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I have a circular junction box on my deck (outside) where I can presumably attach an outlet, and it is connected to a switch. I have string lights I'd like to permanently connect to to this outlet (they plug in normally).

What is the best weather-proof solution so that I can keep the lights plugged in, but have the outlet protected from the elements, and use the switch to turn them on and off?

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    A standard in-use wet location outlet cover should do. They all have interior capacity for plugged cords nowdays. Odd that your box is round, though. Was it intended as a light?
    – isherwood
    Commented Feb 12, 2021 at 17:03
  • Yes it was... but I want the new "light" to be the string lights
    – Justin
    Commented Feb 12, 2021 at 17:13
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    My first inclination is to use a weathertight cover with a Cord Grip Bushing, but anything besides a receptacle and in-use cover would likely run into UL (CSA,ETL,MET) Listing issues for the light string.
    – NoSparksPlease
    Commented Feb 12, 2021 at 17:18
  • An outside outlet will need to be GFCI protected.
    – JACK
    Commented Feb 12, 2021 at 20:27
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    @Mazura, yes. The code says to follow manufacturers instructions... once you cut the cord cap off and hard-wire a set of string lights... goodbye UL Listing and goodbye code compliance. Not that it wouldn't work though; I would do it...
    – Jimmy Fix-it
    Commented Feb 12, 2021 at 23:51

2 Answers 2

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You need a weatherproof 4/O to single-gang plate with in-use cover:

enter image description here

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The right way to do this: Add a blank cover on that box and use a close nipple to add another rectangular outlet box below it. Then in that rectanglar box, install a GFCI receptacle (unless this is fed from a GFCI circuit breaker already). Then you can get what's called an "in-use" weatherproof cover for the rectangular box. In-use covers have a gasketed flip-up cover that also provides a small flanged opening at the bottom for a cord to come out.

enter image description here

The reason for the rectangular box is because they don't make in-use WP covers for round boxes, because round outdoor boxes are not made to house receptacles.

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