Outdoor Electrical Boxes And Rain ?

Question

Hello:Will be installing a flood light on my deck.Have purchased two of those outdoor rated Aluminum type of boxes, and some PVC tubingand connectors, and am all set to go.Was wondering a bit about those outdoor boxes.They will be mounted on the siding to take the wires that will go thru the wall and direct them upward into the PVC pipe to where the light will be. Then another similar box hold the light, etc.The boses are sealed with an Aluminum cover plate and a gasket.My concern is that over the course of a few years, the gasket will of course become brittle,and it seems like rain can then easily seep in.Would it make any sense to drill a small "weep hole" in the bottom of the box so that ifany water does get in from a malfunctioning gasket, it has a way to get out ?Thanks,Bob

David · Accepted Answer

In the UK, boxes for this purpose have an IP rating (Ingress Protection). Drilling holes in them is damage, and they then aren't up to the job. I'd be inclined not to modify the box.David

Edwin Pawlowski · Answer

12 years.  No leaks yet.No, It may let water out, but could let moisture and condensation in.  Or bugs.  If it was a serious problem, there would be some warning about it.

Bert Byfield · Answer

Yes.

DL · Answer

Bob,Even with a hole on the bottom, water could still get into the box, so I wouldn't drill any holes, rather if you are concerned about them, buy extra gaskets to be able to replace on some regular basis.  These boxes are designed to meet NEC code specifications.  Mine have been installed for 10 years at my house and when I re-ran the circuit the other day as a part of finishing our basement, the gasket was like new on the inside of the box. The gasket is made up of a plastic looking foam, so I don't expect it will ever become brittle.David

Doug Miller · Answer

No.As pointed out by others, this also provides a path for humidity, and insects, to get *in*.Furthermore, to do so is a violation of the National Electrical Code: the box is approved for outdoor use _as_manufactured_. The hole introduces an untested, unapproved modification to the box, and thus the box _with_ the hole is not an approved device, and its use is a Code violation.

borgunit · Answer

If the wires are terminated correctly (probably wire nuts and wrappedin black tape) then there should be no issue. The only area to sealwould really be the wiring through the wall. Make sure you siliconeit, so no moisture is blown through by wind. Good luck.

Outdoor Electrical Boxes And Rain ?

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