Generally a putty pad is considered to completely seal the opening as if it doesn’t exist, but they need to check the “putty pad’ manufacturers listing to be sure. But they have always passed inspection.
Single-Gang Steel-Stud Box with Quick/Click and Captive Combo Head Self-Tapping Mounting Screws on Each End. But, what happens if the ground screw options available do not fit or wont work? Tug to make sure the cable clamps tightly. Always be sure to use stainless steel screws when working with electricity. Many (most?) https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-2-Gang-Gray-Metal-New-Work-Standard-Square-Ceiling-Wall-Electrical-Box/3128081, Nvent Caddy TSGB16 $3.99 Mounting Bracket, Adjustable 11 to 18 In | Zoro.com, http://hubbellcdn.com/ohwassets/HCI/RACO/Catalog/A1-A84.pdf. Select boxes that meet local codes. When you get the really long ones (4"+),they are way cheaper than deck screws and when you use enough, they can replace structural screws. Don Vandervort, HomeTips. Force LaTeX to ignore unknown Unicode characters. Screws shall not be permitted to pass through the Can be installed on steel studs with most standard crimping tools in addition to CT1 Crimping Tool. 
Clamp in place until the glue dries. JavaScript is disabled. Thanks for the mudring info. If so, is there a better way to support old work boxes than just relying on the drywall tabs? Is it okay to protect NM Cable in an unfinished basement with ENT?
Why does \hspace{50mm} not exactly add 50 mm of horizontal space? 
Usually, the ground screw is thicker with a hex head and is painted green. These standard metal boxes have been secured by driving self-tapping screws through the 1/8-inch diameter mounting holes in the side of the box and into the horizontal metal stud. See the actual NEC text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Electricity can be dangerous, and working with the wrong screw material can inadvertently damage an electrical box or conduct electricity incorrectly. Screws shall not be permitted to pass through the box unless exposed threads in the box are protected using approved means to avoid abrasion of conductor insulation. But there still some common errors that do-it-yourselfers frequently make. +, @GeorgeAnderson I think these are relatively new on the market as I don't remember seeing them when I was working. Make several passes with a sharp knife. If you are simply replacing an electrical box or have lost the original screws, you may need to purchase new screws to attach your electrical box safely. When attaching switches and outlets to the studs in your wall, you want to ensure a strong connection. Remember, screws that are flat head work best because they will sit flush with your electrical application. The way this is worded "pass through" the box makes me think of an old installation style where long nails or screws were driven right through the box and into the stud, which is a huge pain to work around, but also easier to remove for rework than external fasteners. Buy a better box if you want it to be sturdy. Quick/Entry: feature speeds installation by eliminating need for tools, allows you to push stripped or unstripped non-metallic cable into a single gang plastic box without removing knockouts. Code Change Summary: Changes were made to the requirements on how boxes are permitted to be secured by nails or screws. Having to ground metal boxes is more advantage than disadvantage as they come with 2 or more ground screws, each of which can fasten 2 ground wires, so you often don't need a wire nut or Wago and you get some free box volume as a result. The box will simply crack there, either from the violence of a self-drilling screw, or the stress points from a drilled hole clamped by a tightened screw, or the physical strain of people wrestling plugs out of a stiff socket. The tabs bind it to the drywall. . The last sentence of the code section was added to make it clear that field drilling of mounting holes is subject to the approval of the inspector. ). Supports. Press the saw firmly against the wall to minimize lath vibration. Can Romex (NM-B) be run in conduit for more than 10 ft when starting from the breaker panel? Screw diameters are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different projects. They can be purchased as a simple 2-pack or purchased in bulk for larger home products. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Plastic, as a material, is simply not metal - and UL has not tested or approved these boxes for field modification. Not sure what the code book says. You dont have to create a to-scale rendering for it to be a helpful tool when adding new circuitry.Metal electrical box utilizes cable clamps to secure nonmetallic cable. Why are the products of Grignard reaction on an alpha-chiral ketone diastereomers rather than a racemate? Screws can be installed through mounting holes in one side of the box. Usually, ceiling lights and ceiling fans will use a round electrical box due to the different installation style. I installed a number of double- and triple-gang boxes like that when we initially updated the wiring in our house. You are using an out of date browser. In other general, blue plastic boxes - ugh. Screws are NOT permitted to be run through holes in the back of the box. Personally I don't really like those boxes at all. I stopped buying drywall screws for 2 reasons: Put me in the 'drywall screws are brittle' camp. 314.23(B)(1) Nails and Screws. I have used wafer head screws to secure a cut in box through weep holes and to a stud, though I see it is a violation as just now posted. This outlet type features an extended electrical box to help accommodate the added thickness. The common practice forreceptacle outlet boxesis to install them so the bottom edge is between 12 and 16 inches above the floor. That works too. Yet another type (right) uses separate mounting brackets that slide in after the box is inserted and bend over the sides of the box to lock it in place. Drywall screws are the best thing since sliced bread. It is also possible to buy electrical screws from online retailers like Amazon. Try your hand at this small electrical project using our step-by-step instructions below. Not only are these screw materials the safest, but they will also keep the physical, electrical box in good condition. These measurements include gauge, threads per inch, and length. The only reason I suggested glue was to prevent the need of patching over additional screws in the drywallwhich would be visible. Tighten the screw until you feel resistance and the box is firmly attached. I can have a max depth from face of stud of about 2.5. Steel is also vastly superior for every purpose of a junction box (containing arc fires, not melting and letting a fire spread, causing loose or arcing wires to trip the breaker). Using old-work electrical boxes is one way to hover the boxes between studs. I've had no problems with either outlets or switches feeling wobbly. Keep in mind that typical room electrical receptacles should be placed a consistent 12 to 18 inches above the floor. Do you have to put up with non-beautiful non primary colored wire as well? Southwire Smart Box 2-Gang Adjustable Depth Device Box #MSB2G. These screws will commonly be 6-32 and be about 5/16 inches in length. How does one typically do "Old Work" with metal junction boxes? Then, with either a manual Phillips screwdriver or a cordless drill/driver, you turn the two screws clockwise. However, using any 8-32 screw with a washer will work as a ground for functionalitys sake.
