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. Or do you mean some kind of reinforcement plating or extra plastic around the attachment point? How do I mount the new work electrical boxes with the nail-in flange? Most all metal boxes have holes in the sides and back that were punched at the factory. 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. Without some kind of guide, it can be difficult to install the boxes with the proper offset to ensure the front edges of the electrical boxes will be flush with the finished drywall surface. 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. Legrand is established in nearly 90 countries, Bazaarvoice SAP Hybris Integration Version 2.8.1. ). 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. Follow our step-by-step instructions for installing an electrical box in drywall. Also be sure the boxes have correctly placed knockout holes for routing cable in and out. Most new electrical outlets will come packaged with the needed screws. 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 &. Whatever standard you choose, try to maintain uniformity for all electrical boxes. For instance, you might discover that an adapter plate will be helpful in the process of mounting a particular new box. When you install an electrical box, make sure it is flush with the surface of this drywall strip; this will ensure the boxes are at the proper depth when the walls are finished. The common practice forreceptacle outlet boxesis to install them so the bottom edge is between 12 and 16 inches above the floor. Was a common method in the past and still used today. So ensuring it is free of any Do You Need Electricial Wiring or Panel Upgrade Services? Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. 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. This means you cannot simply add mounting points anywhere on the box. 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. Your bed is the place in your home that should bring you the most peace, tranquility, and comfort. 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. Not my code though. The tabs bind it to the drywall. While there are standard electrical screws that help hold the electrical box in place, there is also a ground screw. Supports. You are using an out of date browser. Electricity can be dangerous, and working with the wrong screw material can inadvertently damage an electrical box or conduct electricity incorrectly. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The flexibility is part of the problem @einpoklum. Screws shall not be permitted to pass through the Practice first because it is hard to control. No, they are designed to screw a compressible surface. Don founded HomeTips in 1996. 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. You want to avoid using drywall screws and sheet metal screws. When working with electrical boxes, most electricians recommend using 32 threads for every inch of the screw. For old work, you need to select a box that has internal cable clamps. Remodel boxes (also called cut-in or old-work boxes) clamp to the drywall or plaster rather than attach to a framing member, making the work easier. 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. Personally I don't really like those boxes at all. Adjustable hanger barwhen a ceiling box spans two joists, this two-piece bar can be narrowed or expanded to fit the space between them. Take your time cutting a lath-and-plaster wall when installing an electrical box. This is the same size as the old work box but allows you to screw directly into the stud. 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). Ground screws in electrical boxes are always 10-32 and must be painted visibly green. In Canada boxes come with holes to screw to studs, both inside and outside the box. Before cutting a hole, use a stud finder to make sure no joist or stud is in the way. Usually, a 6-32 electrical screw can support about 12 pounds. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Why did the Federal reserve balance sheet capital drop by 32% in Dec 2015? These dimensions are set by codes. Just google it. I'm sorry you're not allowed to attach boxes this way. Many residential homes have exterior outlet boxes, which create a safe and convenient way to add power and electricity to the outdoors. Determining the correct size and type of electrical screw can be difficult, though, especially with so many screw options available on the market. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. fastening means, shall be attached by using brackets on the Enclosures within the scope of this article. Announcing the Stacks Editor Beta release! Mathematica won't validate Fresnel Integral identity. With a utility knife cut the line deeply enough to cut through the drywall paper. why screw into the box, why not screw from inside the box out into the stud using zip screw? The purpose/advantage of an old work box is that you use it where there is no stud to attach to. You screw them down tight, say the box, and they are apt to fracture because they will not bend or stretch. Plastic boxes are flimsy things. Remember, though, that plastic screws may not have the rigidity and longevity as metal screws. this sounds like new construction so why not use a metal box that has the spot welded ears on it?. Remodel boxes acceptable under local code. However, they are only as strong as the wall surface to which they are clamped. Lightweight fixtures can hold up on plaster or drywall if you have a remodel electrical box ($2, The Home Depot). having anything pointy/sharp inside the box, even with a thread cover, seems like trouble waiting to happen. Can be used for steel, aluminum, or wood studs. 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. Always be sure to use a stainless steel electrical screw for exterior applications. Thanks for the mudring info. Many exterior outlets are identical to an interior outlet, just with added insulation and weather protection. You need to use a plaster ring to bring the outlet flush to your finished drywall. Youll want to use a 6-32 screw to attach your exterior outlet. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. These screws are safe and intended for electrical use. Cannot cross-thread or strip a mounting screw. This post may contain affiliate links. The ground screw is essential for a safe electrical box. Before you buy electrical boxes, you want to be certain they have the right mounting holes for the devices you plan to install. If it does vibrate as you saw, sections of plaster can loosen from the lath. Take care. It is difficult to make a neat hole in plaster and lath, so have patching plaster ($5, Walmart) on hand. You can use these to indicate how far to extend the electrical box from the face of the studs. Get a Pre-Screened Local Electrical Wiring Contractor. Note the nails in the the mounting bracket or the flat flanges. Below is a preview of Article 314. I stopped buying drywall screws for 2 reasons: Put me in the 'drywall screws are brittle' camp. 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. If it fits tightly, do not force it or you may damage the drywall. That's a big splice. 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. How gamebreaking is this magic item that can reduce casting times? These screws will commonly be 6-32 and be about 5/16 inches in length. They can be purchased as a simple 2-pack or purchased in bulk for larger home products. Screws are NOT permitted to be run through holes in the back of the box. Of course, I've got plaster & lath walls, so it's stiffer than just drywall, but, depending on exactly where the box hits, there's a fair bit of play available if it's just plaster supporting the ears. 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. The terminology for sizing relates to three pivotal measurements of the screw. approved means to avoid abrasion of conductor insulation. In general, if you can screw into the stud, you don't use an old work box. Nails and screws, where used as a There are no precise code guidelines for how high wall switches or outlet boxes should be positioned. The deeper box will also require longer screws. Be sure to always work with stainless steel or zinc-coated screws when working in electrical applications. . Ensuring your electrical box has a ground screw is essential for a safe installation and application. 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. Force LaTeX to ignore unknown Unicode characters. Press the saw firmly against the wall to minimize lath vibration. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Plastic screw from inside outlet box to stud. The most common j-boxes (read cheapest) are the soft plastic variety. When attaching switches and outlets to the studs in your wall, you want to ensure a strong connection. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Screws are versatile, and there are many materials they can be made of. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. If you want to talk about electrical code, you have to talk about where you live. Using old-work electrical boxes is one way to hover the boxes between studs. 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? 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. For switches and outlets above countertops, install them so the bottoms are about 4 inches above the countertop surface. Legrand North America, LLC. Can Romex (NM-B) be run in conduit for more than 10 ft when starting from the breaker panel? Now, 98% of the screws I use are either #8 or #10 hex head sheetmetal screws with the piercing point. She has vast experience with digital publishing, including SEO, photoshoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. While these screws may fit the needed application, they can do more harm than good and potentially damage your electrical boxes. For your safety, turn off power before starting this project. There's an old saying about opinions,everybody is entitled to 1. Box with flangenail the flange to the side of an exposed stud or joist, aligning the front so that it will be flush with the finished ceiling or wall. 100 pack. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Which of the following is true when installing a metal switch box? Pancake boxwhile this application has nothing to do with breakfast, its ease of installment makes it an option you might just flip over. sign in for electrical continuing education courses. Don't ask me how I know this! We do not sell them separate but the size and threads are SCREW, HW/PHI, 6-18 X 3.250, CRS, BLACK. The 1/8 inch holes punched at the factory are near the. It's a little time consuming, but turns out a great result. Whether nailed to the studs or screwed in with adjustable brackets, boxes on studs tend to stay in place for a long time. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design education and expertise. My father-in-law loves to screw those to the joist and they take to it decently well. Mounting new electrical boxes is a simple process, but the job does require careful planning. How does one typically do "Old Work" with metal junction boxes? If so, is there a better way to support old work boxes than just relying on the drywall tabs? After all, most people spend nearly one-third of every day in bed. In the US, where I am: NEC 314.23. Thanks JACK. Strip 8 to 12 inches of sheathing and run the cable into the box. of the back or ends of the enclosure. Did it once, never again. JavaScript is disabled. If the drywall or plaster is damaged, cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist. The wood got a little wet, expanded and snapped all the drywall screws), "They are heat-treated at a higher temperature and are brittle". But, what happens if the ground screw options available do not fit or wont work? We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! 