I'm replacing an old GFCI in a bathroom, and for a little more money, I could buy one rated for weather resistance.
This bathroom has no fan (only a small window), so it can get pretty steamy with water condensation on all surfaces after a shower.
Would a weather rated GFCI be safer or longer lasting in such a location, or is a standard GFCI adequate? I'm assuming that it's ok to use a WR rated GFCI in an indoor location that's not exposed to outdoor weather?
Similarly, there's a downstream receptacle that I could also swap out with a WR rated one if there's any advantage to doing so.
What is the real difference between the regular and weather resistant models besides the little WR logo?
Best Answer
Probably no reason to use a WR outlet. The "WR" rating may not mean what you think it means. The primary difference between a WR outlet and a regular one is the WR one uses a special kind of plastic that does not get as brittle when cold and has better UV protection so it does not get damaged by direct sunlight. It does not provide any additional water resistance. If the outlet is going to be subject to direct water spray (either indoors or outdoors) it should be protected by a weatherproof outlet cover.
(It's possible a Tamper Resistant outlet would provide a small amount of protection against water since there are shutters that cover the slots, but that's certainly not what it's designed for. You may or may not want to install TR outlets, depending on whether it's required by code and/or you have kids.)