FAQ

71
Material taken from the National Electric Code
®
is reprinted with permission
from NFPA 70
®
, 2023 edition. National Electrical Code
®
, Copyright 2022,
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved.
NEC
®
Text
Revision
406.9(A)(B) While-in-Use Cover
Requirements
Change Summary
• Revision made regarding how much bubble type
covers must open.
Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors and
Attachment Plugs (Caps)
406.9 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations.
(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. All 125- and 250-volt
nonlocking receptacles shall be a listed weather-resistant
type. Hinged covers of outlet box hoods shall be able
to open at least 90 degrees, or fully open if the cover is
not designed to open 90 degrees from the closed to open
position, after installation.
Informational Note: See ANSI/NEMA WD 6–2016, Wiring
Devices — Dimensional Specications, for the types of receptacles
covered by this requirement.
(B) Wet Locations.
(1) Receptacles of 15 Amperes and 20 Amperes in a Wet
Location. Receptacles of 15 amperes and 20 amperes, 125
volts 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 identied as “extra-
duty.” Other listed products, enclosures, or assemblies
providing weatherproof protection that do not utilize an
outlet box hood need not be identied extra duty. Hinged
covers of outlet box hoods shall be able to open at least 90
degrees, or fully open if the cover is not designed to open 90
degrees from the closed to open position, after installation.
Informational Note No. 1: See ANSI/UL 514D–2016, Cover Plates
for Flush-Mounted Wiring Devices, for extra-duty outlet box hoods.
“Extra duty” identication and requirements are not applicable to
listed receptacles, faceplates, outlet boxes, enclosures, or assemblies
that are identied 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.
continued on page 72