Does anyone have any favorite tricks for installing outlet and switch boxes in walls destined to be covered in two layers of sheet rock?

AC

We use 4" sq box with a plaster ring.

2 layers of 5/8" sheet rock need a 1 1/4" raised ring

Wood framing or metal? RX or BX/MC?

Nail on boxes can be a pain as the nail bosses can get in the way of the first layer of rock.
We do alot of log homes. In interiors we find a problem even with 3/4" T&G wood where the carpenters have to notch the back side of the boards because of the boxes.

1900 boxes with plaster rings is a no brainer.

AC,

I consider these boxes to be one of the best new products I've seen recently. I'd recommend them for any place where you're not sure what the final wall thickness will end up too. They're great for Kitchens and Bathrooms that might get a backsplash, or Tile, or whatever, very easy to adjust.





made by Carlon

Bill

kudos on the carlon's Bill

i carry arlington extenders, for those last minute tile jobs, or similar 11th hr depth changes...

As an addenda to Sparky's post, the Arlington extensions as pictured are, to my knowledge, the only ones that are currently UL approved.
They are made by other companies, but don't have the UL.
Bill, very neat box!!...S

I love these boxes, and Blue is my favorite color. They seem pretty sturdy too.

Here's a 2 gang notice the clamp inside that could be used for larger gauge cables.



[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 11-03-2003).]

I don't have any problem using 1-1/2 inch 6/32 screws on back splashes and such.

Sandro,

Having boxes set back that far in the wall isn't against your Canadian Electrical Code?

Bill

I use the adjustables Bill posted in every kitchen and bathroom. The only bad part is they only come in 1 and 2 gang.

Those adjustable boxes look like a great idea, I had not seen them before.

You still need long screws with the Arlington box extenders - maybe thats what Sandro means

A problem I find using the Arlingtons is the thickness of material is such that the cover plate will not snug up to the finished wall - it leaves a gap.

I'd forgotten the name of this Box until now, it's made by a local guy near me and looks like a handy thing to carry on the truck. It's listed for New Work and Old Work with Wood or Metal studs. It comes in 1, 2, 3 or 4 gang.



The \"Smart Box\"

Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 11-13-2003).]

Bill those look great. Something I coud use every day. I'm ordering some!

u2Slow;

We stock those smart boxes. We're in Massachusetts. You mentioned the guy who invented and manufactures them lives by you?
Where abouts if you don't mind my asking?

~Ange

Ange,

That was me that mentioned the Boxes and the Guy. He's on Long Island. I don't know him personally though, I just saw a presentation he made to a local association and seen him donate boxes for raffle prizes at meetings and events.

Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 11-13-2003).]

Wirenutt, Where are you out of?

Hey Joey, I am in Holden. However I am from Somerville and worked for Fitzmaurice Elec. in your town for a little while.

Electricmanscott, Did you drive the Voltswagon?

Use your hacksaw and cut the nails off of
the 1 gang plastic nail-on box. drive the nails thru the box near the back corners top and bottom to attach it to the stud. The box must be room temperature or it will shatter.
This will allow you to extend the box out as far as you want. If it is 2 gang you can attach it with drywall screws from inside the box. Some people may have a problem with this method as far as U.L. but it works great.

wewire2,

The Inspector is the one that may have some problems with your method. I've used the screws inside the box method on occasion, when there was no other way, but the boxes shown above are very easy to use and are totally legit. I can see no reason to recommend anything else that might be 'iffy' while these solutions are available.

Bill

JoeyD;

I'm at concord electric supply in westford, mass.
Worked the field for a couple decades. Now I'm on the other side of the counter.

~Ange

The "Voltswagon"?

Please explain.

Is that something like a Wattmobile?

Bill

I added the "Some people may have a problem with the U.L." just for you. There may be an instance where a guy needs to finish a job
and those boxes are not readily available. The best part of this forum is that you get a variety of responses and solutuions. The readers can choose which works best in their particular situation. If a guy is wiring his cabin, 50 miles from the nearest supply house, and is short an adjustable box. I think he might appreciate the advice he received here. I have used those adjustable boxes on occasion and they work great. Excellent recommendation.

Bob the trucks all had "Voltswagon" written on the back. Our shirts also said "We get your juices flowing" on them! Wirenutt how is Concord Electric Supply. I just received a mailer from them. Seem to be opening up all over the area. Nice to have other options.

Electricmanscott;
I've been there for several months now. I enjoy working there and working with the contractors. They started in England. Spread through parts of Europe and the United States. Massachusetts has 15, one recently opened in Watertown the next is Worcester. I'm waiting for them to head into NH, ME and VT. I may just get outta dodge to follow them there. Our stores here in Mass are interconnected via a link van on a daily basis. If anyone needs something thats in our other store we get it same day. Also each store has a delivery van plus outside salesman. In emergency situations we deliver promptly.