National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, October 19, 2017

Question:

What type of covers/cover plates are to be used or acceptable for gfi's on screened in porches ?

John Townsend

A

Answer:

Hey John thanks for your question. Porches can be considered damp locations as that term is defined in Article 100 (Location, Damp) unless the AHJ determines that the GFCI receptacle location is subject to saturation with water. The enclosure must be weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (not in use) as stated in 406.9(A). An extra duty cover (sometimes called an in-use cover by manufacturers) as required for wet locations by 406.9(B) would also be suitable. The GFCI receptacle must also be a listed weather resistant type as stated in the last sentence of 406.9(A).

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