NM clamps for metal boxes

E

Eddie702

Licensed Electrician
Location
Western Massachusetts
Occupation
Electrician
Rewiring from BX to NM using some of the old metal boxes (the ones that are large enough). I am running out of NM cable clamps to replace the old BX clamps. Can these be bought separately?

I would guess no.
I usually save the ones I have removed from Romex boxes that have two clamps where I only used one but am running out
 
You mean these clamps that can be used for NM or AC/MC cable? Not sure if you can buy them separately. You might need to just buy the cheapest metal boxes with integral clamps that you can find, remove the clamps, and throw the boxes away. Might still be cheaper than replacing the boxes.

ele148__95903.1754590778.jpg
 
Yeah. That's what I mean. Some of the house is done with Romex already. I will have to search those boxes and see if I can scrounge some up if they only used one in the box. I should find some as I am changing all the recpt and sw so I will probably find a few.. I may have a few I saved as well in my scrap.

I recently threw away most of my "junk" figures now I need them.

I wonder why HD still sells a lot of small device boxes and non tamperproof receptacles non of that is really legal anymore.with the present box fill.
 
Eddie702 said:
I wonder why HD still sells a lot of small device boxes and non tamperproof receptacles non of that is really legal anymore.with the present box fill.
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The NEC, and most other codes, are about actions like installation.They cannot prohibit the free market.

If thry could there would be a lot fewer 'fireworks' sales tents.
 
Eddie702 said:
Yeah. That's what I mean. Some of the house is done with Romex already. I will have to search those boxes and see if I can scrounge some up if they only used one in the box. I should find some as I am changing all the recpt and sw so I will probably find a few.. I may have a few I saved as well in my scrap.

I recently threw away most of my "junk" figures now I need them.

I wonder why HD still sells a lot of small device boxes and non tamperproof receptacles non of that is really legal anymore.with the present box fill.
Click to expand...

TR receptacles not required in most commercial spaces.
 
hbiss said:
View attachment 2581693

Those clamps can be used for both armored and NM cables. Remove the clamp then take your cutters and cut the two tabs on either side of the screw holding the parts together. Put the part with the screw hole back in and now you have an NM clamp. (y)

-Hal
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That's a great idea!! One of those "why didn't I think of that moments". All I have to watch out for is a listing Natzi that will make me file the little tabs LOL

TY
 
Take the clamps out completely and use the NM push-in connectors through the KO's. They even make them to use in reverse, meaning you insert them from inside the box and the clamps allow you to feed/slide the NM in from the inside.
 
Little Bill said:
Take the clamps out completely and use the NM push-in connectors through the KO's. They even make them to use in reverse, meaning you insert them from inside the box and the clamps allow you to feed/slide the NM in from the inside.
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The picts above are representative of what the OP is dealing with, it shows a single KO in the back that looks to be 3/4”.
 
infinity said:
Those clamps are actually designed to be cut for use with NM cable as part of the listing instructions for the box.
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Do it all the time. I cut the tabs and bend them up and back over so as not to leave a sharp point.
 
Some of the device boxes with KOs top and bottom have the KO more toward the front of the box. If you put a device in it crowds the wire coming into the box. Doesn't work too well. The KO in the back is tight to the opposite wall when using a 3 1/2 deep box which you have to use to meet the box fill requirements.
 
Eddie702 said:
I wonder why HD still sells a lot of small device boxes and non tamperproof receptacles non of that is really legal anymore.with the present box fill.
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There is still lots of places where non TR receptacles are code compliant. They are only required in dwellings and a rather small list of other specific applications.

Small device boxes still are convenient where you can also comply with fill requirements Most the ones you likely referring to have enough volume for a single 14-2 or possibly a single 12-2 and one device. The problems show up when people want to add more cables to them.
 
jim dungar said:
The NEC, and most other codes, are about actions like installation.They cannot prohibit the free market.

If thry could there would be a lot fewer 'fireworks' sales tents.
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Local fireworks tents usually have regulations they must comply with, not just the temp permits to be there but also regulations with local fire officials more closely related to the safety of storing and handling the products they are selling. Does any of these regs come from an NFPA document, IDK but can see it being possible.
 
kwired said:
Local fireworks tents usually have regulations they must comply with,
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There have been lawsuits with the result that you can sell products even if they can't be used locally. You would need specific legislation prohibiting the sale of the product, but most places dont do this evidently they find it easier to just go after the buyer.
 
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