Hi,
I’m running some cable to my outdoor patio. I have an exterior GFCI outlet about 18 yrds away but I have an interior outlet on the inside of and exterior wall, much closer, following this, If I drill a hole through the wall at the int outlet it will come out right where I need it. Can I tap into the interior outlet then install a GFCI then connect the load to that? Or, dig the trench and just go ahead and use the existing GFCI? I’m just going to have a fan and some low voltage lights as an extra load.
Mike
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Not an electrician but that is what I would do. AFIK if you do not exceed wirefill in the existing receptacle box and use appropriate exterior box and cover and seal to outside wall you should be fine. Use same size wire as feeding the "tapped receptacle", also believe now you must use an "inuse cover" in most applications.
One of the true experts will come along I am sure.
Thanks,
The exterior outlet would be a surface mount. Can I use the "in use" cover on that or will that look goofy?
Mike
The only limitation is that it can't be on one of the 20 amp small appliance circuit that serve the kitchen or dining room. Or other dedicated circuit such as a washing machine receptacle or bathroom recceptalces.Here are some recessed boxes with inuse covers that might work for you.http://tinyurl.com/9w5ctp
http://tinyurl.com/87mqnqAnd here are some inuse covers that aren't as bulky as the "bubbles".http://tinyurl.com/92e92c
.
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
Thanks,
My walls are CBS so I'll be using a surface mount outlet. I'm not sure but are the links you gave for flush mount?
Mike
The boxes will not work for surface mount.Then one cover collapses when NOT IN USE. But if you are going to LV lights plugged in then it will be in use all of the time and thus expansed.The second one is a "standard" bubble cover, but it appears a little more streamlined than the last ones I have bought. But that is only from a small picture. May not be any different then the common ones..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
I yield to Bill and the others but while it may look goofy I believe it is what is required. I had do do one on a carport where the recpt was shoulder height mid carport. Only way water could get close would be horizontal rain ( or maybe hose, well DOH).
Not sure why you could not do some type of cover/housing containing legal hardware though.For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
That is really a inspector call issue.Here is what the 2005 NEC says. You can use the little flapper covers in a damp area, but need the inuse cover in a wet area."(A) Damp Locations A receptacle installed outdoors in a location protected from the
weather or in other damp locations shall have an enclosure for the receptacle that is
weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (attachment plug cap not inserted and
receptacle covers closed).
An installation suitable for wet locations shall also be considered suitable for damp
locations.
A receptacle shall be considered to be in a location protected from the weather where
located under roofed open porches, canopies, marquees, and the like, and will not be
subjected to a beating rain or water runoff.(B) Wet Locations
(1) 15- and 20-Ampere Receptacles in a Wet Location 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and
250-volt receptacles installed in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is
weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.".
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe