Is it technically legal to mount a standard 2 1/8 inch deep 4-square on wooden studs by putting a screw thru each of the small holes in the side (near the front) of the box? It makes a sturdy connection.

I know there are Caddy (H-23 0r H6) brackets for the purpose, and also that there are 4-squares with brackets built on the side. I am wondering if I can choose not to use these and do it the above way instead.

Does a question like this ultimately come down to what the UL "orange book" may clarify? (I don't know where to look at one of these.)

I would answer your question with a question: What do you think those holes are suppose to be used for?
Legend has it that those holes were originally used to suspend the boxes while they were being galvanized. As the technology improved they quit using those holes and eliminated them from the box. The complaints were such that the manufacturer went back to having the holes in the boxes.
There suppose to be mounting brackets that fit these holes but I've never seen them while I wore the tools or while I inspected for the last 25 years.
Can an installer use them to mount the box? My answer is yes. Does he need to use the illusive bracket that matches those holes? My answer is No.
Is using these holes causing any hazard? Same answer No.
Does everyone agree with me? Definitely No. But thats what this forum is all about.

Go ahead, use the side holes if you want. Or, make your own. The brackets are just a way to help us, making the job easier.

Only time I have ever used a bracket on a box is on steel studs, I always thought the holes in the boxes were for screws.

I done the same thing I put in the screws in the small holes on the side of the box and if done right it will not affect the whole thing at all.

Just remember if you use two device mud ring just watch out with produited screw head that is the only quirk I have to watch out otherwise not a issue most case unless you get 277V in the box that will upper the anite a bit.

Merci.
Marc

Hey Marc- How does 277v. change anything??

Bigger sparks?

Sorry maybe it was the egg nog that made me say that.

A three way 20 amp Heveyduty toggle switch useally get pretty close to confortable only twice I got little careless with screws it shorted out when I engerized it.
That something you have to remember it once it did happend.

Single pole verison not too bad most case if you are smart enough to know which side you can screw in the box to the stud.

If the screws are on the left side you are fine with it but on right side that where the issue will raise a bit espcally with shallow mudrings deep mud ring it don't happend at all so far.

Merci.
Marc

Sure you can use them.
the galvi dip hole may be true.But as time went on I deduce that the machine tooling the box is designed to place the holes for the next step of welding the brackets on.
This way,1 tool 2 box designs.

I think when you use those holes to mount 4 sq. box for receptacles they can be a bit flimsy(if plunger isn't used)and can be irritating when drywall is cut bigger then the ears of the device. I have in the past knocked out 2 of the 1/2 ko's and screwed using fender washers, seem to be a little more secure being in the middle vs. the front IMHO. Not time efficient, but neither is trying to fix a loose box on trim out.

I fasten a 1x4 horizontally between the studs and use the hole in the back of the box whenever I can.
I hate having wiggly boxes after the drywall is up and painted.
There's also the bracket with the little feet, but the scrap wood is usually cheaper and quicker.

Pages 2 and 7 on:
http://www.erico.com/public/library/Fixing/FieldCat/LT0452.pdf