In most residential areas, the screw must be very clearly painted green to pass the electrical code. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Plastic is not metal. Determining the correct size and type of electrical screw can be difficult, though, especially with so many screw options available on the market. This distance, too, can be adjusted for special circumstances. It is also possible to buy electrical screws from online retailers like Amazon. All Rights Reserved. ; loc_en_US, sid_S118RS, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=LAST_APPROVED_ANSWER_SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]. Also be sure the boxes have correctly placed knockout holes for routing cable in and out. 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. Remember, screws that are flat head work best because they will sit flush with your electrical application. How to Install an Electrical Box in a Finished Wall, How to Install Wall Sconces for a Quick Room Refresh, How to Install a Porch Light to Brighten Your Home's Exterior, Everything You Need to Know to Properly (and Safely) Hang a Heavy Mirror, How to Frame an Interior Wall with Metal Studs, What to Know About Residential Electrical Codes to Safely Power Your Home, How to Install an Electrical Box in Framing, How to Frame an Interior Wall with Wood Studs, How to Remove and Replace an Old Bathtuband Pick the Perfect New Tub, Rethink Flea Market Finds: 48 Amazing Projects, Hacks, and Revamps, How to Cut for an Electrical Box in Drywall. enclosure. The wood got a little wet, expanded and snapped all the drywall screws), "They are heat-treated at a higher temperature and are brittle". Thanks JACK.

or by using mounting holes in the back or in a single side of the enclosure. It even self-grounds switches and certain receptacles, so one less wire to wrestle. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. The flexibility is part of the problem @einpoklum. Installing these handy boxes only takes about 15 minutes and they give you the freedom to decorate your space exactly how you want. How does one typically do "Old Work" with metal junction boxes? Screws can be driven through mounting holes in two sides of the box. Often, electricians report a simple stainless steel screw with a washer attached works better than a hex-head screw used to meet code requirements. I cant use any box with offset mount tabs.

Just google it. Remember, though, that while this setup may function safely, it will not pass electrical code. The most common j-boxes (read cheapest) are the soft plastic variety.

The gauge measurement determines the diameter of the screw itself. Note that the face of the box extends out 1/2-inch from stud to allow for drywall. The screw is typically a 10-32 size and is 5/16 inches long. It's probably too late for you, but take a look at page A8 of the hubbel box catalog (here: Joist hanger screws are nice but expensive as hell. It's a little time consuming, but turns out a great result. (B) Structural Mounting.

Plastic boxes are flimsy things. This outlet type features an extended electrical box to help accommodate the added thickness. What about between the studs? JavaScript is disabled. I quite agree "to the drywall" is a bad deal and will not withstand ordinary stresses of wrestling a 3-prong socket out of a new, quality (stiff) receptacle socket. outside of the enclosure, or they shall pass through the They can be purchased as a simple 2-pack or purchased in bulk for larger home products. I use those boxes all the time,there's nothing wrong with using drywall screws on wood studs,that's what they're made for. This allows the box to be easily removed should the layout need to be changed before the NM cable installation. Alternatively use a rotary cutter equipped with a plaster-cutting bit. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. I will look at offerings at the blue and orange stores. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! fastening means, shall be attached by using brackets on the Strip 8 to 12 inches of sheathing and run the cable into the box. Then cut 2 pieces of 1/2" plywood about 2" x 8" or so. They don't have any strength except where they have been gusseted specifically to have strength. The next step up from there would be a metal box, but that might require clamps and other things to get the wire safely in (plus you need to bond metal boxes). See the actual NEC text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Supports. Youll want to use a 6-32 screw to attach your exterior outlet. The most common size screw to use in an electric box is a 6-32 flathead screw. Don't forget, you have to ground the metal box with a #8 pigtail, from your ground in the cable, then to the outlet. . Plastic nail-in electrical boxes may have3/8-inch measuring tabs along the sides. 314.23(B)(1) Nails and Screws. HomeTips. +, @GeorgeAnderson I think these are relatively new on the market as I don't remember seeing them when I was working. Follow our step-by-step instructions for installing an electrical box in drywall. Or do you mean some kind of reinforcement plating or extra plastic around the attachment point? Push the box into the hole. When nailing the box, use light, careful blows rather than heavy swings of the hammer. That's a big splice. of the back or ends of the enclosure. JavaScript is disabled. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. If you strike too hard, you risk pushing the box backward along the face of the stud. Not sure what the code book says. Drywall screws are the best thing since sliced bread. (1) Nails and Screws. Also, avoid placing a switch box on the hinge side of a door opening; you want the switch to be readily accessible upon opening the door. 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.) 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. Boxes, whether metal or nonmetallic, should be simple and straightforward to mount using one of the following techniques: Screw-on handy boxattach this box directly to the framing. But sometimes, it's not always possible to find a suitable mounting point against the studs. A better solution is to get a box similar to the one below with side screws already included to be mounted to the stud. Nails and screws, where used as a Usually, a ground screw is a hex head shape in either a slot head or Philips style. Checking with AHJ never hurts as they always have final say. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.

having anything pointy/sharp inside the box, even with a thread cover, seems like trouble waiting to happen. Usually, the ground screw is thicker with a hex head and is painted green. The box you have shown can be used and mounted fairly secure if you take the time to cut the opening as small as possible so the box tabs have more drywall to support it. That box you are showing, is a 4 11/16" x 2 1/8" deep box.

