WARNING: GFIC outlets may not protect against coop fires!

[bruceha2000]

"The homeowner told the chief there was a heat plate in the chicken coop to keep the chickens warm in the frigid temperature. It was the only source of heat in the coop, the chief said. "

Note the HEAT PLATE. Bad idea. Chickens have down coats they can't take off but can fluff up to trap more warmth.

 

[blackdog043]

@RonP Do they make a weather proof AFCI/GFCI outlet, I can't find one. I was thinking of replacing the GFCI outlet on my deck, that is protected in a weather proof cover. I run a 14 GA extension cord to my coop and plug it into a power inlet. I only use electric, for my bucket de-icer.

 

[JMotuzick]

Sounds like they had a brooder plate in the hen house? The link didn’t say how old the chickens were/are. I’m planing on setting my early spring chicks in the hen house early, with a mama, or a brooder plate not sure witch.

The outlet in the link can be used in a weather proof box (I’m guessing you have) and the correct weather proof cover.

Again I’m not a electrician, but I’m good with it. When I put power in my coop last summer all was done in weather tight fittings (compression), emt, seal tight, (not car flex) and with “bell boxes”. With the recent thaw I watched a stream run around the conduit for the (under) coop. The gfci did not trip, no way the mice can get to it if water can’t!

 

[bruceha2000]

I bet watching that water run down made you happy you did the job properly.

 

[JMotuzick]

It did! I always try to work that way, why do it twice or three times when doing it right it once takes half the time!?!

 

[blackdog043]

The outlet in the link can be used in a weather proof box (I’m guessing you have) and the correct weather proof cover.

Yes, It's a weather proof set up with the correct cover, I was just wondering if an outdoor outlet was available. I looked online and everything is indoor only. If an outdoor option was available, I would get that.

 

[aart]

If an outdoor option was available, I would get that.

Ditto Dat^^^^

 

[Blooie]

Ron, this is an excellent post! I am married to an electrician, and he's a good one too! He did all the stuff for my coop and run, and has a hissy if I even mention <gasp> extension cords, as @lazy gardener and @bruceha2000 can attest!

When I'm talking about Mama Heating Pad, I am careful to caution people that any electrical appliance - and especially those producing heat - can cause a fire. Phone chargers, coffee pot, even alarm clocks can be triggers...if it gets plugged in, the potential is there! Using the correct wiring and electrical hookups is absolutely critical. I also stress NOT using old heating pads that are tucked in back of the linen closet behind unused sheets and rolls of toilet paper. Older wires inside those pads can be compromised by being folded for long term storage, or even just because of age. Shoot, I don't work as well as I used to, either! If someone does have to use an extension cord, I also tell them to protect the connections and be sure to use only cords rated for outdoor applications.

After reading your post, I know that what I'm saying isn't said often enough. Electrical safety is not something we think about on a day to day basis. We plug something in and that's it. This post was timely and extremely well done!

 

[RonP]

Again, I will offer my opinion...

One may consider replacing the breaker in the electrical panel with an AFCI breaker to protect the entire circuit...

Click here for an example.

Again, If you do not know what you are doing, hire a professional...

 

[Blooie]

One other thing I forgot from Ken's days working as a professional electrician in rural South Dakota...

A lot of older barns, sheds and such were built and the builders used aluminum wire. Now we know that's not a good idea, but it's an even worse idea to upgrade outlets or whatever and use copper wire twisted to the existing aluminum. A huge hog barn burned down because the owner didn't know, didn't check, and didn't hire.