Expert: Dan Griffin - 12/29/2011

Question
QUESTION: I'm a "regular" builder for Habitat and would like to clean up the look our our exterior lights and receptacles.  I remember running the electrical wires "wild" (out through the sheathing)in the approximate location for exterior lights and receptacles during electrical rough in.  When the Hardiplank siding was installed, we'd pull the wires back through the wall (no drywall yet) when we came to that level.  The plank was installed over the rough-in hole, the approximate location of the wire was noted, then the next row of planks was installed.  At that point, we drilled a 4 1/4" hole in the middle of the plank (just below the plank joint above to avoid interference with the light fixture or cover of the WIU cover), pushed in an old work "fiber" box with a spring-type clip and tightened the screws to secure the box to the back side of the Hardiplank.  This procedure put the box in the proper location (not between an upper and lower board joint), without the extra trimming and flashing needed to install a light block.  We could then, install the light fixture or single GFCI receptacle (sideways) in the round box without interference from the siding.  Installing a double gang while-in-use box cover (for the single, sideways GFCI receptacle) completed the task.  (I think Intermatic is the only manufacturer with a blank to accommodate a Decora-style receptacle sideways in a double gang box).

Do you have a better option for installing electrical in Hardiplank siding?  Trouble is, where I am now, I can only find combination 3"/4" round boxes and they will not accommodate a GFCI receptacle.  I have a couple of photos to better show this procedure, but don't see how to attach them to this message.

Thanks!

ANSWER: Keith, it sounds as if someone has worked out a fairly good way to position the box to allow the easiest installation in the Hardie siding.  Having the rough-in box nailed to the framing and coming through the exterior sheathing would be more normal in my experience, but there is a strong possibility of not coursing out with the siding.  I assume you have some type of sheathing under the Hardie and I am a bit confused how you deal with that, but assume you mean to drill through it and the Hardie when positioning your box.  If I follow what you are dong, you install an old work round ceiling box held by the Hardie.

I am guessing you use a box a bit like this which I think will fit a GFCI receptacle  a light fixture:
http://www.tnb.com/ps/fulltilt/index.cgi?check=Y&part=BH614R

Now I don't understand what you are trying to accomplish.  The round ceiling box may be a bit easier to install, but finding a cover that can cover the ceiling box seems to be a problem.  I know that rectangular boxes are more normal for this application and are just not that hard to cut into siding.  With enough preplanning, I would think you could install the rough in box to the framing as it will have a height relationship to the door/window headers.

I would think that material details would/should be worked out with the electrician and his commercial supplier, not the local big box store.

If I am not seeing the issue, please write again.  There is an easy check box to add an attachment photo or file.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Problem is, we seem to have the rough-in boxes installed at exactly the height where the siding laps and you generally have to cut out and install a light block to make it look decent and seal it from the weather.  The Intermatac WP1020C box cover fits over the 3 1/2" fiber boxes perfectly and Leviton has a single gang cover with a round lip at the top that also works.  You can't use a combo 3"/4" box because the screw supports for the 3" part get in the way.  We drill through the plank and sheathing, then seal with spray foam/calk.  Just wonder if there was a better method because it is easier/safer for volunteers to drill a hole than give them a reciprocating saw (and have them cut through the structure).

Answer
Keith, you're getting a pretty clean install.  I started to suggest a raised block (Azek comes to mind) that would require cutting around with the siding, but I figured that is why you were doing the round thing.  If you are getting a good weather seal and are able to center the device in the planking, sounds good to me.

Congratulations on a clean install.