When I was an ignorant teenager, sure. Don has: Over 30 years experience as a remodeler and builder. Written more than 30 home improvement books. Served as Senior Editor at Home Magazine. Appeared as a segment host on HGTVs The Fixfor 3 seasons. Been a featured expert on MSN.com, US News, and many others. Learn more about the trusted HomeTips brand! Anyway, I'm just not used to seeing metal electric boxes. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account. The deeper box will also require longer screws. It may seem like a different language looking at how a screw is measured. Why does \hspace{50mm} not exactly add 50 mm of horizontal space? A face cover plate is the part of an electrical construct that covers the electrical outlet or switch to keep it safely protected inside the wall. Ensuring your electrical box has a ground screw is essential for a safe installation and application. 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. With a utility knife cut the line deeply enough to cut through the drywall paper. There's an old saying about opinions,everybody is entitled to 1. How to achieve full scale deflection on a 30A ammeter with 5V voltage? amzn_assoc_placement="adunit0";amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads="true";amzn_assoc_tracking_id="widget05-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode="auto";amzn_assoc_ad_type="smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace="amazon";amzn_assoc_region="US";amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories="2619525011,1055398,2972638011,228013";amzn_assoc_linkid="fed726c60c88d738e7784c819bb73fbc";amzn_assoc_fallback_mode={"type":"search","value":"electrical boxes"};amzn_assoc_default_category="All"; Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips. Practice first because it is hard to control. Screws shall not be permitted to pass through the 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. approved means to avoid abrasion of conductor insulation. Take your time cutting a lath-and-plaster wall when installing an electrical box. The 1/8 inch holes punched at the factory are near the. This four-gang box is designed to hole four switches or receptacles. If you were to have any wobble, it would most likely be on the end away from the stud anyway, and your screws wouldn't help that. Self, never enter one of mike93lx's buildings. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Below is a preview of Article 314. Face cover places usually use slightly different electrical screws that have an oval shape, flat head. box unless exposed threads in the box are protected using Screws are NOT permitted to be run through holes in the back of the box. 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 ). It is difficult to make a neat hole in plaster and lath, so have patching plaster ($5, Walmart) on hand. Many residential homes have exterior outlet boxes, which create a safe and convenient way to add power and electricity to the outdoors. Don Vandervort has developed his expertise for more than 30 years, as Building Editor for Sunset Books, Senior Editor at Home Magazine, author of more than 30 home improvement books, and writer of countless magazine articles. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company. Take extra care during cold weather: If you strike the box itself in low temperatures, the box could shatter or break.

This is the same size as the old work box but allows you to screw directly into the stud. Usually, a 6-32 electrical screw can support about 12 pounds. Installing electrical boxes is one of the first stages in electrical rough-in work. Using old-work electrical boxes is one way to hover the boxes between studs.

314.23(B)(1) Nails and Screws. Screw diameters are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different projects. Around here they use galvanized steel roofing nails to attach boxes to studs.

Make several passes with a sharp knife. HomeTips articles may contain links to Amazon.com and other partner programs that provide helpful products and services.

The only reason I suggested glue was to prevent the need of patching over additional screws in the drywallwhich would be visible. There are no precise code guidelines for how high wall switches or outlet boxes should be positioned. Nail-on electrical wall boxbutt this box against a wall stud and nail it on.Nail-on electrical wall box is quick and fast to nail in place. Quick/Click: feature for fast, easy, secure installations. This box is located in the garage, so I'd like it to be sturdy. After cutting a rectangular hole in the drywall, you insert the electrical box in the hole. ), How To Hide An Electrical Box In The Front Yard (Do This! I've had no problems with either outlets or switches feeling wobbly. That works too. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Keep in mind that typical room electrical receptacles should be placed a consistent 12 to 18 inches above the floor. Most metal switchboxes have holes at the rear corners where you could drive nails through to the stud. BTW, just screwing inside the box to the stud will result in a lot of movement of the box when plugging in and unplugging cords. Before you get started, plan the job carefully, as running cable through walls covered with drywall or plaster can be difficult. In Canada boxes come with holes to screw to studs, both inside and outside the box. this sounds like new construction so why not use a metal box that has the spot welded ears on it?. Pancake boxwhile this application has nothing to do with breakfast, its ease of installment makes it an option you might just flip over. Don founded HomeTips in 1996. My father-in-law loves to screw those to the joist and they take to it decently well. But they have always passed inspection. For old work, you need to select a box that has internal cable clamps. No, they are designed to screw a compressible surface. A slightly longer electrical screw that is 1.5 inches or 2 inches may be needed to safely and securely attach your exterior outlet to the wall. Make sure to keep your blows perpendicular to the stud. Whatever standard you choose, try to maintain uniformity for all electrical boxes. 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.

