Steel Boxes & Pigtail

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Alwayslearningelec

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Do you guys buy/install steel 4" boxes with pigtail already in them instead of making your own? I think this is a time saver.
Also do you still ever use 1-1/2" deep boxes or only 2-1/8"?
 
We generally use only 2 1/8" deep boxes. Depending on the install the boxes with the pigtails may not work because we often use #10 AWG conductors. For #12's I like them pre-installed because 1/2 the time the guys don't install them and then it's a pain when the wall is already sheetrocked.
 
infinity said:
We generally use only 2 1/8" deep boxes. Depending on the install the boxes with the pigtails may not work because we often use #10 AWG conductors. For #12's I like them pre-installed because 1/2 the time the guys don't install them and then it's a pain when the wall is already sheetrocked.
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Thanks. A few questions:
If you running cabling/wiring for receptacles I'd think most of your wire should be #12 to the receptacles?
The pigtails are #12 hence why you can't use them when running #12?
Why would the sheetrock being up make it harder to install the pigtail?
 
horsegoer said:
Thanks. A few questions:
If you running cabling/wiring for receptacles I'd think most of your wire should be #12 to the receptacles?
The pigtails are #12 hence why you can't use them when running #12? They would be acceptable on #12 circuits
Why would the sheetrock being up make it harder to install the pigtail? The ground screw can be more difficult to install once the box is against the wall unless you have a raised ground screw box
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horsegoer said:
If you running cabling/wiring for receptacles I'd think most of your wire should be #12 to the receptacles?
Click to expand...
With MC cable and 20 amp circuits yes but we often use #10 conductors so a #12 pigtail is useless.
horsegoer said:
Why would the sheetrock being up make it harder to install the pigtail?
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Because we use 4 11/16 boxes and on a single gang box the threaded screw hole is off in the corner. That makes catching and threading in the 10-32 screw very difficult because it's on an angle. The pigtail should be installed before the raised cover goes on. The worst is on deck boxes because once the concrete is poured the threaded hole is full of concrete.
 
infinity said:
With MC cable and 20 amp circuits yes but we often use #10 conductors so a #12 pigtail is useless.

Because we use 4 11/16 boxes and on a single gang box the threaded screw hole is off in the corner. That makes catching and threading in the 10-32 screw very difficult because it's on an angle. The pigtail should be installed before the raised cover goes on. The worst is on deck boxes because once the concrete is poured the threaded hole is full of concrete.
Click to expand...
infinity said:
With MC cable and 20 amp circuits yes but we often use #10 conductors so a #12 pigtail is useless.

Because we use 4 11/16 boxes and on a single gang box the threaded screw hole is off in the corner. That makes catching and threading in the 10-32 screw very difficult because it's on an angle. The pigtail should be installed before the raised cover goes on. The worst is on deck boxes because once the concrete is poured the threaded hole is full of concrete.
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You never use these boxes for a single device? Why? Box fill?
 

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horsegoer said:
Do you guys buy/install steel 4" boxes with pigtail already in them instead of making your own? I think this is a time saver.
Also do you still ever use 1-1/2" deep boxes or only 2-1/8"?
Click to expand...
I have never used one yet. Could be useful on a large repetitive job.
My stand by is the 4"x 2-1/8". I like the extra space
I'll use the 1-1/2" deep where it makes sense to me.
I hardly ever use a handy box anymore, although I do carry a few handy box extensions.
 
We use 4”x2 1/8” primarily. As far as handy boxes go about the only place we use them anymore is for junctions in a tight space like a cabinet or island but not devices.
 
You guys saying it’s harder to put a ground screw in once the Sheetrock is up are talking about a surface mounted box but I don’t see the question being about a surface mounted Box so it will not be more difficult to put a ground screw in a recessed box.
 
horsegoer said:
You never use these boxes for a single device? Why? Box fill?
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If you get a hankering to use a handy box, put your fingers on a anvil & have someone smack each finger HARD ten times with a hammer, if you then think it's still a good idea to use a handy box go for it, my point is that is it rarely a good idea to use one.
 
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