ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Bubble Covers

I would like some comments on the following, concerning “bubble” wp covers.

Locations:
#1: 20a, 125v, outlet located outdoors, on the outside of a building.
A: Outlet will be “attended”
B: Outlet will be “un-attended”
#2: 20a, 125v, outlet located in a wash-down area, inside of a building.
A: Outlet will be “attended”
B: Outlet will be “un-attended”
#3: 30a, 250v outlet located outdoors, on the outside of a building.
A: Outlet will be “attended”
B: Outlet will be “un-attended”
#4: 30a, 250v outlet located in a wash-down area, inside of a building.
A: Outlet will be “attended”
B: Outlet will be “un-attended”

Note: All locations are considered wet locations by code.

Questions:
On which installation is a bubble type cover required? By which article?
On which installation is a regular flat type wp cover allowed? By which article?

Thanks, Rick Miell

Rick,
1(A) and (B) and 3(A) and (B) require bubble covers per 406.8(B)(1).
All of the others require a bubble cover for un-attended use and standard wetherproof cover for attended use per 406.(B)(2).
Don

My answer is not correct. I read the amps for item #3 as 20 when I posted the original answer. Item 3 also falls under 406.8(B)(2) and the type of cover is dependent upon the usage.
don

[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 03-03-2003).]

rmiell - the verbage you are using "attended, unattended" is used in the 1999 NEC (410-57) to determine whether the 'bubble' is to be used. In the 2002 NEC this verbage is eliminated (and this section is moved to a new article (406) and the code now requires the 'bubble' in all outdoor wet locations.

Dana,
That is not exactly what 406.8(B) says. If the receptacle is rated 15 or 20 amp and 125 or 250 volts and is outside in a wet location it will require a bubble cover. If it has any other rating and is outside in a wet location, the type of cover is base on "attended" or " not attended" usage.
don

bit of a threadjack /]

Is there a decent 'bubble' cover on the market? all the plastic ones i've used and/or seen don't last long

..But...
406.8(B)(2) apply to receptacles other than those described in (B)(1) and covers indoor and outdoor wet locations.
.ie, 406.8(B)(2)b A receptacle installed in a wet location where the product intended to be plugged into it will be attended while in use(e.g., Portable tools and so forth) shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug is REMOVED.

That one is listed as a new change.

WOC