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. 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. It's easy to damage the surrounding area. Is it okay to protect NM Cable in an unfinished basement with ENT? I don't have a problem with drywall screws, but I haven't used them in over 20 years. The 1/8 inch holes punched into the sides of most metal boxes are near the front of the box. Always be sure to use a stainless steel electrical screw for exterior applications. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. 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). Before cutting a hole, use a stud finder to make sure no joist or stud is in the way. Test to make sure the old-work box fits in the hole. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. While it's not as strong as a stud-mounted box and sometimes the wings will break off, often it's the only option when you want the box to be between studs. Your bed is the place in your home that should bring you the most peace, tranquility, and comfort. Thanks for the mudring info. Lastly, the length of the screw is given in the screw description. To attach a recessed outlet, usually a 6-32 1.5 inch length screw should work perfectly. The screw head can be either Philips or slotted screw, but usually, a slotted screw is the electricians preferred type.

Up to the OP. This generally means mounting them so they extend 1/2 inch beyond the face of the wall studs if 1/2-inch-thick drywall will cover the wall studs. Thanks Bert - can you post a picture of what I should look for? For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture, buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan-rated brace. Not sure if serious Because I certainly am noy.

However, using any 8-32 screw with a washer will work as a ground for functionalitys sake. Order Nvent Caddy Mounting Bracket, Adjustable 11 to 18 In, TSGB16 at Zoro.com. Not all fixtures need to be attached to a wall stud or joist. 314.23 Supports. If you want to 'freestyle' mountings like this, it's time to move over to steel boxes. Rather than hammering in one nail fully before proceeding to the next one, it's best to alternate back and forth between the nails, hammering each nail in about 1/4 inch each time. Whether nailed to the studs or screwed in with adjustable brackets, boxes on studs tend to stay in place for a long time. Now, 98% of the screws I use are either #8 or #10 hex head sheetmetal screws with the piercing point. Nails and screws, where used as a fastening means, shall be attached by using brackets on the outside of the enclosure, or they shall pass through the interior within 6 mm (14 in.) After all, most people spend nearly one-third of every day in bed. Determining how much weight your screws can be essential to ensure your electrical box is held securely and safely. Most new electrical outlets will come packaged with the needed screws. That in turn can result in cracking at the stress points added through drilling. It appears from another forum that this might violate electrical codes. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Cannot cross-thread or strip a mounting screw. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC edition of NFPA 70. Convert all small words (2-3 characters) to upper case with awk or sed. I'm interested in replacing an existing outlet (in a wall that's finished with drywall) with a two-gang duplex (four outlets total), using an "old work" box. Get a Pre-Screened Local Electrical Wiring Contractor. Typical 3" deep PVC Carlon box hits a conduit in the wall. As an Amazon Associate, HomeTips earns from qualifying purchases which allows us to continue creating helpful DIY content. There's no issue with plastic boxes, ignore the vague FUD about them in the first comment. In the 2017 NEC, that issue has been corrected and now the intent of the section is clear. I recently used one for a utility outlet changing my dryer from three prong to four prong just to keep Harper happy :-) The box had very little flex and that was eliminated with the cover. The gauge measurement is the first number listed when giving a screw size. Run cable through the hole. If you have an area of a thicker wall than usual, a recessed outlet may have to be used. But there still some common errors that do-it-yourselfers frequently make. However, try using a larger one-inch screw to ensure the screw is safely anchored to the studs in your wall. If you want to talk about electrical code, you have to talk about where you live. Tighten the screw until you feel resistance and the box is firmly attached. I'm sorry you're not allowed to attach boxes this way. Adjustable hanger barwhen a ceiling box spans two joists, this two-piece bar can be narrowed or expanded to fit the space between them. For your safety, turn off power before starting this project. Larry Campbell is an electrical contractor with 36 years of experience in residential and light commercial electrical wiring. Remodel boxes acceptable under local code. Cut to the inside of the knife cut to prevent fraying the paper. Really, in a metal box you attach your cables' ground wires to the box first and push them all the way into the back of the box, and never touch them again. Most all metal boxes have holes in the sides and back that were punched at the factory. When working with electrical boxes, most electricians recommend using 32 threads for every inch of the screw.

