Can I put a hole in a weatherproof box?
#1
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Can I put a hole in a weatherproof box?
I have a very old outdoor box with a GFCI for a sump pump and it needs to be updated. It's vertically oriented right now (the PVC conduit comes in the top) and I need it to be horizontal so the pump/switch cords will all fit under the all-weather cover. But it seems that all the single-gang boxes have the conduit holes in the ends. Can I just drill a hole in the side of the box to fit the conduit fitting, or do I have to go to a double-gang box to get the hole in the top and still get the width I need?
#2
If I read your post correctly, the whole reason you want to do this is so you can fit the cords under the cover? Why not just purchase a vertical in-use cover, and leave the box as-is?
https://www.amazon.com/Taymac-MX3200...65221373&psc=1
Andy
https://www.amazon.com/Taymac-MX3200...65221373&psc=1
Andy
Last edited by Andrew; 05-29-19 at 12:00 PM. Reason: Added link showing item
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That's what I have (just put it on a couple days ago) unfortunately the design of the switch plug doesn't lend itself to a vertical box and I have a feeling that cord won't last long at all the way it's all scrunched up. The switch plug goes into the outlet first then the pump plug piggy-backs onto that.
They really didn't put a lot of thought into that design but it's pretty common.
They really didn't put a lot of thought into that design but it's pretty common.
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If it can I'm not seeing it.
I think my picture is misleading. This is what the switch plug looks like; it comes in from the left in my picture. The one coming straight out in my picture is the pump; it plugs in to the switch plug.
I think my picture is misleading. This is what the switch plug looks like; it comes in from the left in my picture. The one coming straight out in my picture is the pump; it plugs in to the switch plug.
#6
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Mount a 2 gang cover on the existing box and seal up the unused opening with a blank insert and some caulk.
https://www.zoro.com/taymac-while-in...yABEgK06vD_BwE
https://www.zoro.com/taymac-while-in...yABEgK06vD_BwE
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I actually thought of that because I'd really prefer to do it that way but
I can't find anything in the way of a blank insert. Do they actually make something like that, or do you mean to just rig something?
And would that meet code?
Thanks
I can't find anything in the way of a blank insert. Do they actually make something like that, or do you mean to just rig something?
And would that meet code?
Thanks
#9
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will it meet code?
Any water or condensation that might find its way in will drip out the bottom and not migrate up and back into the box that should also have a gasket between it and the cover.