Small but odd electrical problem

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Jun 16, 2009 | 05:47 PM

ford2go

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From: Frequently frozen MN

Small but odd electrical problem

We just got a screen porch to replace the old deck. Now, I want to put in an outlet -- just for a few incidental uses.

Anyway, there are 2 existing outside lamps. I'd like to convert one to an outside outlet -- with gfi

The best that I can come up with is a plate for the octagon box that is presently supporting a lamp. It has a half inch knockout in the center.

Now comes the oddity. Waterproof boxes all seen to be threaded for rigid conduit. My plan is to put a half inch nipple in the outlet box and just mount it over the knockout hole. I can fasten it to the cedar siding.

There won't be any mechanical connection between the waterproof box and the octagon box, but it was all that I could figure out. It should be safe enough, but it probably is a minor code violation.

Any suggestions for a better approach?

Thanks,

Jun 16, 2009 | 08:35 PM

megawatt00

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From: Rochdale MA

There are a few things that you can do here. You can do as you suggested but use an offset nipple to mechanically connect the 2 boxes together. You can also use a piece of emt and a couple of connectors.

My perfered method would be to "fish" a wire in the wall, from the light fixture to the desired location and cut in an old work box install your GFI and your good to go.

Jun 17, 2009 | 12:41 AM

ford2go

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From: Frequently frozen MN

megawatt,

Thanks for the tips, but I'm still confused.

My main point of confusion is that the outlet box is threaded for rigid conduit, and the octagon box (plus the cover plate), is setup for EMT.

1. If I screw the offset nipple into the outlet box, I don't know how I'd fasten the other end. Also, it would have to be fastened to the back of the octagon box. If I somehow fastened it to the octagon box cover, it would stick out from the wall.

2. I don't know how I'd connect the outlet box using emt connectors.

Please help poor grasshopper.

I agree that your preferred method would be nicer, but I'd either have to hire it done or set asid a LONG time to complete it. (I'm not that fast

, and I'm not all that familiar with opening an outside wall and putting in a box)

Jun 17, 2009 | 08:36 AM

just another truck

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From: Sterling Heights,Mi

When you refer to EMT fitting, are you taling the set screw? Because EMT box connectors are the same thread as rigid..using the same locknuts as well if needed..

Jun 17, 2009 | 09:10 AM

megawatt00

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From: Rochdale MA

Both EMT connectors and off set nipples are set up to be threaded or use a lock nut. I have a ton of them here if you need me to send you some. Most octagon boxes have knockouts on the sides as well as the back. I will post some pics later on today for you to make it easier for you. Don't worry about a thing I'll walk you through the whole process.

Jun 18, 2009 | 12:08 AM

ford2go

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From: Frequently frozen MN

Thanks, I'm looking forward to the pics.

I'm hoping that I have a regular octagon box, and not some plastic crap. (I can change out the plastic if that's the case)

I don't really know a lot about the conduit types. I've extended a few circuits, but there's no conduit in the house. So, I just used UF.