPROOF BOXES AND COVER PLATES are available for single-pole, double-pole, and three-way switches. Covers also exist for switch/pilot lights. A-double-gang cover plate; B-switch/receptacle cover plate; C-single-gang cover plate

RECEPTACLE COVERPLATES for vertical or horizontal boxes may be box-mounted (A) or device-mounted (B). Cover types can be snap-shut (C), screw-cap, or flip-top (D).

A FREESTANDING RECEPTACLE BOX home wiring guide supported by rigid metal conduit must be mounted at least 12 inches, but no more than 18 inches, above the ground. It should have secondary support, such as a second conduit.

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