Under side

[mjf]

So I've taken notice that steel 1900 box covers have the words "UNDER SIDE" stamped into them.

It's a flat piece of steel and can't for the life of me figure out why it would matter which side faces the 1900 box.

If the 1900 box is mounted overhead to the bottom of a joist should the under side of the cover then face down (under) and away from the box???:lol::slaphead:

 

[jumper]

Ya gotta be kidding.

The covers are really stamped that way?:?

Never seen myself.

What brand?

 

[infinity]

Photo?

 

[mjf]

I'll try to get a photo sometime today!

 

[iwire]

See them a lot I just ignore it

 

[ceknight]

If the 1900 box is mounted overhead to the bottom of a joist should the under side of the cover then face down (under) and away from the box???:lol::slaphead:

I wondered that once, and decided it probably had to do with the screw torque holding the cover in place vs moving it.

 

[mjf]

I wondered that once, and decided it probably had to do with the screw torque holding the cover in place vs moving it.

I originally thought that also (like wrapping wire clockwise around a screw), but facing the "underside" towards the JB would try to push the cover off instead of on when tightening the cover screws.

 

[chris kennedy]

Its so you can still see the ul stamp once its painted.

 

[chris kennedy]

Note ul stamp at the top.

 

[infinity]

Any idea who makes those? If by underside they mean the bottom then the cover will fall off when the screws are loose.

 

[chris kennedy]

Any idea who makes those? If by underside they mean the bottom then the cover will fall off when the screws are loose.

If I got that from the shop, we stock Raco.

 

[templdl]

It may be that the intent was to make it easier for the installer to turn off his/her brain when making a choice as to which side to place in. Turn brain off and do what it says to do. You're not supposed to think.

 

[infinity]

Since these are stamped by machine they end with one side that has a sharp edge. They want the underside towards the box so the smooth edge faces out. OK I'm really just guessing because I have no idea. :blink:

 

[chris kennedy]

Just turned the cover over and it is stamped Raco on the other side Rob.

I either heard the ul thing from an inspector or read it on the internet, so you can take my word on this to the bank.

 

[kwired]

Just turned the cover over and it is stamped Raco on the other side Rob.

I either heard the ul thing from an inspector or read it on the internet, so you can take my word on this to the bank.

I have seen those many times, especially from RACO.

As you said it is stamped RACO on the other side. They want their name to be visable on the finished product:happyyes:

 

[jaylectricity]

I didn't know why, but I always installed the cover so the words were inside the box. I figure if a customer takes a look at it they'll wonder why I put the cover on backwards.

 

[gar]

130811-1415 EDT

My guess is that underside means toward the inside of the box. This puts the punch burr on the outside and that may provide better screw retention.

.

 

[kwired]

130811-1415 EDT

My guess is that underside means toward the inside of the box. This puts the punch burr on the outside and that may provide better screw retention.

.

Just how much better does it need to be on such an item? If it is that important maybe they need to use a minimum 1/4 inch diameter screw so it can take more torque. Maybe some spring washers also.:roll:

Do inspectors really fail installs if these are on backwards? Probably is someone somewhere that does

 

[chris kennedy]

Do inspectors really fail installs if these are on backwards? Probably is someone somewhere that does

I'm a little busy doing womans work right now so i'm not going to look it up, do 1900 blanks need to be listed?

 

[kwired]

I'm a little busy doing womans work right now so i'm not going to look it up, do 1900 blanks need to be listed?

I don't think so, but they can be or must be if they don't meet construction criteria.

314.41 Covers.
Metal covers shall be of the same material as the box or conduit body with which they are used, or they shall be lined with firmly attached insulating material that is not less than 0.79 mm ( in.) thick, or they shall be listed for the purpose. Metal covers shall be the same thickness as the boxes or conduit body for which they are used, or they shall be listed for the purpose. Covers of porcelain or other approved insulating materials shall be permitted if of such form and thickness as to afford the required protection and strength.