I had a surprise the other day. I was standing on a deck and I saw an older covered outside AC receptacle -- common stuff -- the double cover and all. A few feet above that was a similar cover. but not double. In fact I did a double-take, it took me just a moment to realize what it was that I was seeing, that single flap and all, because I see these so seldom.

You know what is under that little door? It is a switch for an outside light. In the wet northwest climate that is a good thing and good design. On the other hand, even as an inspector, I see this done correctly so seldom that it took me quite by surprise. It seemed like an alien device. Normally, even in damp Bellingham, they just have a switch mounted there, on it's lonesome, getting wet all the time.

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections