surface mount: see Sweden. Flush mount devices come in a standard box but have shutters and a cover like the surface-mount ones. The covers are spring-loaded and have a sealing ring around them. These devices are weatherproof, but mainly used in bathrooms and basements. (AFAIK even finished basements count as a damp space here and have to be wired with NYM (Romex) in conduit.
I once saw such a switch completely burnt down. Story tells that it was ripped out of the box and later some students put some fireworks into the box. Nice look!
