drywall screws used to secure exterior cover plates

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bryck

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what is the code on using pointed screws to secure fixtures and covers to boxes . securing dead front covers with pointy screws. New construction uses drywall screws for everything. I say its wrong,what all do you say.
 
Without accesing manufacturers install requirements I would say the to use a drywall screw isn`t a listed install.6/32`s are supplied with devices and W.P. covers and that tels me the they are what is intended to be installed.
 
Check with your AHJ. Our department doesn't allow drywall screws to be used on any electrical device

David
 
406.4 does not say anything preventing drywall screws from being used on receptacles.
I can't find anything in 408 that prevents it on panelboards.

But common sense tells me why you don't want a pointy long screw in a breaker panel cover. But on the same hand, Once I was closing a panel with the factory supplied, listed, screw & it went right into a 2/0 feeder conductor that just happend to be sittin there. BOOM!
 
To be perfectly clear, are we discussing in-use covers that not only attach to the receptacle and box, but have mounting holes for simultaneously securing to the siding? The siding attachment could be with drywall screws.

Aside from that, thinking of a plain ol' receptacle and a plain ol' cover, I do not believe the use of drywall screws would "void the listing" of the receptacle. It should be avoided for the fact that it permanently taps a box to the drywall screw, making the use of 6/32's all but impossible. But illegal? Not IMO.

I don't believe drywall screws can securely mount some luminaires, IMO. I believe 410.15(A) could be cited.
410.15 (A) General. Luminaires (fixtures) and lampholders shall be securely supported.
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For example, a drywall screw shot into the ceiling is not secure, IMO.

In general, drywall screw heads do not engage the holes provided in brackets and mushrooms. It's darned easy to pop through the existing holes.
 
77401 said:
Once I was closing a panel with the factory supplied, listed, screw & it went right into a 2/0 feeder conductor that just happend to be sittin there. BOOM!
Click to expand...
I did that once with the self-tappers I used for the brass tags on the meter. on a 16-plex. BOOM! :D
 
314.27(A)
Exception: A wall-mounted luminaire (fixture) 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 the luminaire (fixture) or its supporting yoke is secured to the box with no fewer than two No. 6 or larger screws.

Why could I not use a #8 twist screw of any kind?
What size is a "sheetrock" screw?
 
Mike I do not know what size a sheet rock screw is but I do not use them for fixtures they seem to shear easily...JMO
 
Sheetrock screw are generally a size #6. That is until you get to the larger sizes above about 2" in length. Then many of them become a size #7.
 
I have seen "drywall" screws in #8 size. These were only about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. I am pretty sure that they are readily available in sizes from #6 - #8 in my area.

I agree that the heads of "drywall" or "grabber" screws are fairly easy to snap off. I don't know that I would use them for supporting anything over a few pounds.

Chris
 
It should be avoided for the fact that it permanently taps a box to the drywall screw, making the use of 6/32's all but impossible. But illegal? Not IMO.
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IMO you would need permission from the AHJ to alter listed box. I don't think many of them would give that permission. :D :D
 
OK - I'll be the brave one ...
I have used a drywall screw to install a receptacle in a blue plastic box.
I don't know how it happened but the 6/32 holes in the box were stripped out . I ran sheetrock screws in and they tapped their own way in and held the device in tightly. I figured this was better then trying to tap a plastic box to 8/32 or even worse ripping the box out and replacing it.
 
Brave.......nah......just honest.. heck for a device yup! stripped out Allied box oh yea! use a drywall screw. and for a cover plate exterior "OP" no they rust.
 
David said:
Our department doesn't allow drywall screws to be used on any electrical device
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I can understand not liking drywall screws and I have rarely used them. Do you have local ordinance that prohibits their use? I do feel you are altering a listed componet if you are attaching device to a box with drywall screws.
 
luckyshadow said:
OK - I'll be the brave one ...
I have used a drywall screw to install a receptacle in a blue plastic box.
I don't know how it happened but the 6/32 holes in the box were stripped out .
Click to expand...

It seems to happen easily with the blue boxes. It may have something to do with electric screwdrivers. :)
Some of the gray plastic ones have a metal insert and are much more durable. Either way, once it's stripped you have little choice but to use something other than a 6-32.
 
Usually there's enough meat left on a stripped plastic/phenolic/fiberglass box to rethread for an 8-32. Whip out the 6-in-1 and cut new ones :wink:
 
wouldn`t a panel be listed that the cover be secured with the manufacturers screws.We had an issue with this 2 years ago.When an inspector cited us for 1/4 in set back on panel cover this was during almost 15 finals on homes that were to close in a few days.I ripped off the drywall and corner bead on the 2x4`s and called a reinspect.Tagged agin for non complete intallation.He said the drywallers will just reinstall the drywall and the same situation will be there.I called the chief(This was an old thread that i was posted then) and we met .His concern was after a panel went boom from 2 inch #10`s that were used to install the covers.As far as drywall screws the name says what they are to be used for and I don`t see devices in the description :twisted:
 
dlhoule said:
David said:
Our department doesn't allow drywall screws to be used on any electrical device
Click to expand...


I can understand not liking drywall screws and I have rarely used them. Do you have local ordinance that prohibits their use? I do feel you are altering a listed componet if you are attaching device to a box with drywall screws.
Click to expand...

We have no local ordinances, we rely on the code and testing agencies for info "for deciding on the approval of equipment and materials" 90.4

Altering the listing of the box is one issue.
The other issue is head sheer strength. Drywall screws fail sheer tests.
I'm going to try to post a link to another thread but I've never done this before so it may not work. Here goes

http://www.mikeholt.com/codeForum/viewtopic.php?t=25489&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

David
 
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