Code question
#1
08-16-06, 12:55 PM
Code question
Hello and thanks in advance for your help.
1. I am installing an outside box for a GFI recepticle. It is a dedicated (no other appliances) line. The box I purchased at the local H.D. was for outside use as it is threaded and rated as such. I plan to run NM cable (12-2) to this box. The box itself will be mounted via screws to the wood sheathing underneath my vinyl siding. I plan on attaching the NM cable to the outside box via a NM type cable clamp which I will screw into the threads of the box. Is this up to code? If not, do I have to run conduit, or is there another alternative. I live in Nassau county on Long Island in New York.
Thanks!
Ray.
1. I am installing an outside box for a GFI recepticle. It is a dedicated (no other appliances) line. The box I purchased at the local H.D. was for outside use as it is threaded and rated as such. I plan to run NM cable (12-2) to this box. The box itself will be mounted via screws to the wood sheathing underneath my vinyl siding. I plan on attaching the NM cable to the outside box via a NM type cable clamp which I will screw into the threads of the box. Is this up to code? If not, do I have to run conduit, or is there another alternative. I live in Nassau county on Long Island in New York.
Thanks!
Ray.
#3
08-16-06, 01:05 PM
If you are going to run the cable into the back of the box and screw the box directly to the house, then the cable will never be outside and this is ok.
You cannot run the cable outside and then into the box.
You cannot run the cable outside and then into the box.
#4
08-16-06, 01:13 PM
Thanks racraft and jwhite.
I should have been more explicit. This NM cable will be attached via a NM cable clamp to the back of the outside box. The cable itself will not be outside. It will come through a hole made in the sheathing. I think jwhite had envisioned it correctly. Thanks racraft and jwhite!
ray.
ray.
#5
08-16-06, 03:36 PM
These boxes are generally used for conduit applications however I dont find much fault with your plan other than the rain tightness due to the nm clamp but it will be recessesd into the side of the house then sealed around the edges I would presume. Word of caution a gfci takes up a heck of a lot of room this type box doesnt leave a lot of room for the wiring. You should be fine if this is a end of run situation. If you find it hard to get the gfci in the box they make a single gang box extender that you place on the front of the box, this will give more space to work with.
Have you considered any flush mount options?
Roger
Have you considered any flush mount options?
Roger
Last edited by Roger; 08-16-06 at 07:45 PM.
#6
08-16-06, 03:57 PM
Oh forgot.... you will need a "in use cover" if what you plug in will be left unattended.
Should add.... this makes for a lot of stuff sticking off the side of your home which is why I think you should consider a flush mount box.
You might google "AI fittings" and look at the products catalog then click on weather proof products. Then choose the type of siding you have most likely rigid existing.
There are also options offered by the big box stores.
Consider connecting a short piece of emt to the back of the box using appropriate fittings with plastic bushing on inside wall fitting then feed the nm into the box through the emt man made nipple. This way the fitting seals the box threaded hole and then all you do is seal the gap around the emt and the hole you punch. I dont like caulking around the box itself traps water if it gets by the caulk and rots the siding. If you notice most of these boxes have 4 small metal stand-offs on their backside to hold the box off the siding just a tad and allow moisture to get by the box, so caulking the box edge isnt desired.
Should add.... this makes for a lot of stuff sticking off the side of your home which is why I think you should consider a flush mount box.
You might google "AI fittings" and look at the products catalog then click on weather proof products. Then choose the type of siding you have most likely rigid existing.
There are also options offered by the big box stores.
Consider connecting a short piece of emt to the back of the box using appropriate fittings with plastic bushing on inside wall fitting then feed the nm into the box through the emt man made nipple. This way the fitting seals the box threaded hole and then all you do is seal the gap around the emt and the hole you punch. I dont like caulking around the box itself traps water if it gets by the caulk and rots the siding. If you notice most of these boxes have 4 small metal stand-offs on their backside to hold the box off the siding just a tad and allow moisture to get by the box, so caulking the box edge isnt desired.
Last edited by Roger; 08-16-06 at 07:43 PM.
#8
08-16-06, 04:26 PM
Bob that is correct if wet location..... my mistake. I keep thinking that section of code says if left unattended but the key is "wet location". I just use the in use covers these days whether damp or wet located.
#9
08-16-06, 06:29 PM
Thanks Roger
Hi- Thanks Roger. And thanks again racraft. I would consider this a raintight location as the back of the outdoor box is 1 1/2" behind my vinyl siding. I will also caulk around the box.
PS-I am on this site almost everyday, and want to commend you folks on the fantastic service you provide!
Ray
PS-I am on this site almost everyday, and want to commend you folks on the fantastic service you provide!
Ray
#10
08-19-06, 08:45 AM
Originally Posted by argekay
Hello and thanks in advance for your help.
1. I am installing an outside box for a GFI recepticle. It is a dedicated (no other appliances) line. The box I purchased at the local H.D. was for outside use as it is threaded and rated as such. I plan to run NM cable (12-2) to this box. The box itself will be mounted via screws to the wood sheathing underneath my vinyl siding. I plan on attaching the NM cable to the outside box via a NM type cable clamp which I will screw into the threads of the box. Is this up to code? If not, do I have to run conduit, or is there another alternative. I live in Nassau county on Long Island in New York.
Thanks!
Ray.
1. I am installing an outside box for a GFI recepticle. It is a dedicated (no other appliances) line. The box I purchased at the local H.D. was for outside use as it is threaded and rated as such. I plan to run NM cable (12-2) to this box. The box itself will be mounted via screws to the wood sheathing underneath my vinyl siding. I plan on attaching the NM cable to the outside box via a NM type cable clamp which I will screw into the threads of the box. Is this up to code? If not, do I have to run conduit, or is there another alternative. I live in Nassau county on Long Island in New York.
Thanks!
Ray.
