I’m installing an exterior electrical box. It has plugs for the holes that are not being used, and it says these plugs should also have “sealant”, but it doesn’t specify what type of sealant this would be.
What would I use? I was thinking 100% silicone.
Replies
Hi CeltsFan,
I'm installing an exterior electrical box. It has plugs for the holes that are not being used, and it says these plugs should also have "sealant", but it doesn't specify what type of sealant this would be.
What would I use? I was thinking 100% silicone.
If this is new construction in a wall, I'd simply Great Stuff the backside completely, once cured I'd touch up the inside of the electrical box and exposed edges with silicone.
If existing construction in a wall, I'd still foam it as best I could "through" the box and then touch up with silicone inside the box and around the exposed edges.
If outside of a wall or on a post, I'd box it with treated material, foam between the boxing and electrical box then silicone.
Moisture of any kind inside of electrical areas causes "many" problems from possible but unlikely shorts, to current drains adding to your power bill, to early failure due to excessive corrosion.
Pedro the Mule - keep that stuff outa my fur though
>>.....it says these plugs should also have "sealant",....<
I use clear, 100% silicone on the threads.
I guess you could use regular pipe dope, or a sealant like Permatex.
Warning: after the silicone is cured it is virtually impossible to remove the plugs intact if they are the plastic ones - however, they will drill out easily if you ever need to use one of the "closed" holes.
Jim
I think it is more important to drill a small hole in the bottom of the box to let water out. They all collect water eventually. Point all the wire nuts up and keep them away from the bottom of the box to mitigate GFCI trips.
Teflon tape.
that's different.
.
.. . . . . . . .
I usually use pipe dope, the teflon paste kind. That way the plugs are removable later on (metal plugs).
Bill