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. In other general, blue plastic boxes - ugh. That works too. The most common size screw to use in an electric box is a 6-32 flathead screw. I can have a max depth from face of stud of about 2.5. Follow these easy tips to make sure your electrical box installations look professional and meet code requirements. I would imagine the fiberglass hard shell variety would not fare so well. The only reason I suggested glue was to prevent the need of patching over additional screws in the drywallwhich would be visible. Round electrical boxes will require slightly different screws to hold them in place. Single-Gang Steel-Stud Box with Quick/Click and Captive Combo Head Self-Tapping Mounting Screws on Each End. Convert all small words (2-3 characters) to upper case with awk or sed. In most areas of the country, drywall screws and sheet metal screws will not pass electrical code in most residential homes. Keep in mind that typical room electrical receptacles should be placed a consistent 12 to 18 inches above the floor. As a plus, the box will slide along the bar, allowing you to create the perfect placement for a lighting fixture. If you want to 'freestyle' mountings like this, it's time to move over to steel boxes. It's easy to damage the surrounding area. If the box does not come with a cardboard template, hold its face against the wall, use a torpedo level to make sure it is straight, and trace it. 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. Caitlin graduated with a bachelor of journalism, with an emphasis in magazine editing, as well as a minor in textile and apparel management from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 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. Lastly, the length of the screw is given in the screw description. How do people live in bunkers & not go crazy with boredom? Steel is good. LOL regarding keeping Harp happy! Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. The tabs will put the box outside of the required roughin location. Don't forget, you have to ground the metal box with a #8 pigtail, from your ground in the cable, then to the outlet. When working with electrical boxes, you want to ensure you have the right size and diameter screw and the suitable screw material. This box is located in the garage, so I'd like it to be sturdy. Often, youll see more options for sizes and materials, and packages will be sold in larger bulk quantities online. 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. 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 ). 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. If you have an area of a thicker wall than usual, a recessed outlet may have to be used. The ones that don't self ground. Find out what size screws you can use for inch cement board. To attach a recessed outlet, usually a 6-32 1.5 inch length screw should work perfectly. For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture, buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan-rated brace. Thanks Bert - can you post a picture of what I should look for? After cutting a rectangular hole in the drywall, you insert the electrical box in the hole. The screw head can be either Philips or slotted screw, but usually, a slotted screw is the electricians preferred type. These materials are regularly available at local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowes. 3-1/2 and 4" are deck screws with a T25 head, but a one pound box will last me about a year. Usually, a ground screw is a hex head shape in either a slot head or Philips style. HomeTips. This distance, too, can be adjusted for special circumstances. Quick/Click: feature for fast, easy, secure installations. However, using any 8-32 screw with a washer will work as a ground for functionalitys sake. When the cover plate is covering an empty outlet box, a one-inch length can be used. I'd find another way. Typical 3" deep PVC Carlon box hits a conduit in the wall. Why was there only a single Falcon 9 landing on ground-pad in 2021? Length is an important measurement, especially when it comes to working with electrical boxes. The gauge measurement is the first number listed when giving a screw size. Mounting screw threads exposed inside a box are permitted without protection. In new construction, attaching a strip of drywall to the front face of studs can serve as a guide for attaching wall boxes. Southwire Smart Box 2-Gang Adjustable Depth Device Box #MSB2G. Some electricians stop just short of driving the mounting nails completely into the studs. Clamp in place until the glue dries. (1) Nails and Screws. link to How To Keep Centipedes Out Of Your Bed, How To Connect PVC Conduit To An Electrical Box (Do This! It may not display this or other websites correctly. Screws can be installed through mounting holes in one side of the box. For larger or heavier applications, you may need to use multiple electrical screws to support the weight. 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. Up to the OP. Some boxes have built-in clamps for securing cable, or you might need to purchase cable connectors.Nail-on plastic electrical boxes are affordable and easy to use. Electrical boxes typically are mounted to the sides of studs for stability. Is it permissible to walk along a taxiway at an uncontrolled airport to reach airport facilities? This allows the box to be easily removed should the layout need to be changed before the NM cable installation. 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. I used to use them but learned my lesson and switched to square drive from McFeely's screws or Spax. 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. For a round electrical box, an 8-32 screw is recommended. Can be installed on steel studs with most standard crimping tools in addition to CT1 Crimping Tool. Screws can be driven through mounting holes in two sides of the box. How do I fix an outlet where the junction box falls into the hole and the wires are too short? Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help. Around here they use galvanized steel roofing nails to attach boxes to studs. Then a truss-head or pan-head screw, maybe even with a washer to spread out the pressure. Since the holes in the sides of most metal boxes are near the front, many inspectors would not allow them as mounting holes. Then, with either a manual Phillips screwdriver or a cordless drill/driver, you turn the two screws clockwise. Caitlin regularly attends trade shows and industry press conferences for market research and continued education. Most residential drywall is 1/2- or 3/8-inchthick, so keep a handful of drywall strips of this thickness on hand to facilitate electrical box installation. Junction boxes are not to have additional holes drilled into them for securing them to studs. 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. Usually, the ground screw is thicker with a hex head and is painted green. Larry Campbell is an electrical contractor with 36 years of experience in residential and light commercial electrical wiring. Plastic, as a material, is simply not metal - and UL has not tested or approved these boxes for field modification. Although I tend to use a drill bit intended for woodwork for drilling holes in plastic. Remember that the deeper recessed box will also require longer screws than usual to attach the face cover plate as well. 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. 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.) It even self-grounds switches and certain receptacles, so one less wire to wrestle. Installing electrical boxes is one of the first stages in electrical rough-in work. Before you get started, plan the job carefully, as running cable through walls covered with drywall or plaster can be difficult. For spaces used by people with accessibility issues requiring a wheelchair, for example, lower switch heights might be practical. Some junction and device boxes have brackets for mounting while others do not. Plastic nail-in electrical boxes may have3/8-inch measuring tabs along the sides. This will also have fewer knockouts which makes it easier to find hole locations. 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. Whichever clamping method the box uses, -inch of sheathing should show inside the box. In the 2017 NEC, that issue has been corrected and now the intent of the section is clear. That in turn can result in cracking at the stress points added through drilling. 314.23(B)(1) Nails and Screws. 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. Drywall screws are the best thing since sliced bread. Nearby, there was a much pricier fiberglass box that came with metal tabs. Not sure what the code book says. Is it okay to protect NM Cable in an unfinished basement with ENT? Usually, ceiling lights and ceiling fans will use a round electrical box due to the different installation style. Is it acceptable to retrofit a new-work plastic electrical box by screwing through it into a stud? Like other electrical screws, you will want to use a 6-32 screw for the electrical outlet. 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. Steel has the strength to allow you to drill holes where you please and use them for mounting screws. Not all fixtures need to be attached to a wall stud or joist. Buy a better box if you want it to be sturdy. drywall screws are very brittle and as a result I would not use them for mounting a box that would be subject to force, I would use regular wood screws. Most metal switchboxes have holes at the rear corners where you could drive nails through to the stud. Anyway, I'm just not used to seeing metal electric boxes. Many (most?) Cut to the inside of the knife cut to prevent fraying the paper. In most residential areas, the screw must be very clearly painted green to pass the electrical code. Why does \hspace{50mm} not exactly add 50 mm of horizontal space? Really not the right box for what you're trying to do. The revised text now permits running nails or screws through mounting holes in the back or in a single side of the enclosure. 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. Usually, screws are metal, but sometimes plastic screws are made for specialized applications. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. How applicable are kurtosis-corrections for noise impact assessments across marine mammal functional hearing groups? +1. 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.) Irregular box heights will flag a home'selectrical work as that of an amateur. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. bvseo-msg: The resource to the URL or file is currently unavailable. Then cut 2 pieces of 1/2" plywood about 2" x 8" or so. (B) Structural Mounting. of the back or ends of the As an Amazon Associate, HomeTips earns from qualifying purchases which allows us to continue creating helpful DIY content. interior within 6 mm (1/4 in.) No, boxes of this type are made to be used exactly one way: placed in a drywall hole exactly the size of the provided template, and then clamp to the drywall using the ears on the outside and the swinging clamps on the inside. ; loc_en_US, sid_S118RS, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=LAST_APPROVED_ANSWER_SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. JACK: I'd forgotten about those, that's also a good option and a much faster install than my answer. enclosure. 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. Remember, though, that while this setup may function safely, it will not pass electrical code. 314.23(B)(1) Nails and Screws. 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. 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. It is also possible to buy electrical screws from online retailers like Amazon. 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. "Old Work" electrical box: should it be screwed into the stud? Not only will that box grip anything, it doesn't warp at all. Test to make sure the old-work box fits in the hole. plastic boxes are of a more flexible kind, and don't cracky that easily. Push the box into the hole. 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. Tighten the screw until you feel resistance and the box is firmly attached.