Installing a weatherproof outlet cover is one of the most effective ways of protecting an outdoor electrical outlet. However, not everyone seems to be aware of the process to do it. To make sure everyone is safe and protected, this article is going to help you learn how to install a weatherproof outlet cover.

No matter where you live, a house is incomplete without access to electricity. We use electrical outlets to make sure easy access and distribution of electrical power. The same goes for parks, lawns, or balconies. However, outside elements such as rain, heavy winds, or snow can heavily affect the outlet, and it can turn out to be disastrous.

Whether you are arranging an outdoor party or want to put some light outside, electrical outlets are needed at all costs. So, in order to avoid any accident, weatherproof outlet covers are used. There is a wide range of options of weatherproof outlet covers available in the marketplace so that you can choose the one that benefits you the most and matches with house décor.

Though installing a weatherproof outlet cover is not difficult, it requires a bit of planning, tools, and effort to do it the right way. Protecting it from weather conditions and keeping it out of sight so that it’s not easy to steal, let’s find out how to install a weatherproof outlet cover the easiest way.

Installing a weatherproof outlet cover

Whether you have a deck, patio, or porch, a weatherproof outlet cover will allow you to use the outlet even in adverse weather conditions. Making sure that the cover is properly installed is all that’s required.

What will you need?

You must have thought of a place where you will install the weatherproof cover. After you have everything, you need for installation, you should proceed to the next step. The necessary tools required for this job include pliers, screwdrivers, and a good quality weatherproof outlet cover.

Step 1

Once you have got everything, it’s time to complete the job, but before that, keep in mind the safety protocols. The first step to installing a weatherproof outlet cover is that you must shut off the power completely. Only then move to the next step.

Step 2

For new installation, you need to remove the old cover if there is any. Use a screwdriver to unmount the cover and ensure you do not damage the electrical outlet. If you feel like electrical outlets also need to be changed, you can do that as well at this stage.

Step 3

The outlet cover will have different parts, and the most important one to check is the backplate. You have to choose the backplate that fits with the design of your electrical outlet.

Step 4

It’s time to set up the new cover. Unseal the cover using pliers. Put it in place, make sure it is lined up with an electrical box accordingly. Insert screws, adjust the backplate, the cover, and then tighten up firmly. There you are ready to use the cover in extreme weather conditions.

Step 5

Once you are done with setting up the cover, inspect it again and certify that there are no loose screws or if the cover is not adjusted properly. After doing that, turn on the power supply, and test the electrical outlet if it is working properly or not. If there are any problems, do check out the wiring and see if they are in place.

Why it is important to use weatherproof outlet covers

Lighting on the exterior of a home is not merely a wish but is a necessity, and for lighting to work, you need electrical outlets. Moreover, after a hectic day, people tend to spend their evenings in outside lawns relaxing and enjoying the time. To make it better, electrical outlets are needed so that music and lighting can be used in addition to the other features.

But on the other hand, these outlets are exposed and need to be protected from outside elements and harsh weather conditions. This is why it is important that you use a weatherproof cover to protect and safeguard the electrical box from such elements and as well as from electrical theft.

Besides, some states require you to follow certain building codes that include installing weatherproof outlet covers. After all, it is for your own accessibility, security, and safety that weatherproof outlet covers are preferred over unprotected electrical boxes.

Conclusion

The right set of information allows you to do the job yourself. As you can see, installing a weatherproof cover is as easy as reading out the above instructions. Following the safety protocols, you have to take care of the size, design, and fitting. The rest goes with the flow. So, inspect your house, check if there are any outlets that need to be protected, and get on work.