View Single Post
  #14   Report Post  
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
Chris Shearer Cooper Chris Shearer Cooper is offline
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6
Default Smaller, less ugly outdoor electric outlet?

Excellent point!

"willshak" wrote in message
...
on 10/14/2007 11:06 AM Chris Shearer Cooper said the following:
Yeah, I thought about a patent, but (1) I've never gotten a patent
before, (2) I don't know the electrical code, and (3) I don't know how to
get a patent.

I'd be happy if somebody else would just make one for me (grin) but it
might also be an interesting introduction to the world of patents.

Suggestions on how to get started on something like that?

Thanks,
Chris

p.s. Yes, this is getting more off-topic as time goes on ...


Whatever you do, be sure to have a secure cover for the outlet, even if
hung upside down under a protective overhang. It's not only rain that can
get into the outlet, but insects and their nests. Wasps will like that
overhang, too.

"willshak" wrote in message
...

on 10/14/2007 9:38 AM Chris Shearer Cooper said the following:

Yup, getting all the necessary protection is a "gimme"!

I know that the outlet needs to be properly weatherized, but I'm not
convinced that the only way to do it is to have a big post with a
full-size double outlet and a gigantic clear plastic cover (although I
fully understand the design requirements that went into that kind of
design).

How about something like this ... a small (2" diameter) pipe (green,
probably plastic) and near the top, 3 short (6" long) pieces of the
same pipe "glued" around the main (support) pipe. Some nice round top
to keep the weather out. Each of those 3 short pieces of pipe hinges
open, and inside you see (1) an outlet at the top, facing _down_, and
(2) some sort of velcro or something so that the cord isn't held in the
outlet solely by the friction of the electrical connections.

Voila! Small, un-obtrusive, weatherproof. When nothing's plugged into
it, it looks like some strange green plastic mushroom.

Chris


Sounds good. Be sure to make plans and diagrams for a patent.



"Chris Shearer Cooper" wrote in message
...


I'm looking to run some electricity out into the garden (in a
permanent way), some outlets on a post where I can plug in Christmas
lights, etc. Problem is, the garden is not large, and most of the
outdoor outlet boxes I've seen are rather large and
industrial-looking.

Has anyone seen any outdoor outlet boxes that are smaller and perhaps
greener (to blend in)?

Thanks,
Chris






--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
To email, remove the double zeroes after @






--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
To email, remove the double zeroes after @