Weatherproof Outdoor Outlet Covers - Don't Use the Wrong Type!

Make sure you have weatherproof outdoor outlet covers that protect your receptacles when in use!
Slim outlet cover: geni.us/DECz4
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If you use outlets outside, make sure you have weatherproof covers too! In this video, I show a couple of different options, depending on what your needs are. Both cover types can be used for horizontal and vertical receptacles.
This is NOT a sponsored video. Some product links are affiliate links, including Amazon Affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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==Product Link(s)==
Lockable Cover: geni.us/wo62ys
Slim Cover: geni.us/DECz4
==Tools Used In This Project==
Ratcheting Screwdriver: geni.us/Q5T4Lo8
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⏰ Chapter Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Intro
1:58 Lockable Cover
4:40 Slim Cover
Disclaimer:
Top Homeowner produces videos for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Information here is not to be viewed as advice but as an opinion. Viewers should be aware that if they choose to work on their homes, they do so at their own risk. Top Homeowner is not responsible for any damages that may occur to the property of a viewer. Some of the projects, materials, and techniques may not be suitable for all ages or skill levels. It is up to the viewer to decide whether to consult with a professional before working on their home. We make no claims to the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources featured in this video, and we will not be held responsible for the actions viewers may choose to take with the information provided. It is recommended that viewers use common sense and take all necessary safety measures. Codes, regulations, standards, and rules are constantly changing around the world, so it is the viewer's responsibility to ascertain their local requirements before starting any type of work.

[@CRM6214]

I would recommend leaving the plastic tab at bottom in place and only removing it when needed. Here in Florida having an opening like that you are guaranteed to have wasp nest, lizards and all kinds of things living inside the cover.

[@katielyb]

Not if you keep an eye on it or plan on using it frequently.

[@22Pachanga]

@@katielyb All night when the critters are roaming? LOL

[@barnycanuck6234]

Thanks. Some really great info on all your videos I've watched so far.

[@nicklangmusic]

Awesome! Yeah, I have those covers with the individual doors outside, and they’re past their prime, big time! Gonna swap out for those low profile ones! Thanks!

[@ovisha]

It’s helped. I installed today without any problems. Thanks!

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad it helped!

[@rosiegold8562]

Awesome video!!! Thank you!

[@lisascape]

Excellent video, thanks! My mom accidentally broke my existing cover when visiting, and I am thrilled to be able to tell her that the trip to the hardware store was the most time-consuming part of this job.

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad I could help!

[@JamesSmith-gk8sz]

Pro tip. You can still use a cordless drill/driver in extracting and tightening screws on these covers. Just use some discipline and tighten slowly until they're snug to avoid cracking the cover. If the power is off, there's no need for insulated hand tools once you've tested the terminals with a voltage tester. If you have over a dozen to do you'll be spending an inordinate amount of time spinning your manual screw driver around.

[@williamc2930]

The second version our Electrician installed. He has been through many other versions and that was the best choice. I agree. It lasts and the door does stay open while plugging In or Out. Sometimes you will need a more flexible extension cord for Christmas lights to bend within the cover so you can close it.

[@katielyb]

Or one with a plug where the cord is connected vertically instead of horizontally.

[@MrGoFrankie]

Great video!!!

[@d.h.5]

Awesome Tutorial!

[@TopHomeowner]

Thank you!

[@jimgreenhouse214]

You’re a great instructor

[@TopHomeowner]

Thank you, that means a lot.

[@katielyb]

I've only ever seen the ones with metal flaps so thank you for sharing

[@TopHomeowner]

You bet!

[@jvz773]

Nice video. Thanks 🙏

[@TopHomeowner]

No problem!

[@usetherightbrain.]

at 4:16 and 5:52 it doesnt hurt to add a bead of silicone caulk around the edges as well

[@Optimization_Coach]

100% agreed. That foam breaks down fast.

[@katielyb]

​@@ve_ganthat's why the tab gets removed

[@srikanthk]

Thank you.

[@TopHomeowner]

You're welcome!

[@danielbonner8309]

if you have an older metal box you should replace it. I just replaced mine where the outlet caught fire on a non GFCI. The receptacle was very corroded and backstabbed which failed and melted the receptacle.

[@jxhkb]

Does it bring the replacement clip to replace the gfci one?

[@bigsassyster]

Mine only had the middle screw, so I had to drill out holes on the top and bottom. Luckily there are spots already marked out where possible holes could be; drilled two, and worked great.

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad it worked out!

[@katielyb]

Maybe check the type of outlet you have before going to purchase one? I would be more comfortable doing that I think.

[@anoldladi]

I sent for the Bell brand on Amazon. Instruction for the Bell with regard to gasket are sadly lacking. I'll trash the Bell brand covers and send for the one you are showing.

[@safisafari2223]

There us no sealing around with silicon or something like that necessary after installation? Beautiful, smooth and flawless explanation. Thanks , Gracias und Danke schön😃!

