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406.9(B)(1) Receptacles in Wet Locations Must Have While-In-Use Covers Listed as “Extra-Duty”

Change Summary

  • Listed and identified extra duty receptacle covers (While-In-Use Covers) are required for all 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed in a wet location.
  • The words “other than one- and two-family dwellings” have been removed from this section.
  • The text related to how the receptacle outlet is supported has also been removed from this section
NEC® Text

 
406.9 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations

(B) Wet Locations
(1) Receptacles of 15 and 20 Amperes in a Wet Location.
Receptacles of 15 and 20 amperes installed in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. An outlet box hood installed for this purpose shall be listed and shall be identified as “extra-duty.” All 15- and 20- ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles shall be listed weather-resistant type.

Copyright© 2013 National Fire Protection Association

(See NEC for complete text)

Expert Analysis

This section has been revised and expanded in application to all occupancies and is no longer limited to just one- and two-family dwellings. The extra duty required strength and performance of while-in-use covers are not unique to just dwelling units. The substantiation in Proposal 18-37 clearly and simply emphasized that the support of receptacle outlets in wet locations had nothing to do with the requirements for extra duty receptacle while-in-use covers. As revised, this requirement now applies to all receptacle outlet boxes installed in wet locations, no longer limited to just those installed and supported at grade locations. Prior to this revision, the extra duty in-use cover was only required at locations of receptacles mounted on posts or other structures installed from grade and remote from buildings. The revision promotes consistency in the requirement for listed while-in-use receptacle outlet hoods that are identified as extra duty. Multiple types of extra duty while-in-use covers are produced that can meet this requirement. The revised Code text does not specify that these hood covers be metallic types, only that they be listed and identified as extra duty. 

 

Leviton Extra Duty While-in-Use Covers

Built to withstand the elements and tough enough to comply with 406.9(B)(1) for “Extra-Duty”.

  • Accommodates Decora® GFCI devices and adapter plates are included for duplex and single receptacles
  • Heavy-duty gasket protects from moisture and adds to ease of installation
  • Includes two inserts to cover cord openings to prevent insects and debris from entering the cover
  • Safety lock feature