I'd like to mount a 4"x 12"x 16" screw cover can type box by using screws through the 4" side of the box. Does this violate any codes?

Can't put an NEC Article on that real quick....but..
Good old common sense (NOT in NEC) seems to say to ME, it's going to deflect, sag, bend, etc. Depending on where you are putting it, and what's going in/out of it.

Honestly, I would support it from the longer dimensions; strut, framing (wood) or something before the narrow dimension.

Now, IF it's in a wall cavity (2x) that may be another case, but I would support on both 4" sides.

My personal opinion, not criticism.

John

I'm with John. You can use the 4" side if you use both of them. Otherwise it is just to long a "lever" on a small attaching point.

I can't chime in on code issues, but what is going inside the box and how is it getting there?

If it is a junction box and it is being used with solidly supported EMT or IMC, why not?

Larry C

Larry:
12 x 16 is larger than 100 sq inches, right??
Doesn't 314.23 (E) say 'no-no'??

Helectric, what's the details??
John

314.23 also says that the box is considered supported by the raceway only if there's more than 1 conduit and only if they are made up into threaded hubs on the box.
It doesn't apply to a regular sheet metal box.

I'd have to agree with both the common sense logic as well as my interpretation of 314.23 - and say no to this arrangement.

Although there may be a particular application where this mounting wouldn't be a problem, I can't think of one off hand.

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to this. Things have been busy here.
I want to hang this box below some duct work in a pedestrian aisle at a point where there is poor visibility of approaching forklift cross traffic. I will then mount a micro-strobe and annunciator on the bottom edge and apply an adhesive label to the front and back of the box that says "Forklift approaching" The stobe and annunciator will be triggered by existing sensors to warn pedestrians of approaching forklifts (who's drivers can't see past their load)

How about a "machine status light tower" stobe light on a piece of 1/2" IMC? No box, light weight, and simple?

Found a link to the type of lights I am talking about.

C-H stacklights

Also the pipe is 3/4" NPT.

Larry C