[@TopHomeowner]

There is a foam gasket that compresses when these are installed so caulk isn't required. You can always caulk around the outside to be sure though, especially if the wall is uneven. Thanks for the comment!

[@katielyb]

​@@TopHomeownerI would be concerned with the groves in the wood but, it looks smooth in your situation. I'm mine, however, there's siding and the old caulk has come completely off.

[@AgentOffice]

I use the accordion

[@sariannach]

With that big hole in the bottom of the first cover you installed, would you want to avoid using that type of cover in places that get snow drifts?

[@TopHomeowner]

I can't see that being a huge issue, but you could always reinsert the plastic tab at the bottom when it's not in use. Getting the low profile cover would be the easiest though and you wouldn't have to keep track of the plastic tab.

[@ohwahtdaheck]

One word of caution from someone who discovered it the hard way. You REALLY need to make sure the cover has enough depth and has the right size cut out alignment for your cord. I just installed a full depth Taymac which appeared to be as deep as your first option. There's no way a heavier cord (#12 or # 14) fits properly without the cover left open which makes it pretty dicey as far as actually being weatherproof. Christmas lights? Yeah ok. Something large enough to run a miter saw, small table saw, or even a heat gun? Uh no.

[@ChannelOne-1]

While you have things taken apart I would have installed a new outlet also that is rated for outdoor use good video tho

[@hmmmmm6056]

What do you recommend for plug that can only go in side ways left to right...not up and down.

[@mikepadgett3009]

I believe you can change where the hinge is on the cover based on how you want to mount it, horizontal or vertical.

[@TopHomeowner]

These do have hinges on the side as well as on the top/bottom to allow you to rotate it to fit your needs.

[@paulklote4845]

On the low profile unit shouldn't you have caulked around it since the surface was so rough.

[@TopHomeowner]

Yes you are correct, caulk should be used in that case.

[@gmcinnis6304]

very nice vid right to the point. not aaahhhh...aaaahhhh....aaaaahhhh

[@TopHomeowner]

Thanks!

[@news_internationale2035]

6:26 Why didn't you replace that outlet? And is it GFCI protected by something upstream?

[@dilo_monilo]

Same question.

[@TopHomeowner]

We didn't need to replace it as it is protected by a GFCI located just before this one on the chain.

[@lboymusic]

Hi, are they flood proof? Thanks

[@TopHomeowner]

They won't protect the outlets from a flood

[@Zues64]

thanks for the review here. For the low profile one, it doesn't appear waterproof when you plug in an extension cord. Could you provide a screen shot update showing two extension coords coming out of it possibly? I use my front yard receptacle for holiday decorations so I looking for an in-use weatherproof option like the larger profile one. And my outlet is horizontally mounted so it doesn't appear the slip profile one would work for me.

[@AgentOffice]

It closes and is water proof as the other one

[@katielyb]

Or, you could purchase an extension cord with a plug that connects to the wire vertically instead of horizontally.

[@katielyb]

He would have to edit the video to include a screenshot, unfortunately

[@jefffree6990]

5:40 everybody already mentioned the GFCI , and that is covered by by an upstream unit. BUT don't you want to examine that old receptacle and at least tighten down those terminal screws?!? (I'd also tape ) Shouldn't it also be WR (weather resistant) rated, even if its in a cover?

[@TopHomeowner]

Single receptacle in a non-conductive box so you could tape the terminals but I don't think it's necessary. I agree about checking the terminals and replacing the old receptacle with a WR rated one... but for the video since I was just demonstrating the differences between covers, I didn't take the time to go over those points. I should have in hindsight

[@katielyb]

Idk, your outlet looks fairly new and unused but, for the ignorant, yes, you maybe should have. I'm not using the word ignorant as a derogative word but as it's definition intends. I hadn't finished the video when I made this comment. The second demo is obviously an older outlet.

[@danivanon]

I'm confused: shouldn't all outdoor outlets be GFCI? The second one wasn't.

[@johndill6594]

As long as a GFCI outlet is preceding the external outlet (usually the 1st outlet in a series of outlets is GFCI), all daisy chained outlets from the first GFCI outlet are also GFCI protected. It's common practice to have a GFCI interior to a basement, but then branch off that to an external outlet. It's generally bad practice to have multiple GFCI outlets in series on a given run.

[@619duke]

In the case John’s describing, I believe code requires these outlets be labeled “GFCI protected” or something of the sort. Usually GFCI receptacles include a handful of these labels so you can have a handful of daisy chained, protected outlets downstream.

[@robertm5969]

You can also use a GFCI breaker at the panel for the circuit it's on

[@katielyb]

That's what I thought

[@curmudgeonextraordinaire1884]

I would have replaced that duplex plug at the same time, since it was painted over and looked like shit.

[@TopHomeowner]

I did, just not in the video (which I should have apparently!)

[@22Pachanga]

lol

[@jimbush1581]

Screw these bubble covers they suck

[@appleztooranges]

The in use are so ugly and bulky. I hate the looks

[@iComplainer]

6:30 most half assed demonstration ever