Lights under a porch roof - NEC help?
I want to put some lights under a porch roof outside. What kind of switch do I need? The switch would be under the roof. The roof is open on three sides.
I want to put some lights under a porch roof outside. What kind of switch do I need? The switch would be outside, but under the roof. The roof is open on three sides.
Call your local electrical inspector and find out if he views this as a "wet" or "damp" location.
If it is determined to be a wet location, you will need a weather-tight box and switch cover.
Either way, you should install GFCI protection for the lighting "before" the switch, that way the switch and the lights are all protected. (You should also be sure the lighting is listed for use in damp locations, and has "solid", as opposed to "open" trims.
Generally if it is outside you need watertight conduit and elec. boxes and switches. Don’t take chances, the cost is not that much more compared to losing your home to a fire.