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Install an exterior grade outlet (Paul compliant cover) - electricity.straw.exteriorPaul PEP BB

BB electricity - straw badge

posted 4 years ago

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This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEP curriculum. Completing this BB is part of getting the straw badge in Electricity.

In this Badge Bit, you will install a exterior grade outlet that is protected in manner more in line with Paul's values. Often older houses have those silly exterior outlets with flappers over each socket that don't look like they really keep the rain out. Well, they don't. We can do better!

There aren't any youtube videos of pictures of a "Paul compliant box/cover" so you have some freedom to satisfy this BB. The idea is that:

you're protecting the outlet from the elements

a cord can be plugged in and stay protected from the elements

The cover is made from natural materials

To complete this BB, the minimum requirements are:
- install an exterior outlet
- include a homemade cover to keep a plugged in extension cord dry and safe
- this BB is to install the outlet and the code compliant cover, if you're just putting a cover on an existing box, that doesn't count for this one. But do it anyway!
- natural materials and standard fasteners allowed but no plywood, treated wood, stain, paint, etc

To show you've completed this Badge Bit, provide proof of the following as pics or video (less than two minutes):
- the location before you start the job
- the wiring underway
- the installation done showing the outlet working correctly with a circuit tester
- clear depiction of the cover
- a description of how you think you've outsmarted the elements

COMMENTS:

Jesse Lane

Posts: 79

posted 4 months ago

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Approved submission

I read this BB and thought it would be fun to have a go at it.
I installed a 20amp exterior outlet by my patio where the dryer vent used to be located. For the cover I used a piece of 1x8 pine, some 1-5/8” trim screws, and some copper flashing.
I basically built a birdhouse without a front and bottom. The roof is slanted at 35 degrees. I cut in a drip groove around the bottom edges like old wooden window sills. After installing the cover, I hit it with water then removed it to check it out. A driving rain from the east could splash enough to get some behind it so I added copper flashing.
In closing, always install a 20amp line to the exterior of your house if at all possible. So when people such as myself come to work on your house I don’t have to keep knocking on your door and asking you to flip the breaker on Again.

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