I have an exterior outlet installed in my side yard. I would like to control this outlet using a smart device. The easiest way would be use of a smart outlet. Unfortunately none of the UL/CSA devices that I’ve reviewed are rated for exterior use. I thought off installing a Shelly 1 in the receptacle box. Unfortunately I see no way to manually operate the device. It’s not possible to install a switch at the main panel as the outlet is on the same circuit as a couple of devices that I don’t wish to control.
What thoughts do you have that may resolve this situation?
I would think something like this would work with your exterior box & cover. Wireless range would likely be reduced with a metal electrical box though.
I realize it does and pondered how to connect a switch when there’s no room in the outlet box to add such. I can’t add a second box as the existing box is embedded in brick - unable to gang a second one to the existing one.
In North America, receptacles in boxes with exterior rated wall plates are not usually rated as external use. They are just normal, usually ground fault protected, receptacles.
It would be very unlikely for cold temperatures to affect the outlet.
Temperatures aren’t typically the problem (unless you live above the arctic circle…but even then it’s not likely either). It’s water infiltration.
If you have an exterior rated electrical enclosure and the outlet is GFCI protected the outlet will be fine. But make sure you get an “in-use” rated enclosure if you plan on leaving anything plugged into it all the time. Some enclosures are just rated for exterior use if nothing is plugged in.
I have a zwave outlet in an exterior rated enclosure that powers my outdoor security camera and I’ve been using it for two years without any issues even in northern midwest winter temperatures.