Appendix B Rule 26-708
The Standard for wet location cover plates is CSA C22.2 No. 42.1.
The cover plates required for the receptacle configurations identified in Rule 26-708 2) are designed to be suitable for use in wet locations whether or not a plug is inserted into the receptacle, i.e., tested for resistance to moisture both with a plug inserted and without a plug inserted into the receptacle. These plates are required to be marked “Wet Locations” with the marking being visible after installation.
Other wet location cover plates suitable for use in wet locations only when the plug is removed, i.e., tested for resistance to moisture only without a plug inserted into the receptacle, may be used with other receptacle configurations not identified in Rule 26-708 2) and are required to be marked “Wet Location Only When Cover Closed”, or the equivalent, with the marking being visible after installation.
Rule 26-708 2) and 3)
It is intended by Rule 26-708 3) b) to recognize the protection provided by soffits, overhanging balconies, canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and similar architectural elements from precipitation that may drip, splash, or flow on or against receptacles located outdoors, thus reducing the environmental protection requirement to damp locations. To determine if a receptacle location is damp, not wet, a zone defined in its borders by a 45° line from the roof edge and a horizontal line at least 1 m off finished grade or floor level is conceptualized as shown in Figure B26-3.
Subrules 26-708 2) and 3) are intended to apply to outlets in the areas identified in Figure B26-3 as follows:
a) Area 1 — An “in-use” cover that is marked “Extra-duty” and is suitable for wet locations is required. A cover marked “Wet Location Only When Cover Closed”, not of the “in-use” type, is permitted for receptacles facing downward 45° or less.
b) Area 2 — A cover marked “Wet Location Only When Cover Closed”, not of the “in-use” type, is permitted.
When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, a wet location cover plate marked “Extra Duty” provides the intended protection only when the cover is closed. For this reason, an “Extra Duty” wet location cover plate may also be marked “Wet Location Only When Cover Closed”. Covers of wet location cover plates that are not marked “Extra Duty” (formerly referred to as weatherproof cover plates) cannot be closed when a plug is inserted into the receptacle; consequently, cover plates that are not marked “Extra Duty” should be installed only in damp or dry locations such as described in Rule 26-708 3) a) and b).
Source: Apppendix B Rule 26-708, CSA C22.1:21, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 (25th Edition), Safety Standard for Electrical Installations. © 2021 Canadian Standards Association. Please visit store.csagroup.org
