Beatrice Lang
Removing an outside electrical cover is a simple task that can be done safely by following a few steps. It is important to change your outdoor electrical cover to protect your outlets from moisture, dust, and debris, which can prolong the life of your outlets and prevent electrical fires. Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety precautions in place. This includes turning off the power supply to the outlet and wearing protective gear, such as insulated gloves and safety goggles. Different outdoor outlet covers require specific methods to open them effectively and safely, so it is important to identify the type of cover you have before proceeding.
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What You'll Learn
Safety first: turn off the power supply
Safety should always be the top priority when dealing with electricity. Before removing an outside electrical cover, it is crucial to turn off the power supply to avoid any potential hazards. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your safety:
Locate the Breaker Box: Go to the breaker box of your home, which controls the flow of electricity to various outlets and fixtures. The breaker box is typically located in a utility room, garage, basement, or closet. It is important to have easy access to the breaker box in case of electrical emergencies.
Identify the Correct Breaker: The breaker box contains multiple breakers, each supplying power to different parts of your home. To identify the correct breaker, you can leave a lamp or radio plugged into the outlet and turned on. When you flip the breakers off one by one, the lamp or radio will help you identify which breaker controls the power to that specific outlet.
Turn Off the Power: Once you have identified the correct breaker, turn it off. This will cut off the electricity flowing to the outlet you are working on. It is important to ensure that the breaker is in the "off" position and verify that the lamp or radio has turned off, indicating a complete disruption of power.
Verify Power Disconnection: Before proceeding, double-check that the power is indeed off. Use a voltage tester or multimeter to test the outlet. Touch the tester probes to the outlet terminals. If the tester lights up or the multimeter displays a value, the outlet is still live, and you may have identified the wrong breaker. Repeat the process until you are certain that the power is off.
Prepare for Cover Removal: Now that the power is off, you can safely remove the electrical cover. Have the necessary tools ready, such as a screwdriver. If the cover is held in place with screws, determine if you need a Phillips or a flat-head screwdriver.
It is important to remember that electrical work always comes with inherent risks. If you are unsure or uncomfortable at any point, it is best to consult a licensed electrician. Your safety should always come first.
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Wear protective gear
When removing an outside electrical cover, it is important to wear protective gear to safeguard yourself from electrical hazards. Here are some key considerations for your safety:
Protective Clothing
It is crucial to wear appropriate clothing that provides insulation and protection from electrical hazards. This includes wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants made from flame-resistant (FR) materials. The sleeves of the shirt should be rolled down, and the front should be fully buttoned up to minimize exposure. Denim clothing should be avoided. Additionally, consider wearing a jacket and coveralls for added protection.
Insulated Gloves and Sleeves
To protect your hands and arms from electric shock, it is essential to wear insulated gloves. Rubber lineman gloves are specifically designed to provide insulation when working with high-voltage circuits. You can also wear rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors over them for added safety. Sleeves made of insulating materials offer additional protection by covering and insulating your arms.
Safety Shoes and Dielectric Overshoes
Footwear plays a vital role in electrical safety. It is recommended to wear safety shoes with non-conductive soles, which protect against electrical shock and provide insulation for your feet. If you are unable to obtain specialized safety shoes, dielectric overshoes can be worn over your regular footwear. These overshoes are made of non-conductive materials and provide an additional layer of electrical insulation.
Face and Eye Protection
To safeguard your face and eyes from potential hazards, consider wearing a face shield or safety glasses with side shields. These protective measures will defend against larger hazards, such as arc flashes or chemical splashes, while also protecting your eyes from flying debris and sparks. A switching hood can also be worn to provide both face coverage and hearing protection.
Hearing Protection
In certain situations, electrical work may involve loud equipment that can be harmful to your hearing. To mitigate this, it is recommended to wear earplugs made of foam or other noise-protective materials. This will help reduce the impact of excessive noise levels on your ears.
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Identify the type of cover
When identifying the type of electrical cover you need, it's important to consider the specific needs and requirements of your outdoor electrical outlets. Firstly, assess the location and type of electrical box you have. Common types include utility boxes, junction boxes, and circuit breaker panels, and understanding the specific type is crucial as each may require a different approach.
Next, consider the purpose of the cover. Is it to enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space, or do you require a cover that can withstand extreme weather conditions and frequent handling? For instance, covers for commercial use often need to be more durable and weather-resistant than those for residential use.
Then, you should decide on the type of material you require. Plastic covers are lightweight and budget-friendly, whereas die-cast covers offer durability and weather resistance, especially for commercial applications. If you're looking for something more heavy-duty, consider an extra-duty in-use cover, which provides tough protection for your outdoor electrical outlets while meeting code standards.
Finally, it's important to ensure that your cover meets safety standards. Look for certification marks such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek), which confirm that the product has been tested and meets safety requirements. Additionally, check for updates to the National Electrical Code (NEC) as they include new standards and safety practices for electrical covers.
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Use the right tools
Using the right tools is essential when removing an outside electrical cover. Before you begin, ensure you have the correct tools for your specific electrical fixture.
First, you will need to determine if there are screws on the outside of the cover, or only on the inside. If there are external screws, you will need to use a screwdriver to remove them. The type of screwdriver you will need depends on the style of screw used for the cover. If the screw head has one single line through the circle, you will need a flathead screwdriver. If there are perpendicular lines or crosshairs, you will need a Phillips-head screwdriver.
If the cover has internal screws, you will need to open the cover and locate the screws inside. Again, use a flathead or Phillips-head screwdriver, depending on the style of screw. Once you have removed the screws, you should be able to pull the cover off.
If your cover is particularly old or difficult to remove, you may need to use a grinder or a Dremel with cutting discs to cut through the screws or break the box off. However, this should be done very carefully, as it can be tedious and may result in broken grinding discs.
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Clean the outlet
To clean an electrical outlet, you must first turn off the power to prevent any safety hazards. Locate the electric box and turn off the fuse or circuit breaker. You can then test the outlet with a non-contact voltage tester to ensure there is no power.
Next, remove the cover plate from the outlet. You can do this by carefully unscrewing it with a screwdriver. Keep the screws in a safe place so that you can easily reattach the cover later.
Now you can clean the cover. If it's not too dirty, you can simply spray it with an all-purpose cleaning solution and let it dry before replacing it. If it's very dirty, you can mix equal parts dish soap and white vinegar with warm water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture and gently scrub the cover. Rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe the cover again to remove any residue. If there is caked-on dirt or dust, you can use a dirt and dust removal agent, such as 409 on a Q-tip, to wipe away the grime. Be careful not to stick anything inside the socket.
Finally, dry the cover completely and screw it back onto the wall. Then, turn the electric box back on.
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