Best Weatherproof Outdoor Extension Lead Boxes: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician
If you have ever tried to run Christmas lights or a lawnmower using an indoor extension lead wrapped in a bin liner, please stop. It is one of the most common causes of 'nuisance tripping' I encounter. One drop of water bridging the Live and Neutral is all it takes to trip your RCD and cut power to your entire house.
In Leeds, where the rain is frequent and unforgiving, outdoor electrical safety is paramount. Weatherproof boxes (often called dry boxes) are essential for housing extension leads and transformers safely outdoors without the expense of installing permanent armoured cabling.
In this review, I've selected three reliable enclosures that I often suggest to customers who need temporary power. I've looked at a budget-friendly option, a sturdy quality choice, and a problem-solving kit that includes the lead itself.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "IP54 / IP55 Rating"
"Manufacturers state these boxes are 'weatherproof' and can withstand rain and water jets."
They are splash-proof, not submersible. Never leave these boxes in a depression in the ground where a puddle can form. If they sit in standing water, they will eventually leak and trip your electrics.
The Spec: "No Installation Required"
"Just plug in and go."
Whilst the box needs no tools, the socket you plug it into matters. Relying on an extension lead running through an open window is a security risk and can damage the cable. Ideally, plug these into a professionally installed outdoor socket.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
DRiBOX – Large IP55 Weatherproof Outdoor Electrical Connection Box (Grey)
DRiBOX
This is the standard 'go-to' box for most homeowners. It is simple, effective, and cost-efficient. The patented seal technology works surprisingly well without fiddly screws, making it quick to set up when the weather turns.
The Good
- Excellent price point for a branded safety product
- Simple hinged clamp mechanism (no screws to lose in the grass)
- Spacious enough for a standard 4-way extension bar and timers
The Bad
- Being light grey, it can stand out visually in a garden bed compared to black or green
- Plastic hinges can feel stiff in very cold winter temperatures
Installer Tip:
Make sure your hands are dry when you close it! These boxes are great at keeping water out, but if you trap moisture inside on a humid day, condensation can build up and cause issues with sensitive RCDs.
Priced at £19.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDRiBOX – Large IP55 Weatherproof Outdoor Electrical Connection Box (Black)
DRiBOX
Essentially the same robust build as the grey version, the black model is often preferred for aesthetics. It blends perfectly into shadows or against dark brickwork, which is common in Leeds' terraced streets. The silicon moulding ensures a tight seal around cables.
The Good
- Discreet black finish looks much smarter in the garden
- Proven IP55 protection prevents nuisance tripping
- Robust plastic construction resists UV damage better than cheaper alternatives
The Bad
- Slightly higher price point for the aesthetic upgrade
- Black plastic gets hotter in direct summer sun (keep in shade)
Installer Tip:
Avoid overstuffing the box. If cables are pushing against the lid from the inside, the seal might not sit 100% true. Arrange your transformers flat and ensure the cables exit through the silicon channels naturally.
Priced at £25.36 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDesiretech Weatherproof Outdoor Electric Box with 4 Gang 10m Extension Lead
Desiretech
This solves the frustration of buying a box and then realising your existing extension lead doesn't fit or isn't long enough. By including a 10m 4-gang lead, this kit is ready to go straight out of the box. It also features wall-mounting capability, which is a massive safety plus.
The Good
- Comes with a 10m extension lead - excellent value
- Features wall-mounting holes, allowing you to keep it off the wet ground
- Sturdy construction claims to withstand 100kg of pressure
The Bad
- Only IP54 rated (splash proof) compared to DRiBOX's IP55 involving low pressure jets
- If the extension lead eventually fails, you may have to replace the whole unit depending on how it is integrated
Installer Tip:
This unit allows you to mount it on a wall or fence. I highly recommend doing this. Keeping electrical connections off the ground is the single best way to prevent water ingress and accidental damage from garden tools.
Priced at £23.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I bury these boxes underground?
Why does my outdoor extension lead keep tripping the RCD?
Are these boxes safe for permanent use?
Do I need an electrician to set these up?
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