Replies

1. 
   NickNukeEm | Dec 01, 2003 02:34am | #1

   As far as I know (I am not a licensed electrician) the only requirements concerning exterior boxes are that they must be weatherproof and for those that are in expected wet locations (rained on) they must be fitted with a raintight cover.

   But the requirements here in east rocky bottom connecticut mean very little to you in the grand state of Lincoln.  Come Monday (or the first available opportunity) you need to go (or call) your Building Inspector and ask what, if any, local requirements apply for an exterior mounted box.

   But I can't believe there would be anything that specific, but who knows, that's why you have to make the call.

   Edit, common sense says to place it above the expected water level, in this case, not embedded in the decking.  Make sense?

   I never met a tool I didn't like!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/30/2003 6:37:27 PM ET by NickNuke'em

1. 
   brownbagg | Dec 01, 2003 03:14am | #2

   It has to be a GFI, I know but height I think is 18 inches

   The best employee you can have but you wouldn't want him as a neighbor " He the shifty type"

1. 
   NickNukeEm | Dec 02, 2003 01:13am | #3

   Is that a local requirement, or NEC guideline?  I can't find any reference to the height in my code check book, but that is nothing more than the high profile stuff.  Locally (here) there is no hard and fast number.  A rule of thumb is 12 inches above the deck, floor, whatever.  I've seen boxes 6" from floor pass.  (A lot of those are retro fitted into the high baseboards instead of destroying the lath/plaster.  Has become, 'acceptable.')

   It might just come down to who's doing the inspection on any given day.  No surprise to most, I'm sure.

   I never met a tool I didn't like!

1. 
   brownbagg | Dec 02, 2003 02:18am | #4

   go to http://www.doityourself.com then to electrical and ask John Nelson he know NEC by heart

   The best employee you can have but you wouldn't want him as a neighbor " He the shifty type"

2. 
   4Lorn2 | Dec 02, 2003 03:43am | #5

   If Illinois local codes follow the NEC (National Electric Code), most local codes are very close, and the house already has an exterior receptacle, or two as some local authorities ask for, then there are very few rules as to where it can't go. 

   If exposed to the weather it mush be protected by a weather proof cover and box , if applicable. If there is any chance that this receptacle will be used and not under constant supervision, like when you plug in and use a circular saw where your always there, then I heartily recommend installing an in-use cover. These have a dome that keeps water out even when something is plugged in. Important for Christmas lights and such that remain plugged in without supervision.

   If the receptacle is to be used by someone in a wheelchair, always a good provision as anyone can end up in one, keep it between 12" and 4' above finish floor, or deck as the case may be.

1. 
   JohnSprung | Dec 02, 2003 03:59am | #6

   Another thought -- It's nice to have the outdoor receptacle controlled by an indoor switch.  That way it's only hot when you really need it.

   -- J.S.

1. 
   4Lorn2 | Dec 02, 2003 05:25am | #7

   A grand idea, as long as you remember about the switch, especially if you are planning to plug in something like Christmas lights. At least once I have written a note, "switched", under the flip cover to alert anyone that  if the receptacle doesn't work to play with the switches before calling in the electrician.

   I regularly get calls for receptacles that don't work. Switched receptacles and tripped GFIs are always a good chance. If I can otherwise justify the trip I try not to charge for these two minute jobs but a two hour drive guarantees that your getting a bill. I usually try to find something else to do.

   Checking the the main panel voltages, general safety and tight connections soaks up the time and adds value for my half hour minimum charge. Not uncommon to find a few connections running hot. A bit of work can save a large charge later. Adding a receptacle, often in a garage, is another option I can get done in the time.

2. 
   archyII | Dec 03, 2003 03:05am | #13

   If the receptacle is to be used by someone in a wheelchair, always a good provision as anyone can end up in one, keep it between 12" and 4' above finish floor, or deck as the case may be.

   15" and 54" (or 44") depending on front approach or side approach for the wheel chair.

3. 
   CPopejoy | Dec 02, 2003 08:03am | #8

   shel,

   I don't know about Illinois Code.  Most states follow some version  the NEC.

