314.15 Damp or Wet Locations.

Weep holes up to 1/4 in. are now allowed to be drilled into boxes installed in damp and wet locations.
Click to Enlarge
Weep holes up to 1/4 in. are now allowed to be drilled into boxes installed in damp and wet locations.

Code Change Summary: Boxes installed in damp or wet locations can now have drilled weep holes.

Everyone has seen the aluminum bell box installed outdoors, covered in white rust and falling apart. When opening the box, most of the time, the cover screws break off. If lucky enough to get inside the box, there is usually water dripping out that could never drain.

Some inspectors would not allow weep holes in the bottom for fear that the UL listing of the box would be void or violated.

Now, the 2014 NEC® allows weep holes in the box as long as the hole is ¼ in. or smaller. There is no limit on the number of holes or location where they are drilled but the holes must be “approved”.

According to Article 100, “approved” means acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Basically, any drilled holes are subject to the approval of the inspector.

Below is a preview of the NEC®.  See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).

2011 Code language:

314.15 Damp or Wet Locations. In damp or wet locations, boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture from entering or accumulating within the box, conduit body, or fitting. Boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings installed in wet locations shall be listed for use in wet locations.

2014 Code Language:

314.15 Damp or Wet Locations. In damp or wet locations, boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture from entering or accumulating within the box, conduit body, or fitting. Boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings installed in wet locations shall be listed for use in wet locations. Approved drainage openings not larger than 6 mm (1⁄4 in.) shall be permitted to be installed in the field in boxes or conduit bodies listed for use in damp or wet locations. For installation of listed drain fittings, larger openings are permitted to be installed in the field in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Did You Like This? Let Us Know With A Like! Thanks!

314.15 Damp or Wet Locations.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true of a weep hole drilled into the bottom of an electrical box installed in a wet location?

A: The hole cannot be larger than ¼ in.
B: The hole cannot be larger than 1/8 in.
C: The hole must be on the top.
D: There should be a hole on the top and bottom of the box.
Please register or sign in for electrical continuing education courses.

If you were already signed in, your session probably expired, please sign back in.