four square box nailed to wood stud

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It's the name of the box not the installation method. Call it whatever you want. The photo speaks for itself.:roll:

I guess that I should have used the code description and called this a device box.
 
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That box is missing its "ears" -- it ain't an old work box without `em: (notice the nail holes are there nevertheless)

0601.jpg
 
jeremysterling said:
Old work box? How does that work?
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Works just fine - but I often like bigger boxes with less fill - I do the same with 4sq's (as described in the OP) - there are two holes at the front on all 4 sides - then I drill a hole at a back corner. I do this when in a pinch or if a bracket just wont work due to having knotched a stud for precise placement.
239574_front200.jpg


Is it a violation? IMO no.... The screws or nails are within 1/4" from the back or ends.... The back is easily defined on most boxes - try to define the "ends"....
 
When inspectors clobber you for that , its like picking fly poop out of pepper in my opinion. On the other hand, a 4" square box fastened to a stud using the two little holes on one side needs an additional support, such as the commonly referred to "far side support". Missing that is a good way to get a red flag and rightly so.
 
macmikeman said:
When inspectors clobber you for that , its like picking fly poop out of pepper in my opinion. On the other hand, a 4" square box fastened to a stud using the two little holes on one side needs an additional support, such as the commonly referred to "far side support". Missing that is a good way to get a red flag and rightly so.
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How or why should an inspector clobber for use of the holes put there for the purpose? Even then drilling an additional hole for more support is not a violation so long as it is 1/4" from the back... There is no use for a "far side support" since the box is held rigidly against the stud, with counter-levered pressure at the back... This "far side support" you speak of was created by the complaints of brackets like the one below - a flimsy bracket that allows one to push the whole box into the wall...

IL2402.jpg


Or this...

FMBS18Install3.jpg


However - sans the flimsy bracket - it is no longer an issue...
 
macmikeman said:
On the other hand, a 4" square box fastened to a stud using the two little holes on one side needs an additional support, such as the commonly referred to "far side support". Missing that is a good way to get a red flag and rightly so.
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That is just a bizarre and false statement. You must have never mounted a box using those holes. It's as secure as any other mounting method. What article would you use to back up your statement?
 
electricmanscott said:
That is just a bizarre and false statement. You must have never mounted a box using those holes. It's as secure as any other mounting method. What article would you use to back up your statement?
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If you try to use 4" squares on metal studs without the 'far side support' you will likely be red tagged.
 
electricmanscott said:
I'm dragging my self out to run for a couple of hours. Nothing like a run when it's 4 dgrees to get the day rolling. :roll:
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Guy .......... I am not that far, if you need a ride someplace just ask. No sane person will be running today. :grin:


BTW 314.23(A) 'rigidly and securely' will be up to the inspector to determine.
 
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If you're mounting a box with no holes in it do you only drill them in the back or a 1/4" from the back? Sounds silly to me.
 
iwire said:
If you try to use 4" squares on metal studs without the 'far side support' you will likely be red tagged.
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Bob,
Cite the code section please. I think it would be a stretch of any code section that I can think of to cite the lack of a 'far side support". That being said the lack of that support may lead to a problem with the "far side" set black that may result in a red tag, but that would depend on how the drywall is being installed. If they don't use the router method there will not be an issue
 
f you have conduit 3 ft or less above the box and it is strapped securely. This will help to make the box rigid.
This is esspecially important in a fire wall.
 
On second though, I don't even see where 314.23(A) enters into this...that section is for a surface mounted box.
 
Ive seen 4 squares used with brackets and without. Ive seen them screwed thru the holes in the side or the back. Never had an inspector turn a job down for that. I regularly take the nails out of a plastic box and use sheetrock screws to attach it to stud instead of buying smart boxes. Our inspectors here have no problem with it.
 
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