BELL Hubbell-Raco 5197-2 Round Cluster Cover, for Use with Weatherproof Boxes, Die Cast Zinc, Powder Coated

Why I Reached for This Cluster Cover

I put the Bell cluster cover (model 5197-2) to work on a weather-exposed junction box where I wanted to mount a new LED floodlight and retain options for future accessories. The existing box sat tight to siding and the new fixture’s mounting nipple was short; I needed a bit more stand-off and a clean way to add or cap extra outlets. This cover checked those boxes with three 1/2-inch threaded outlets, a NEMA 3R rating, and a rugged die-cast build.

Build Quality and Finish

The body is die-cast zinc, and it feels solid in hand—noticeably more confidence-inspiring than light stamped covers. The bronze powder coat is even and consistent with a low-gloss sheen that blends well with typical bronze outdoor fixtures. Powder-coated finishes vary widely; this one resisted scratching while I dry-fit fixtures and rotated the unit against brick and siding. Edges are well-finished with no burrs, and the tapped outlets had clean threads with no flashing.

Included in the box: the cover itself, a perimeter gasket, two closure plugs, installation screws, and multilingual instructions. It’s a complete kit for a standard install, and the packaging kept the threads and finish pristine out of the box.

Installation: Straightforward with a Few Caveats

Mounting to a round weatherproof box was mostly uneventful. The cover’s footprint matched my box, and the perimeter gasket compressed evenly when snugged down. The extra stand-off the cover provides solved the short-nipple issue on my floodlight; the fixture seated securely without bottoming out.

Two notes from my install:

• Mounting screws: On one older weatherproof box, the included screws didn’t match the existing threads. That box used a different thread pitch, so I re-used the original box screws. On a newer box, the provided screws fit fine. Keep a couple of spare machine screws on hand if you’re working with mixed-vintage boxes.

• Hole alignment: On a modern round box, alignment was spot-on. On an older off-brand box, the holes were just a hair off center, which I corrected by loosening the box ring and adjusting. It wasn’t a showstopper, but it’s worth checking alignment before applying sealant.

Threading in the fixture arm and closure plugs was smooth. The outlets are tapped for 1/2-inch fittings, and threads engaged cleanly with no binding.

Weatherproofing and the NEMA 3R Reality

The cover is NEMA 3R rated, which means it’s designed to protect against falling rain and sleet. In practice, with the included gasket compressed evenly and the screws tightened snug (not over-torqued), I saw no seepage after a sustained wind-driven rain. That’s exactly what I’d expect from 3R.

A couple of practical tips to hit that performance reliably:

• Perimeter seal: The provided gasket is a good baseline, but I still run a thin bead of exterior-grade silicone around the perimeter after final tightening. It’s cheap insurance in exposed locations.

• Closure plugs: The two included plugs are metal screw-ins without O-rings. They’ll thread and hold, but for long-term weather resistance I add a dab of silicone or a thread sealant to the plug threads before installation. It takes seconds and greatly improves the seal on unused ports.

Remember, 3R is not a hose-down rating. If you’re mounting in a car wash bay or an area subject to pressure washing, you’d want a 4/4X solution or additional protective measures.

Flexibility in Real-World Use

The three 1/2-inch outlets make this cover more flexible than single-outlet options. I’ve used one side for a floodlight arm and capped the other two for future additions (a photocell or a second light). The spacing gives you decent angles for multi-head flood setups without awkward adapters.

Because the cover adds a bit of stand-off from the box, it’s also handy when fixtures have short nipples or when you want clearance for motion sensor heads. It’s a small detail, but it can save a return trip to source an extension.

Color-wise, the bronze finish complemented readily available bronze floodlights and wall packs. If you’re pairing with a very specific bronze tone, expect a slight shade difference—as usual across brands—but it’s close enough for most installs.

What I Liked

• Rugged construction: The die-cast body feels durable and provides a solid mounting platform. No flex, no fuss.

• Clean threads: All three outlets and the mounting threads were cut cleanly, which makes a difference when working at the top of a ladder.

• Finish quality: The powder coat held up to handling and minor bumps during install. It wipes clean and doesn’t telegraph fingerprints.

• Included gasket: It compresses evenly and simplifies the seal; with a thin silicone bead, it becomes a very reliable assembly for rain exposure.

• Versatility: Three 1/2-inch outlets open up multiple configurations without extra hubs or adapters.

Where It Could Be Better

• Closure plug sealing: The screw-in plugs don’t include O-rings. They’ll do the job, but thread sealant should be considered mandatory if the unused outlets face weather. I’d love to see gasketed plugs in the box.

• Hardware compatibility: The included screws didn’t match threads on one of my older boxes. That’s not unusual in the field, but a heads-up for pros—carry a small assortment of machine screws.

• Fit on legacy boxes: Alignment was perfect on newer boxes, slightly finicky on one older, off-brand housing. That’s likely a box issue, not the cover, yet it’s worth noting for remodel work.

Installation Tips

• Dry-fit everything: Test the cover on your box and thread in the fixture and plugs before applying sealant.

• Use sealant smartly: A thin exterior-grade silicone bead around the perimeter and a dab on the plug threads goes a long way.

• Don’t over-torque: Snug is enough. Over-tightening can distort the gasket or strip threads, especially in die-cast components.

• Confirm thread pitch: If you’re servicing older infrastructure, verify the box’s screw threads and keep extra 8-32 and 10-24 machine screws in the kit.

• Orient for drainage: If you’re using just one outlet, orient the unused plugs laterally or upward and avoid positioning a plug as the lowest point when possible.

Durability and Long-Term Outlook

Zinc die-cast with powder coat is a proven formula for outdoor hardware. The bronze finish shrugs off light scuffs, and zinc resists corrosion better than plain steel in typical residential and light commercial environments. With proper sealing at the plug threads and perimeter, I expect years of service without issues. If you’re in a highly corrosive coastal environment, periodic inspection and a fresh bead of sealant every couple of seasons is just good practice.

The Bottom Line

The Bell cluster cover is a solid, no-drama solution for mounting outdoor fixtures to weatherproof boxes while keeping options open for additional accessories. It’s sturdy, the finish is respectable, and the three threaded outlets add real-world flexibility that single-outlet plates can’t. You’ll likely want to supplement the weatherproofing on the closure plugs with sealant, and you may need to lean on your own hardware if you run into older boxes with nonstandard threads. Beyond those manageable quirks, it does exactly what it should and does it well.

Recommendation: I recommend this cover for anyone outfitting outdoor junction boxes with LED floods, motion heads, or multi-accessory setups who values flexibility and a clean, durable finish. It’s an easy install, the standoff helps with short-nipple fixtures, and with a couple of simple sealing steps, it delivers reliable 3R weather protection in exposed locations.