Installation
What is in the box?
Kula Cover
Mounting Screws (2)
*Receptacle not included*
What devices are compatible with the Kula Cover? Does the Kula Cover work with light switches and dimmers?
The Kula Cover fits standard rectangular (Decora-style) receptacles, light switches and dimmers.
For receptacles, we recommend the Legrand radiant outlet in Black or White. It is rated Tamper-Resistant (TR) and Weather-Resistant (WR), as required for outdoor outlets. The receptacle circuit must be protected by a GFCI breaker at the panel.
Can I use the Kula Cover indoors?
Yes, the Kula Cover may be used indoors.
Many of our customers use our covers near sinks, backsplashes, and on interior plaster walls.
Our covers provide a significantly higher level of protection and durability compared to standard plastic wall plates and also hide the receptacle from view.
What type of junction boxes work with the Kula Cover?
The Kula Cover is UL listed and tested for use exclusively with standard flush-mounted junction boxes. Not for use with larger surface-mount (FS/FSC type) boxes.
How does the Kula Cover mount to the electrical receptacle / junction box?
The electrical receptacle mounts to the junction box using the inside set of oval-shaped holes. These oval holes allow the receptacle to be installed perfectly level.
The Kula Cover then mounts to the outer set of holes on the receptacle.
Do you offer longer mounting screws?
We can provide longer mounting screws upon request.
Our standard 3/8" screw length is designed to accommodate the countersink depth, outlet cover wall plate thickness, gasket compression distance, and 1.5mm of steel tab thickness on the device/ switch.
Screws longer than 3/8" may push against siding and force the cover outwards off the wall allowing for water ingress.
Please confirm you have clear space behind your mounting tabs before requesting longer mounting screws.
Does the Kula Cover work with Lutron Palladium switches?
Due to the custom nature of the Palladium mounting hardware, our covers do not support the Palladium system.
We recommend Lutron seeTouch devices as they have a standard "decora" style shape and will work natively with our covers.
Is the Kula Cover water proof?
The Kula Cover is rated for both Damp Locations & Wet Locations When Cover Closed.
Why is the Kula Cover marked "GFCI Breaker Circuits Only"?
This marking is a condition of the Kula Cover's UL listing.
When used with a receptacle (outlet), the Kula Cover must be installed on a circuit protected by a GFCI circuit breaker at the electrical panel. A GFCI receptacle alone does not meet this requirement. You can still use a GFCI receptacle, but the circuit also needs a GFCI breaker.
This requirement does not apply to light switches or dimmers.
Have a licensed electrician confirm your circuit before installation.
Will the cover stay in the open position?
To comply with NEC standards, our covers naturally return to the closed position.
Will the cover stay closed when installed in a soffit?
Yes, our cover features an integrated magnetic closure system that will hold the cover closed when installed in a soffit or eave.
UL Listing + NEC Code
Is the Kula Cover UL Listed?
Yes, the Kula Cover is UL Listed and approved to meet the following standards:
UL 514D
UL File # E519471
Is the Kula Cover NEC Code compliant?
Yes, the Kula Cover is UL Listed and approved to meet NEC 406.9(A): Damp Locations + Wet Locations Only When Cover Closed.
The Kula Cover is approved for use with both electrical outlets & light switches.
Please note that while the Kula Cover is rated for use with electrical outlets in "Wet Locations When Cover Closed," some state electrical codes require “In Use" style covers on all exterior outlets to provide better protection in the event a homeowner leaves a cord plugged into a receptacle for an extended period of time.
We recommend the Kula Cover Deep when meeting the "Wet Locations While In Use" standard is required.
Is the Kula Cover CSA approved for use in Canada?
Yes, The Kula Cover is UL Listed and approved for the USA & Canada.
Our UL certification includes the C-UL designation specifically for Canada.
Finish
Can the Kula Cover be painted? Do you offer custom powder coating?