   Paraphrasing from the 2003 NEC, 201.52(E), Outdoor Outlets.  The outdoor receptacles required at the front and back of a dwelling shall be accessible from grade level, and no more than 6 1/2 ft above grade.

   If you want to meet current National Code, keep in mind that even if the receptacle is within 6.5 ft of grade, it still must be accessible from grade level.  Many inspectors take this to mean that you have to be able to reach it while you're standing on the ground.  So unless the receptacle is within a foot or two of a side of the deck, and is less then 4 or 5 feet above grade, it doesn't satisfy the requirement.  This makes good sense, if the deck isn't accessible from grade level. 

   I think that if the deck can be reached via stairs from grade level, you should put the outlet where ever it works in terms of aesthetics and convenience.  (Of course, if the deck is accessible by stairs from grade level, would that make it a porch?)  I'd argue that the outlet is accessible from grade, if you can walk up a few stairs and get to it.  A picky building inspector (or home inspector) could find fault with this logic, though. 

   Another thought--it's likely that if your house doesn't already have a receptacle outlet in the back that meets Code, then adding the deck doesn't trigger a requirement to add one.  Different jurisdictions have different triggers for bringing wiring not directly part of the project up to current code; like, if you remodel more than 50 percent of the floor areas of a house, all the wiring has to be brought up to current code.  Your local AHJ can tell you about this.

   Enjoy the deck.  Also, consider adding a telephone jack near the outlet (there are exterior, weatherproof jacks available).  All the better to connect the laptop to Breaktime.

   Cliff

1. 
   BungalowJeff | Dec 02, 2003 08:32am | #9

   A poster at the American Bungalow forums was told that his outlets were installed 18" off of the floor to avoid a cat peeing on it. I have never had the oppurtunity (or desire) to confirm this height, but I have heard of crazier things....that's not a mistake, it's rustic

1. 
   NickNukeEm | Dec 03, 2003 01:17am | #10

   We currently have three cats, and have had at least one for the last 20 years.  Gotta admit I have never seen any of them taking aim at any receptacle.  At each other, maybe . . .

   I never met a tool I didn't like!

1. 
   dIrishInMe | Dec 03, 2003 02:42am | #11

   I am far from an electrician and don't know squat about Ill elect code but... I know what our electricians do to pass their inspections... (we use the NEC in our state)

   In support of the earlier quote from the NEC:

   Paraphrasing from the 2003 NEC, 201.52(E), Outdoor Outlets.  The outdoor receptacles required at the front and back of a dwelling shall be accessible from grade level, and no more than 6 1/2 ft above grade.

   1) Our electricians put the outlet on the house near the edge of the porch/deck so that it can be reached from the ground - you have to reach through the ballusters...

   2) GFCI protected (obviously)

   3) They have gone to a new style cover that is weather proof with a cord plugged in.

    

   Not directly related, but they also install an outlet within 25' (I think it is) of the outdoor HVAC unit (heatpump) for service access.  Which is a new requirement within the last year or so, as is #3 above.Matt

2. 
   JohnSprung | Dec 03, 2003 02:43am | #12

   But if you put the receptacle low enough and leave the cover open, the cat will only do that once....  ;-)

   -- J.S.

1. 
   BungalowJeff | Dec 03, 2003 07:16pm | #15

   I think it depends on the electrolyte content of feline urine. They proved you could not get electrocuted if you pee'd on the subway third rail on Mythbusters.

   When I read the post reply about the cat pee height, I thought either this guy had a funny electrician, or the local code was written by an old lady with 50+ cats. I'm guessing the former, who probably was tired of explaining why he picked the height for new outlets....that's not a mistake, it's rustic

4. 
   BossHog | Dec 03, 2003 03:19am | #14

   Where are you at in Illinois?

   We've got several here - Mostly from south of I-80 it seems. There's one from Springfield, one from the Champaign area, and I'm from Carlinville. I know there are a couple others, but their locations escape me at the moment.

   Happiness is watching the TV at your girlfriend's house during a power failure. [Bob Hope]