I was just told by someone that you have to have insulated outlet boxes for exterial walls inside the basement? Is this true? I've never heard or seen these, I've seen them for exterior outlets outside, but not inside.

Never heard of such a thing. Why would you do it? Do you live in Anartica?

I seen them at Lowe's they are called vapor barrier boxes. Anyone know if they are code.

You would have to ask the local juristdiction to determine if there is a code requirement. I fail to see the advantage. The box is pretty well sealed when you get the outlet and the cover plate installed. You are not speaking of rain proof boxes for exterior use are you? Or perhaps a box intended for use where there is the possibility explosive gasses, such as a service station or repair garage?

I know of no NEC code requirement.

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

You are not speaking of rain proof boxes for exterior use are you? Or perhaps a box intended for use where there is the possibility explosive gasses, such as a service station or repair garage?

I know of no NEC code requirement.

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No, this is a black box that has a flange around the opening that seals against the back of the drywall. It also seals around the cable that is pulled into the box. Today is the first time I have ever seen or heard of these boxes.

Never heard of them. Would make easier to seal up the hole that the drywall hanger cut to big though.

They may make them -- but it seems funny no one has heard of them before

Seems like somebody had too much time on their hands -- small problem!

Put piece of styrofoam behind box if that is a problem

They are certainly a code requirement in Canada. Every box and potlight on a cold wall/ ceiling must be vapour proof. This does not mean insulated or weatherproof. Vapour proofing can be done by either buying a plastic box (like Hubbell) with the foam on the flange around the box. These are typically grey. The other option is to buy a thin flexible plastic cover that fits around a metal box. They also make vapour proof potlights. Bathroom fan's must have a vapour barrier too. I'm not making this stuff up! Have a look here to see what I am talking about. Scroll down to the "vapour barrier boxes"

You're supposed to tape the vapour barrier to the flange of the plastic box with red vapour barrier tape. If you use a metal box, then tape the vapour barrier to the plastic cover and use acoustic sealant ('black death') to seal where the wires enter the hole you cut in the plastic cover to get to the box.

Live and learn.

rtw_travel is bang on. I live in Kamloops BC and wired hundreds of houses. Makes a huge difference for drafts. Ever open a plug and felt cold air coming in? This won't happen if VB boxes are installed.