Electrical Question

[Golfer222]

The outside Heat pump condenser breaker has a double outlet below it. The receptacle holes are blocked by whitish plastic so as a plug cannot be placed.

Question is can this be removed (I looked and seems no easy way) and if so can this outlet be used for outside Christmas lights

Thank You

[alwann]

The outside Heat pump condenser breaker has a double outlet below it. The receptacle holes are blocked by whitish plastic so as a plug cannot be placed.

Question is can this be removed (I looked and seems no easy way) and if so can this outlet be used for outside Christmas lights

Thank You

Would have to see it, but believe some outside electrical receptacles have a dummy insert plug to protect the unit from the rain. Have you tried removing it?

[retiredguy123]

I think it can be removed and used for Christmas lights.

[villagetinker]

This is probably a Tamper Resistant outlet, like all the other ones in the house. The plastic will slide when a correct plug is inserted, the purpose is to keep people (aka children) from inserting things like paper clips into the outlet. Leave it alone, you should not have problems with it when used properly.

[retiredguy123]

OP, is the plastic material located outside the hole or inside the hole? If it is outside, then you should be able to pry it off with a screwdriver and then use the outlet. If it is inside the hole, then you should be able to plug a two pronged wire into the outlet by applying a little extra force.

[Golfer222]

it is on the inside. I tried to insert a 3 prong plug with quite a bit of force but it would not go in

[dewilson58]

Photo

[retiredguy123]

it is on the inside. I tried to insert a 3 prong plug with quite a bit of force but it would not go in
I have also been frustrated by some of the outlets inside my house. You may want to try another plug, but the outlet should accept a normal plug. Try angling the plug up or down a little as you push it in, instead of pushing it straight in.

[Golfer222]

I couldn't insert a photo but here is a link to pretty much the same outlet

https://www.amazon.com/Siemens-WN2060U-Non-Fused-Disconnect-receptacle/dp/B0052MDMIS/ref=asc_df_B0052MDMIS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=228763672776&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7399235449689519258&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026083&hvtargid=pla-392546891203&psc=1

[Dana1963]

It’s obviously a gfi outlet. Since this may be a new home and you can not plug in the proper cord. Maybe a call to warranty dept would be just plenty of time to Christmas
You should not need to struggle with this tamper proof outlet

[retiredguy123]

I couldn't insert a photo but here is a link to pretty much the same outlet

https://www.amazon.com/Siemens-WN2060U-Non-Fused-Disconnect-receptacle/dp/B0052MDMIS/ref=asc_df_B0052MDMIS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=228763672776&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7399235449689519258&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026083&hvtargid=pla-392546891203&psc=1
You should be able to insert a plug. It may take a little effort and wiggling to get it in the first time.

[dewilson58]

The whitish in the plugs are for protection.
Some of my indoor outlets have them as well.
I pushed thru them.
:shrug:

[retiredguy123]

If you still cannot push the plug in, buy one of those plastic child safety outlet covers and gently tap it into the outlet with a hammer to loosen up the outlet.

[Golfer222]

Thanks

[Malsua]

I couldn't insert a photo but here is a link to pretty much the same outlet

https://www.amazon.com/Siemens-WN2060U-Non-Fused-Disconnect-receptacle/dp/B0052MDMIS/ref=asc_df_B0052MDMIS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=228763672776&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7399235449689519258&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026083&hvtargid=pla-392546891203&psc=1

That's a Weather Resistant (hence the WR) and Tamper Resistant outlet.

You should be able to get a plug into it, just wiggle and push. They are quite annoying sometimes.

[Golfer222]

Thanks- will try