This means you cannot simply add mounting points anywhere on the box. If you are using a different wall thickness (such as 5/8-inch thick, required for some firewalls) make sure the reference strips match that thickness. 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. Mounting screw threads exposed inside a box are permitted without protection. Is it permissible to walk along a taxiway at an uncontrolled airport to reach airport facilities? Ground screws in electrical boxes are always 10-32 and must be painted visibly green. But professionals follow certain standards for a uniform look. Mathematica won't validate Fresnel Integral identity. What Autonomous Recording Units (ARU) allow on-board compression? 2-1/8-Inch Deep and note where the bracket is - The face of the box is designed to be flush with the face of the drywall. Electricity can be dangerous, and working with the wrong screw material can inadvertently damage an electrical box or conduct electricity incorrectly. It only takes a minute to sign up. Clamp in place until the glue dries. Legrand is established in nearly 90 countries, Bazaarvoice SAP Hybris Integration Version 2.8.1. The ones that don't self ground. Now, no. ). They also may not be able to support as much weight compared to metal screws. 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. Junction boxes are not to have additional holes drilled into them for securing them to studs. Caitlin is the senior digital home editor at Better Homes & Gardens, where she covers all things home, including decorating and interior design, cleaning and organization, paint and color, home improvement, and more. Can the difference of two bounded decreasing functions oscillate?

Need something with 2.5" depth or less. plastic boxes are of a more flexible kind, and don't cracky that easily. Irregular box heights will flag a home'selectrical work as that of an amateur. Often, youll see more options for sizes and materials, and packages will be sold in larger bulk quantities online. Lightweight fixtures can hold up on plaster or drywall if you have a remodel electrical box ($2, The Home Depot). 3-1/2 and 4" are deck screws with a T25 head, but a one pound box will last me about a year. Take care. Nightstands are valuable pieces of your bedrooms design, adding both form and function to the space. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. While there are standard electrical screws that help hold the electrical box in place, there is also a ground screw. Some electricians stop just short of driving the mounting nails completely into the studs. 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. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.

Is it acceptable to retrofit a new-work plastic electrical box by screwing through it into a stud? Not only are these screw materials the safest, but they will also keep the physical, electrical box in good condition. You need to use a plaster ring to bring the outlet flush to your finished drywall. Steel is good. bvseo-msg: The resource to the URL or file is currently unavailable. Still, though, I think my solution would result in a more rigid mount.the question then becomes, how important is a bit of flex vs. the additional time and effort of my solution. Partially because there's a shortage, I couldn't buy a 2-gang old work plastic blue box like the one you pictured in the question. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. It is standard practice for wall switches to be installed about 48 inches above the floor, but this distance can range from 43to 53 inches, depending on your preference.

NEC 110.3(B). Usually, screws are metal, but sometimes plastic screws are made for specialized applications.

But, what happens if the ground screw options available do not fit or wont work? They are also very hard. (I screwed some plywood to some temporary framing. I can have a max depth from face of stud of about 2.5. The ground screw is essential for a safe electrical box. Drill starter holes at each corner and then cut with a jigsaw. Code Change Summary: Changes were made to the requirements on how boxes are permitted to be secured by nails or screws. The common practice forreceptacle outlet boxesis to install them so the bottom edge is between 12 and 16 inches above the floor. You are required to use that box that way, or not at all. We do not sell them separate but the size and threads are SCREW, HW/PHI, 6-18 X 3.250, CRS, BLACK.

I need to install a shallower depth 2-gang box for a range as part of kitchen renovation (50A, 240V, 4-wire feed). 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. Force LaTeX to ignore unknown Unicode characters. I'd find another way. 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. acceptable screwing retrofit In other words, get a new work box rather than an old work box @Jack this doesn't apply worldwide, so could you add the electrical code or jurisdiction it applies to? 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. Most plaster is attached to -inch-thick wood lath, which cuts fairly easily if it does not vibrate. Arguably the wall you want to drill through is an end of the enclosure, so the head of a fully driven screw would be within 6mm of it. If plaster is attached to metal lath, cut all the way through the plaster with a knife and then cut the metal lath with side cutters. The tabs will put the box outside of the required roughin location. You screw them down tight, say the box, and they are apt to fracture because they will not bend or stretch. Follow these easy tips to make sure your electrical box installations look professional and meet code requirements. Steel has the strength to allow you to drill holes where you please and use them for mounting screws. "Old Work" electrical box: should it be screwed into the stud?

I would imagine the fiberglass hard shell variety would not fare so well. Apply glue and slip them into the opening above and below with the edges aligned horizontally with the edge of the top and bottom respectively. I get them by the 1000 in 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", and 2", in #8(1/4" hex) and #10(5/16"hex), and #10 only in 3" length. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I'd mark the holes and pre-drill because if you bust out the plywood, you'll have a real mess on your hands!

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