For custom color matching, we recommend purchasing our Matte White covers and finish painting on site. Our Matte White finish serves as a great primer.
We don't offer custom powder coat finish colors at this time due to the minimum powder order quantity for custom colors.
How will the cover withstand salty environments near the ocean?
The Kula Cover was designed and engineered specifically to withstand installations in harsh coastal climates with salty air and inclement weather.
The cover is built from solid forged marine grade brass.
The hinge pin, springs, and included mounting hardware are all made of 316 stainless steel.
How will the natural patina finish age over time?
Our Brushed Dark Bronze patina living finish will stay true to its original color. The finish is produced with an accelerated aging process that darkens and oxidizes the brass. A light coat of mineral oil every year will preserve the deep rich black metal finish.
Our Aged Brass patina finish will react organically with the natural environment. Over time, it will transition into a darker bronze tone. In certain coastal environments the Aged Brass finish may develop a greenish blue patina.
Installation
Should I order the Kula Cover or Kula Cover Deep?
We recommend the standard Kula Cover when you have an outdoor receptacle where a cord will not be left inserted for extended periods of time. The Kula Cover is rated for “Wet Locations Only When Cover Closed.”
For installations where you plan to leave a cord plugged in to the receptacle (holiday lights, landscape timers, etc) the Kula Cover Deep is the best option. The Kula Cover Deep is rated for “Wet Locations In Use” + “Extra Duty.”
Check with your local electrical code to ensure compliance.
What is in the box?
Kula Cover Deep
Recessed Junction Box
New Construction Wall Plate
Mounting Screws (2)
Stainless Wood Screws ⅝” (14)
½” NPT Closure Plugs (2)
Silicone Lubricant Pack (1)
*Receptacle not included*
What devices are compatible with the Kula Cover Deep? Does the Kula Cover Deep work with light switches and dimmers?
The Kula Cover Deep fits rectangular (Decora-style) receptacles, light switches and dimmers, including deep knob and toggle switches.
For receptacles, we recommend the Legrand radiant outlet in Black or White. It is rated Tamper-Resistant (TR) and Weather-Resistant (WR), as required for outdoor outlets. The receptacle circuit must be protected by a GFCI breaker at the panel.
For low-profile switches and dimmers, our standard Kula Cover is the better fit.
How deep is the recessed J-Box? What is the minimum wall depth?
The recessed j-box is 4⅜" deep, requiring a wall assembly with a minimum depth of 4½" from the outside of the cladding to the inside of the drywall.
Does the Kula Cover Deep work for both remodel and new construction?
Yes, the Kula Cover Deep can be used in both remodel and new construction.
Please review the Installation Instructions for details.
Is a junction box included? Does the Kula Cover Deep work with off the shelf junction boxes?
The Kula Cover Deep includes a proprietary recessed junction box which can be used for both remodel and new construction.
It is not compatible with off the shelf junction boxes due to the proprietary recessed design.
How does the Kula Cover Deep mount to the recessed junction box?
The Kula Cover Deep mounts to our proprietary junction box using two screws located on the inside of the recessed faceplate.
All installation hardware is included.
Please review the Installation Instructions for details.
How does the New Construction Wall Plate work?
The included New Construction Wall Plate provides an easy way to air and water seal your building's perimeter envelope when used on new construction.
The New Construction Wall Plate installs on the building's exterior facade with screws or adhesive and is then air and water sealed with the appropriate flashing methods compatible with your installation.
After the finish cladding is installed, the Recessed Junction Box is inserted into the opening in the New Construction Wall Plate.
A gasket on the inside of the New Construction Wall Plate creates an air and water tight seal around the junction box.
What type of cladding is compatible with the Kula Cover Deep?
The Kula Cover Deep is compatible with all cladding materials including: wood, stone, masonry, stucco, metal, and rain screen installations.
