Electrical safety question - home wiring - outdoor powerpoint installation

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timbosan

2160 posts

Uber Geek

#288300 19-Jun-2021 11:41

Hi all,

First off - this is just pre-wriring, I have not yet connected anything to the mains! I have done a lot of this stuff before so I am confident of what I can / cannot do.

I am (today) installing an outdoor pointpoint for my outdoor Hue lightstrip, and have a question. I have a proper outdoor power-point (HPM from Mitre 10) and I have installed the backplate complete with the little plastic 'funnel' that goes both into the wall and the back of the unit, which the wire passes through, I assume to help top moisture / water entering behind the unit.

However, am I also required to run sealant around the unit? I know they are IP53 rated, but does that mean they can deal with direct rain against the unit? Or does I need to seal around the unit to protect further?

Many thanks!!!

nickb800

2723 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2730999 19-Jun-2021 11:59

I would, to prevent moisture getting into your walls

k1w1k1d

1530 posts

Uber Geek

#2731000 19-Jun-2021 12:03

Suggest that you leave this to the qualified electrician to do when he installs the wiring.

SomeoneSomewhere

1806 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2731001 19-Jun-2021 12:03

Sealant around three sides, not bottom. There's normally a spot on these to drill a drain hole so they don't fill up with condensation - if not, put around a 4mm hole in one of the bottom corners.

You don't want moisture hitting the mounting screws (use stainless) or going into your wall.

sparkz25

750 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#2731004 19-Jun-2021 12:11

SomeoneSomewhere:

Sealant around three sides, not bottom. There's normally a spot on these to drill a drain hole so they don't fill up with condensation - if not, put around a 4mm hole in one of the bottom corners.

You don't want moisture hitting the mounting screws (use stainless) or going into your wall.

This is exactly how it should be done!

timbosan

2160 posts

Uber Geek

#2731006 19-Jun-2021 12:17

SomeoneSomewhere:

Sealant around three sides, not bottom. There's normally a spot on these to drill a drain hole so they don't fill up with condensation - if not, put around a 4mm hole in one of the bottom corners.

You don't want moisture hitting the mounting screws (use stainless) or going into your wall.

Excellent - I will do this. I will also check (or make) a hole in the bottom for moisture. And yup already have the stainless screws in.

Thanks geekzone!!!!

timbosan

2160 posts

Uber Geek

#2731007 19-Jun-2021 12:19

k1w1k1d:

Suggest that you leave this to the qualified electrician to do when he installs the wiring.

Luckily I already have an existing cable run that is not used, so I just un-clipped it and re-routed it :-)