In a house, are single gang switch boxes allowed to be used to hang a sconce light over a bath vanity? Owner purchased fixtures with a small rectangular back plate that doesn't cover a 4" round box. I had always been told that switch boxes were not to be used for fixtures. Is that accurate? In NC, using previous code, current code not adopted fully yet.
Basic question
- Thread starter daver828
- Start date
- Status
How much do the light fixtures weigh?
314.27(A)(1) Vertical Surface Outlets. Boxes used at luminaire or lampholder outlets in or on a vertical surface shall be identified and marked on the interior of the box to indicate the maximum weight of the luminaire that is permitted to be supported by the box if other than 23 kg (50 lb).
Exception: A vertically mounted luminaire or lampholder weighing not more than 3 kg (6 lb) shall be permitted to be supported on other boxes or plaster rings that are secured to other boxes, provided that the luminaire or its supporting yoke, or the lampholder, is secured to the box with no fewer than two No. 6 or larger screws.
314.27(A)(1) Vertical Surface Outlets. Boxes used at luminaire or lampholder outlets in or on a vertical surface shall be identified and marked on the interior of the box to indicate the maximum weight of the luminaire that is permitted to be supported by the box if other than 23 kg (50 lb).
Exception: A vertically mounted luminaire or lampholder weighing not more than 3 kg (6 lb) shall be permitted to be supported on other boxes or plaster rings that are secured to other boxes, provided that the luminaire or its supporting yoke, or the lampholder, is secured to the box with no fewer than two No. 6 or larger screws.
Weigh less than two lbs
James L
Senior Member
- Location
- Kansas Cty, Mo, USA
- Occupation
- Electrician
2-lb light can hang on single gang box
Is a 3-1/2" box an option?
I just installed 3 sconces in a bathroom on (ish) single gang boxes. Round bracket slots absolutely don't line up with a switch box mounting holes. Every time I have to fight that scenario I hate it. 1 screw in the box, 1 drywall anchor to the side...it really wastes time
A lot of foreign light fixtures have very small bases
Buck Parrish
Senior Member
- Location
- NC & IN
Sounds like a hack job2-lb light can hang on single gang box
Is a 3-1/2" box an option?
I just installed 3 sconces in a bathroom on (ish) single gang boxes. Round bracket slots absolutely don't line up with a switch box mounting holes. Every time I have to fight that scenario I hate it. 1 screw in the box, 1 drywall anchor to the side...it really wastes time
A lot of foreign light fixtures have very small bases
, Although I know James is not a hack. Never thought he even used that type of box, BTW how'd you know what type of box to install before the sheet rock was up in the vanity.
James L
Senior Member
- Location
- Kansas Cty, Mo, USA
- Occupation
- Electrician
It was absolutely a hack jobSounds like a hack job
I was only swapping fixtures in an existing home.
I almost made a post about it because it sucked so bad. Not only mounting holes not lining up, but screw studs were spaced the same width as the single gang box. So they would both hit the edges of the bax when trying to screw the cap nuts on and tighten
I sub from a remodeling company that has fixtures picked out by a designer before the project ever starts. Exact placement for wiring new fixtures is to 1/16"
It took a while, but I finally got through to them. You give me exact dimensions and I'll put it on a giants a**
On those jobs for that company, I ask for fixture specs, web link, pics, etc. on the rough-in so I know what kind of boxes to use.
I've started wiring new homes again recently, and telling those builders the same thing. They seem to appreciate how proactive I am in making sure what I put in is right the first time
- Status