Weather-resistant GFCIs is worth it or marketing fluff?

[Sorceress_Jessica]

I’m starting to question whether weather-resistant GFCI outlets are actually holding up any better than standard ones. I’ve replaced three in the past two years like all supposedly rated for outdoor use, all installed in proper in-use covers. They still find a way to fail once Michigan weather does its thing. Are these things just not built to last, or am I wasting money on “weather-resistant” labels that don’t mean much? Anyone actually seen them hold up more than a few seasons?

 

[Arch_Mortamor]

Half the “WR” outlets out there are junk. The label meets the letter of the code but not the spirit. I’ve had better luck with commercial-grade Hubbell or Leviton WRs like the cheaper ones just die fast in humidity. WR helps, but only if the cover and box are done right.

 

[PGB1]

Jack Pot on what Arch_Mortamor wrote above! No Cheapies Allowed.

For me, Leviton has performed poorly when the weather turns below freezing. I think condensation gets in, freezes and burns the circuit boards. (Done some autopsies)

I prefer both the Hubbell that Arch mentioned as well as Pass & Seymour LeGrand. Arrow Hart has been good, too.

And-
Don't buy from home centers. People either are returning bad ones that go back on the shelf or the products simply get thrown around. So many times I've done a quick fly-by and bought a GFI device at a home center only to find it defective. Shop an electrical supply house if you have one nearby.

Paul

 

[Ava_Vulpes]

I’ve been thinking maybe “weather-resistant” needs a new standard altogether. Like, if these are meant for outdoor installs, they should survive a Midwest winter without flaking out. Wonder if using a combo of silicone-sealed boxes and GFCI breakers instead of outlets would work better long-term?