outdoor or weather proof machines

[veding machine seattle]

Hi, I'm a little new to this but I was just wondering if anyone knows models or brands that are ok to place outside with out anything really covering them?

[dougncin]

Soda or Snack Machines?

[lacanteen]

Most soda machines are outdoor rated, if in original condition. The only snack machine rated for outdoor use is the AMS "Outsider". There will be an electrical rating decal somewhere in or on the machine.

[Lbfrozen]

The older threads on this are informative, but are sometimes difficult to find, as terms like 'outdoor' or 'outside' are sometimes too general to get usable results. You may find results by searching UL, electrical code, NEC, GFCI.

There are different types of 'outdoor' conditions. Full exposure to sun, wind, and rain is not great for any machine. Indoor, conditioned space is good for any machine. Pergola, breezeways, awnings, well-drained vs. puddles, and many other variables should be considered. You can make many situations safe in terms of electricity with add-on GFCI, but there are concerns with food safety in a machine open to rain or sun (this includes dark-colored snack machines in the sun, regardless of whether it is refrigerated).

Electric code and UL rating are different. Stay in line with electric code (it is the law), and take UL rating as very good advice (and necessary if a warranty is involved). I have UL outdoor rated machines that I would never put in the sun or rain, and I have indoor rated machines placed in conditions that are best described as outdoors.

If you are in Seattle, though, I suppose that rain is the bigger concern over sun exposure.

There is no lack of experts around here who can answer for specific situations (I do not claim to be one of them), so ask away.

LB