Waterproof power point

[roba]

I've currently got a waterproof powerpoint that my external gas heater is connected to. It is one of the ones where it plugs in underneath, with the switch on the face.
I'm finding that it isn't particularly waterproof. In heavy rain, water runs down the wall, on to the power point, then down underneath. Water gets on the plug, and shorts out the circuit. The powerpoint is black, indicating that it has had a few problems.

I was wondering if there is a good waterproof powerpoint on the market that is better?

Any advice appreciated!

[thatirwinfella]

there is a new version of that type out, which your sparky will be able to install. in the meantime, just run a bead of silicone around the edge of the powerpoint and where it meets the wall. this will prevent the access of any more water.

[patty]

In my experience with weatherproof gpos problems usually develop due to poor installation practices carried out by the installer all "weatherproof" Electrical devices be it switches or gpos carry an Ip rating, the Ip ratings of these devices are null and void if proper installation procedures are not adhered to by the elect!!

Many Electrical Manufacturers be it HPM Legrand,Clipsal, PDL or whoever are all pretty well on par with each other and only the styles really differ...

Probably the best weatherproof Outlet on the market is the Clipsal56c310 industrial series keeping in mind this is a single outlet only.. combine this with a clipsal56p310 plug which screws into the base of the outlet and installed correctly this unit is rated at IP 68 (hoseproof) and virtually bulletproof , the downside you will pay nearly 3 times as much for this unit as with a standard double W/P Gpo

[journeyman Mick]

You could fit a small metal "eyebrow" type shield on the wall above it. (Like a small roof overhang.) This would divert the water before it got to the outlet.

Mick

[roba]

Thanks all. For now, I'll see if some silicone fixes the problem. It really has only started happening since I replaced (well, the sparky replaced) our old power box with a smart meter and the safety switches. I guess it is a good thing that it is tripping the switch (though it has only happened twice).

Should silicone not work, I'll go for the clipsal power point and replace the plug.