Dustproof Outlet Boxes?

[Pico_Banana]

I am putting electric in a shedrow barn that I use for storage but want to set up for horse usage in future, should I ever need it. So multiple lights and outlets.

My husband has been charged by the electrician to buy the boxes for the light switches and outlets. He is determined to buy ones that are dust-free, which I appreciate for safety reasons. However, he has been unable to find any that meet that requirement. I just looked and it seems like the only ones I can find are more than $100 each on the Grainger website (and are rated for hazardous conditions).

Has anyone found any dustproof options? Or are we over-thinking this?

[clanter]

I really believe you can find less expensive sources, what you looking for are NEMA 4 or 4X rated items. NEMA 3 will provide protection from wind-blown dust

NEMA 4 rating: Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use with a dust-tight, water-tight seal to protect against windblown particles, rain, splashing water and hose-directed water. Will remain undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

4X is noncorrosive housings (plastic or stainless steel) this is IP66 for European ratings … Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use with a dust-tight, water-tight seal to protect against windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and damage from external ice formation. Plus, an additional level of protection against corrosion

[StormyDay]

We were told that any outdoor rated plug that is GFCI rated would be barn safe, because any short would be caught and the electric would shut off before the dust could catch fire, plus the outdoor rating makes them more likely to be water and dust proof.

I’ll also say that in the barn I’m renovating I was shocked by how little dirt there was inside the plugs and outlets that had been there for 43 years. The light fixtures however were a different story.

[clanter]

@Pico_Banana

He is determined to buy ones that are dust-free, which I appreciate for safety reasons.

a NEMA 3R Bell box and switch cover plate at Graingers is about $11, link is to the light switch cover plate which seals the box from water and dust, the Bell box is shown down within that link

4 1/2 in Ht, 2 3/4 in Wd, Weatherproof Cover

[Weezer]

I have these on the outlets in my run-in

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/building-materials/electrical/electrical-boxes-conduit-and-fittings/electrical-box-covers/f/weatherproof/34s-1dud

[clanter]

@Pico_Banana

(and are rated for hazardous conditions)

those are for explosive dust applications such as in a grain elevator, in a horse barn the concern would be wind blown dust like one would see in the house

Also those would NEMA 7/9 items. To be in a true explosive proof installation you have to use rigid conduit which after the conductors are pulled is sealed with a slurry mix that is poured into the conduit,

The standard dust proof outlets/switch boxes that have been posted normally are installed using EMT conduit (official name is Electric Metallic Tube however always referred to as just EMT). EMT is fairly easy to work with and sort of inexpensive

BX cable (armored cable) could be used however it will not provide a seal.

[Bluey]

@Weezer

I have these on the outlets in my run-in

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/building-materials/electrical/electrical-boxes-conduit-and-fittings/electrical-box-covers/f/weatherproof/34s-1dud

We have some of the transparent covered ones in our cattle working shed. Work fine there.
They do stick out a bit and I would not consider them where horses may have access to them, they may bump or chew on them.

[Pico_Banana]

You guys are awesome. Thank you so much. This is exactly what I needed!

And they will be GFCI, as well.

I have drilled safety/fire concerns into both my electrician and my husband.

[clanter]

might want to do an as built drawing of just how the system was set up with measurements for locating crucial items such junction locations

Earlier this year we lost power to one of our barns, but I had the as built drawing to locate the buried lines which did make the repair easier.

[Weezer]

I agree. I installed them between the half walls of the stalls and the shelter wall. So you have to reach down behind the half wall to access them. In one spot where that wasn’t possible, I installed one between studs and ran a board from stud to stud in front of it so the horses can’t get at it.