The Kula Cover Deep can be used with any thickness of cladding material when installed in the "Remodel" style installation method where the Recessed Junction box is installed over the outside of the finished cladding.
We recommend using threaded flexible non metallic conduit when using the Kula Cover Deep in rain screen installations.
When using the included New Construction Wall Plate in "New Construction" style installations the cladding thickness is limited to .5" to 3.5" thick.
Why is the Kula Cover Deep marked "GFCI Breaker Circuits Only"?
This marking is a condition of the Kula Cover Deep's UL listing.
When used with a receptacle (outlet), the Kula Cover Deep must be installed on a circuit protected by a GFCI circuit breaker at the electrical panel. A GFCI receptacle alone does not meet this requirement. You can still use a GFCI receptacle, but the circuit also needs a GFCI breaker.
Our installation instructions state: "Only for use on circuits protected by a GFCI breaker."
This requirement does not apply to light switches or dimmers.
Have a licensed electrician confirm your circuit before installation.
Will the cover stay in the open position?
To comply with NEC standards, our covers naturally return to the closed position.
Will the cover stay closed when installed in a soffit?
Yes, our cover features an integrated magnetic closure system that will hold the cover closed when installed in a soffit or eave.
UL Listing + NEC Code
Is the Kula Cover Deep UL Listed?
Yes, The Kula Cover Deep is UL Listed and approved to meet the following standards:
UL 514D
UL 514C
UL File #: E550036
Is the Kula Cover Deep NEC Code compliant?
Yes, the Kula Cover Deep is UL Listed and approved to meet NEC 406.9(B): Wet Locations In Use + Extra Duty.
Is the Kula Cover Deep CSA approved for use in Canada?
Yes, the Kula Cover Deep is C-UL Listed for the USA & Canada.
Finish
Can the Kula Cover Deep be painted? Do you offer custom powder coating?
For custom color matching, we recommend purchasing our Matte White covers and finish painting on site. Our Matte White finish serves as a great primer.
We don't offer custom powder coat finish colors at this time due to the minimum powder order quantity for custom colors.
How will the cover withstand salty environments near the ocean?
The Kula Cover Deep was designed and engineered specifically to withstand installations in harsh coastal climates with salty air and inclement weather.
The cover is built from solid forged marine grade brass.
The hinge pin, springs, and included mounting hardware are all made of 316 stainless steel.
How will the natural patina finish age over time?
Our Brushed Dark Bronze patina living finish will stay true to its original color. The finish is produced with an accelerated aging process that darkens and oxidizes the brass. A light coat of mineral oil every year will preserve the deep rich black metal finish.
Our Brushed Brass is unlacquered solid brass that ages naturally with its environment. Over time the finish deepens into a darker bronze tone, and in coastal settings it may develop a soft blue-green patina.
Installation
What is in the box?
Kula Hydrant
Stainless Steel Mounting Screws (2)
What is the best way to install the Kula Hydrant?
Two proven methods. Both start with a drop-ear 90 secured inside the wall.
1. PEX service loop (recommended)
Your plumber runs a short PEX loop from the drop-ear 90 to the hydrant's 1/2" NPT inlet. The loop absorbs the stem's 1.2° slope, so no shim is needed, and the hydrant can be removed from the wall for service or finish care at any time. Fastest install, easiest maintenance.
2. Copper nipple cut to length
Your plumber cuts a section of copper tube to the exact depth of the wall, solders a male thread on the drop-ear end and a female thread on the hydrant end, and threads it home. This gives you a rigid connection at a custom length, including depths between our 0", 8" and 12" stems. A slight shim at the drop ear keeps the wall plate plumb.
Either way, install per local plumbing code, and confirm the shut-off point sits inside the heated envelope in cold climates.
What stem length hydrant should I order?
The correct hydrant length is determined by your climate zone and exterior wall thickness.
Warm Climates - No frost protection required
0” stem length (1¾” total length)
For warm climates, the water supply connection can be made inside the wall framing. We recommend a PEX service loop connection for easy maintenance and future serviceability.
