It’s All Wet. Receptacles in exterior locations.
Sometimes even the easy things can be hard. I was doing a home inspection on a new construction and checking the exterior receptacles and found that they were not “WR” Weather Resistant type receptacles. As well the cover for the receptacle has to be rated and marked “Extra Duty” when the receptacle is located in a wet location as this one was.
For those who want to know the rules required around this here is the code for wet locations.
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, 125 and 250 volts 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.” Other listed products, enclosures, or assemblies providing weatherproof protection that do not utilize an outlet box hood need not be marked “extra duty.”
Informational Note No. 1: Requirements for extra-duty outlet box hoods are found in ANSI/UL 514D-2016, Cover Plates for Flush-Mounted Wiring Devices. “Extra duty” identification and requirements are not applicable to listed receptacles, faceplates, outlet boxes, enclosures, or assemblies that are identified as either being suitable for wet locations or rated as one of the outdoor enclosure-type numbers of Table 110.28 that does not utilize an outlet box hood.
Exception: 15- and 20-ampere, 125-through 250-volt receptacles installed in a wet location and subject to routine high-pressure spray washing shall be permitted to have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug is removed.
All 15- and 20-ampere, 125-and 250-volt non locking-type receptacles shall be listed and so identified as the weather-resistant type.
Informational Note No. 2: The configuration of weather-resistant receptacles covered by this requirement are identified as 5-15, 5-20, 6-15, and 6-20 in ANSI/NEMA WD 6-2016, Wiring Devices — Dimensional Specifications.
From Leviton –
“Weather-Resistant Outlets, which must be protected on a GFCI circuit, may also be a GFCI model. Weather-Resistant outlets differ in construction from indoor outlets because they must be able to withstand the rigors of exposure to the elements. They are made with UV stabilized materials and have corrosion resistant screws and mounting strap that stand up to the harsh elements of the outdoors. Leviton WR Outlets meet the requirements of NEC Section 406.8* and UL standards to help ensure safety and protection outdoors.”
This is an easy correction but the issue is that it should not even have to be corrected. This is one of the basic requirements of the electrical installation. With rising cost of homes the consumer should not even have to worry about these types of things.
Remember if you bought a new construction home in Washington State the builder is required to correct these conditions per the Revised Code of Washington State (RCW)..
RCW 64.35.305
Two-year materials and labor warranty—Noncompliance with building code.
(1) The minimum coverage for the two-year materials and labor warranty is:
(a) In the first twelve months, for other than the common elements, (i) coverage for any defect in materials and labor; and (ii) subject to subsection (2) of this section, coverage for a violation of the building code;
(b) In the first fifteen months, for the common elements, (i) coverage for any defect in materials and labor; and (ii) subject to subsection (2) of this section, coverage for a violation of the building code;
(c) In the first twenty-four months, (i) coverage for any defect in materials and labor supplied for the electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning delivery and distribution systems; (ii) coverage for any defect in materials and labor supplied for the exterior cladding, caulking, windows, and doors that may lead to detachment or material damage to the unit or common elements; (iii) coverage for any defect in materials and labor which renders the unit unfit to live in; and (iv) subject to subsection (2) of this section, coverage for a violation of the building code.
(2) Noncompliance with the building code is considered a defect covered by a qualified warranty if the noncompliance:
(a) Constitutes an unreasonable health or safety risk; or
(b) Has resulted in, or is likely to result in, material damage to the unit or common elements.
If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service
Coordinator & Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College
Former WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
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