Nails and screws, where used as a fastening means, shall secure boxes by using brackets on the outside of the enclosure, or by using mounting holes in the back or in a single side of the enclosure, or they shall pass through the interior within 6 mm (14 in.) Your other option of course is to simply cut out the sheetrock from one stud to the other, install a new work box and repair the sheet rock, but I don't think that's what you want to do. Which of the following is true when installing a metal switch box? rev2022.7.29.42699. plastic boxes are of a more flexible kind, and don't cracky that easily. When I was an ignorant teenager, sure. For more information see our disclosures, Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner Buying & Installing, How to Get Your Home Ready for Overnight Guests, Smart Devices Protect Your Home During Power Outages &. JACK: I'd forgotten about those, that's also a good option and a much faster install than my answer. Home Theater Connections & Cable Management, Wall Switch Occupancy and Vacancy Sensors, Wire Mesh Mounting, Dropouts and Accessories, Ladder Mounting, Dropouts and Accessories, Industrial Heavy-Duty Spec Grade Switches, Report Suspected Connected Device Vulnerability. Mounting holes made in the field shall be approved. Remember, though, that while this setup may function safely, it will not pass electrical code. Cannot cross-thread or strip a mounting screw. If it does vibrate as you saw, sections of plaster can loosen from the lath. There are actually 3 different styles of metal old work box you can get where I live, 4 if you include F clips. Whether you are upgrading the electrical system in an old home or planning your electrical needs for new construction, it helps to draw out your plans on paper. Length is an important measurement, especially when it comes to working with electrical boxes.
I have used your solution many times but added a few drywall screw so I didn't have to wait for the glue to dry. Don't forget, you have to ground the metal box with a #8 pigtail, from your ground in the cable, then to the outlet. I use a slightly deeper ring than what is normally used ( ie: 5/8" raised ring for 1/2" drywall, 3/4" ring for 5/8" drywall ). Be sure to always work with stainless steel or zinc-coated screws when working in electrical applications. Run cable through the hole. Plastic is not metal. It's easy to damage the surrounding area. 
Some electricians stop just short of driving the mounting nails completely into the studs. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. After all, most people spend nearly one-third of every day in bed. That box you are showing, is a 4 11/16" x 2 1/8" deep box. 
She has vast experience with digital publishing, including SEO, photoshoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. What happens if a debt is denominated in something that does not have a clear value? (B) Structural Mounting. My father-in-law loves to screw those to the joist and they take to it decently well. The gauge measurement determines the diameter of the screw itself. Plastic boxes are flimsy things. +1. The screw head can be either Philips or slotted screw, but usually, a slotted screw is the electricians preferred type. I need to install a shallower depth 2-gang box for a range as part of kitchen renovation (50A, 240V, 4-wire feed). For larger or heavier applications, you may need to use multiple electrical screws to support the weight. Whatever standard you choose, try to maintain uniformity for all electrical boxes. Plastic nail-in electrical boxes may have3/8-inch measuring tabs along the sides. The tabs will put the box outside of the required roughin location. In general, if you can screw into the stud, you don't use an old work box. This distance, too, can be adjusted for special circumstances. While more extended screw options are available in the 6-32 inch size, you never want to use something longer than two inches to attach an electrical box. Not sure if serious Because I certainly am noy. It's a little time consuming, but turns out a great result. Take your time cutting a lath-and-plaster wall when installing an electrical box. Before cutting a hole, use a stud finder to make sure no joist or stud is in the way. I used to use them but learned my lesson and switched to square drive from McFeely's screws or Spax.
3-1/2 and 4" are deck screws with a T25 head, but a one pound box will last me about a year. Steel is good. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. 
Not all fixtures need to be attached to a wall stud or joist. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Usually, a ground screw is a hex head shape in either a slot head or Philips style. Cut to the inside of the knife cut to prevent fraying the paper. Turning the screws also turns the two plastic wings behind the drywall, forcing the box against the drywall. No, they are designed to screw a compressible surface. Now, 98% of the screws I use are either #8 or #10 hex head sheetmetal screws with the piercing point. For heavier applications, like ceiling lighting and ceiling fans, an 8-32 screw will work better. I will look at offerings at the blue and orange stores. Enclosures within the scope of this article. Old-work boxes attach directly to the drywall, not to the studs. This type of box has wings that extend outward when you start to drive the screw, then grasp the back of the drywall as the screw is tightened. approved means to avoid abrasion of conductor insulation. If you have an area of a thicker wall than usual, a recessed outlet may have to be used. Or do you mean some kind of reinforcement plating or extra plastic around the attachment point? In some areas you can just buy metal old work boxes if you don't want plastic, which likely cost less than this super fancy fibreglass one I've never seen. However, they are only as strong as the wall surface to which they are clamped. If you use improper attachment points that are not gusseted, the box will at the least flex and shift, meaning your box is moving around while you wrestle plugs in/out of a stiff socket.