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I’m adding outside outlets and am unsure whether to (A)drill a small hole in the wall with romex sticking out and surface mounting the outlet box, or (B)recessing the outlet box within the wall. I will have vinyl siding in the near future.
What’s the proper trim detailing for outlets and light fixtures? I dont like the look of a suface mounted box where the siding is cut around it and caulked, leaving the box half in and half out of the siding.
Thanks,
Doug
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It's a matter of personal preference, but I always bore the small hole and caulk around the wire very well where it goes through the wall. Then I use surface mounted boxes and put a heavy bead of caulk behind them around where the wire comes through the middle of the box and then install them up tight against the upper lap of the siding. This is waterproof and doesn't open up your wall to the outside. Vinyl siding penetrations are notorious leakers!!
*G.LaLonde's solution is the most weatherproof. Another solution is that they sell a flanged outlet trim piece that essentially frames the (sub surface mounted) outlet. The only problem is that it's just another place for water to get behind the siding and ruin the sheathing.
*Doug,You should take a look at what are called "J" blocks.They are made for this. Any supply house that deals in vinyl will have them, they're the way to go.Vince
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I'm adding outside outlets and am unsure whether to (A)drill a small hole in the wall with romex sticking out and surface mounting the outlet box, or (B)recessing the outlet box within the wall. I will have vinyl siding in the near future.
What's the proper trim detailing for outlets and light fixtures? I dont like the look of a suface mounted box where the siding is cut around it and caulked, leaving the box half in and half out of the siding.
Thanks,
Doug