Cold Climates - Freeze Protection
8” stem length (9¾” total length)
12” stem length (13¾” total length)
Select a stem length long enough to extend into the interior heated envelope of the building. A supply connection can be made in a basement, crawl space or below a floor joist.
Installing the hydrant into a connecting interior t-wall is another great option as now a longer stem length and greater frost protection can be achieved without having to make the supply connection inside the interior finished space of the building.
Total length is the stem length plus 1¾”.
Need a custom length? Your plumber can fabricate a connection nipple from copper pipe cut to length — with female and male threads soldered on — to link to a drop ear 90, or simply use a PEX service loop.
What are the inlet and outlet connections?
Inlet: ½" NPT (male). Outlet: ¾" GHT — compatible with all standard garden hoses.
Do I need to remove my hose in winter?
Yes. Always remove the hose in freezing conditions. The Kula Hydrant self-drains when the valve is closed and the hose is removed — a hose left attached traps water in the stem and can cause it to burst. The 8" and 12" stems shut off the water supply inside the heated envelope of the building, so no water is left exposed to freezing temperatures.
Year-round, remove sprinklers, timers, and splitters when not in use — the outlet should not be under continuous water pressure for more than 12 hours.
Why is the inlet angled?
Every stem length features a 1.2° slope (¼" per foot) on the inlet for positive drainage. The wall plate and body sit plumb to the wall. When connecting to a rigid drop ear 90, a slight shim aligns the slope; a PEX service loop requires no shim.
Can I install the Kula Hydrant myself, or do I need a plumber?
While installation is simple and straightforward, we recommend a licensed professional plumber to install your Kula Hydrant.
Can I install the Kula Hydrant on angled siding?
Yes. The Kula Hydrant is designed for flat, plumb surfaces — for angled cladding, our Hydrant Wedge (sold separately) slides over the inlet stem to provide a plumb mounting surface.
What is a vacuum breaker and why does it matter?
A vacuum breaker prevents backflow — it stops water in your hose from siphoning back into your home's drinking water supply. The Kula Hydrant features an integrated anti-siphon atmospheric vacuum breaker and one-way check valve, certified to ASSE 1019-C. No add-on vacuum breaker is required.
What is the flow rate and pressure rating?
6 GPM at 25 PSI, with a maximum operating pressure of 125 PSI.
NSF Listing + U.P. Code
Is the Kula Hydrant Listed?
Yes. The Kula Hydrant is NSF listed and certified to ASSE 1019-C and the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Does the Kula Hydrant meet the Uniform Plumbing Code?
Yes. The Kula Hydrant is NSF certified to the Uniform Plumbing Code. Install it per our instructions and local code. It features:
- Integrated anti-siphon atmospheric vacuum breaker
- One way check valve for back flow prevention.
- Sloped stem for frost proof protection. (8" & 12" stem lengths only)
Finish
Can the Kula Hydrant be installed near the ocean? Can it survive in the snow?
Yes. The Kula Hydrant is built from solid forged brass for coastal and cold-climate installations. In freezing climates, choose the 8" or 12" stem, sized so the shut-off sits inside the heated space, and remove the hose before freezing weather.
The Hydrant is built from solid forged brass and features a living finish that will age naturally over time.
All internal hardware and components are made from brass, stainless steel, and copper.
How will the finish age over time?
Our Brushed Dark Bronze patina living finish will stay true to its original color. The finish is produced with an accelerated aging process that darkens and oxidizes the brass. A light coat of mineral oil every year will preserve the deep rich black metal finish.
Our Brushed Brass is a natural brushed brass living finish that will gradually deepen in tone over time.
Does the Kula Hydrant match the Kula Cover finishes?
Yes. The Kula Hydrant is available in Brushed Dark Bronze and Brushed Brass — the same living finishes as the Kula Cover collection.