Easy-remove electrical outlet cover

Unlike those electrical outlet safety protectors that are made deliberately difficult to remove, this outlet cover is made easy to remove. It is intended for use in a covered outdoor patio, to keep out bugs and debris when nothing is plugged in.

This is designed for a NEMA 5-15R electrical receptacle, which is commonly used throughout North America, Japan, Taiwan, Ecuador, Columbia, and Venezuela.

I designed it for Decora-style receptacles but fits standard receptacles too. The photograph with the wood background is a standard wall outlet, the other pictures show Decora-style outlets.

Only the earth-ground pins are needed to hold this in place. The other pins are unnecessary, too thin to print 100% reliably, and require too much support.

Update 26 May 2024: Shortened ground pin by 5 mm to make it about the same length as the "live" flat pins would be. There's no need for this plastic pin to be as long as an actual grounding pin. A longer pin is more easily broken.

Print settings

Supports: Yes

Resolution: 0.2 mm layer height, 0.6 mm nozzle

Infill: 20% gyroid

Filament: Any PLA+, PLA2, or PETG

Notes:

The part is printed in the orientation provided (standing on its edge), to provide maximum strength to the pins, with perimeters wrapping around the pins into the body. Organic/tree supports are recommended.

DO NOT print laying flat with the pins sticking up vertically! If you do, the pins are likely to break off inside the socket! The perimeters must hold the pins together, not the layer bonds.

Rotate the part on the build plate so that one long sharp edge is at the rear, and set the seam position to "rear" for the best appearance.

Print with a tough, non-brittle material like PLA+, PLA2, or PETG. "Silk" PLA isn't recommended.

Category: Outdoor & Garden