314.23 (b)(1)

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cellularantenna

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I've been arguing this section of code with another electrician and would appreciate any input that might clarify this section of the code.

314.23 (B)(1) states, "Nails and Screws. Nails and screws, where used as a fastening means, shall be attached by using brackets on the outside of the enclosure, or they shall pass through the interior within 6 mm (1/4") of the
back or ends of the enclosure."

Reading this literally, I take it to mean you cannot, for example, use screws through the holes in the back of a 4" square junction box to secure it to a joist. The "interior" of the box is the empty space within the sides and back of the box. A screw through the back of the box does not pass through the interior. It only passes through the material of the box itself.

Everyone does it. I've never seen an inspector tag it. Am I missing something here?
 
A "literal" interpretation of the Code can be your friend or your enemy. :)
There are few English majors on the CMPs so we sometimes have verbiage that requires a bit of "common sense". I doubt you will encounter an inspector who feels screws thru the back of a box are a violation of 314.23.
 
cellularantenna said:
I've been arguing this section of code with another electrician and would appreciate any input that might clarify this section of the code.

314.23 (B)(1) states, "Nails and Screws. Nails and screws, where used as a fastening means, shall be attached by using brackets on the outside of the enclosure, or they shall pass through the interior within 6 mm (1/4") of the
back or ends of the enclosure."

Reading this literally, I take it to mean you cannot, for example, use screws through the holes in the back of a 4" square junction box to secure it to a joist. The "interior" of the box is the empty space within the sides and back of the box. A screw through the back of the box does not pass through the interior. It only passes through the material of the box itself.

Everyone does it. I've never seen an inspector tag it. Am I missing something here?
Click to expand...


I don't see a problem with it.
 
For you English majors here's Rob's definition of "passing through".

Gem%20box%20nails.jpg
 
augie47 said:
A "literal" interpretation of the Code can be your friend or your enemy. :)
There are few English majors on the CMPs so we sometimes have verbiage that requires a bit of "common sense". I doubt you will encounter an inspector who feels screws thru the back of a box are a violation of 314.23.
Click to expand...

You know I always thought the code was to be taken literally. I mean, these guys making the code spend a long time trying to get the wording right. In this case, the way it is written seems very clear. You can use the two nails or screws going THROUGH THE INTERIOR (as in the picture posted in this thread) or you gotta use a box with brackets.
So, reading this literally, am I wrong? If not this code needs to be updated to reflect the real world.
 
314.23 (B)(1) states, "Nails and Screws. Nails and screws, where used as a fastening means, shall be attached by using brackets on the outside of the enclosure, or they shall pass through the interior within 6 mm (1/4") of the back or ends of the enclosure."
Click to expand...
Would the screws thru the back of a 4"sq. not fit this description that is highlighted in the article above? I think a screw thru the back passes thru the interior to get to the exterior. I see no problem.

I think they do not want screws thru the sides where the screw could be in conflict with the wiring devices. The smart boxes have the screws on the side but they have a recess for the screw so as not to interfere with any wiring or devices.

Smart_Box_on_Stud_sbg2stud.jpg
 
The code is not describing the process by which the screw is attached. It is describing the finished product. The interior of the box is the space surrounded by the box material. A screw through the back of the box is passing through the material of the box, NOT THE INTERIOR of the box.
Hey... I didn't write this code. But I can read. Infinity's picture is an accurate description of the code requirement, IMHO.
 
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