Outdoor UPB

[jlegault]

Are there any outdoor UPB switches on the market? I've search around and not seen anything. Was hoping there was something like the Intermatic zwave unit.

 

[Digger]

I have a UPB Switch outdoors in a weatherproof box for a few years now. It works fine. An INsteon switch in the same box did not last more than 6 months. Neither of them are outdoor rated so you cant expect them to last forever.

 

[pete_c]

I have an Insteon switch outside in a weatherproof box and its worked fine for the last few years.

I will be replacing it though with a UPB switch and making the assumption that it'll work in the same weatherproof box.

 

[Digger]

I guess I assumed that the Insteon switch failed because it was outside, Maybe it would have failed inside as well.

 

[pete_c]

I guess I've been lucky. I used an older outdoor metal outdoor box; with foam installation between the cover plate and the box. The spring hindged cover is an outlet style cover (not the toggle type) with more foam on it. Its pretty water tight. Its kind of difficult to use. Its part of a 3 way switch setup for lighting the outdoor BBQ grill area.

 

[Digger]

I have an outdoor 2 gang metal box with a UPB switch and a GFCI outlet. I used a 2 gang decora coverplate and a clear in use cover. It is totally unprotected from rain and sun but the box does its job and the switch and outlet have been in place for about 3 years now.

I think if the box is installed correctly the switches should last at least a few years. I used an SA 1140W so if/when it does die it wont be to big of a loss. I will be real happy if I get at least 5 years out of it. So far I have not had any UPB switches have any problems (knock on wood).

 

[pete_c]

A few years back I changed all of the outdoor outlets to GFCI plus did the same for addional outside outlets I put in. (like the deck light/power box adjacent to the BBQ grill). Use the power for the rotisserie. The box is mounted under the top rail so it really doesn't get direct weather (guess it some more protection).