Installing a light fixture using 6/32 screws

[Red Wiggler]

I need to install some pendant hung fixtures on existing two-gang Bell boxes. The problem is the size of the screws that are associated with this type of box is 6/32. In order to hang these fixtures (Approx. 15 lbs. each) on these boxes... is there a restriction in the NEC that prohibits the use of 4 of the 6/32 screws to be used during the installation process? Or is this a violation?

What alternatives are available to hang these fixtures from this type of box? Drill and tap to 8/32 screws? Any ideas?

 

[GoldDigger]

I need to install some pendant hung fixtures on existing two-gang Bell boxes. The problem is the size of the screws that are associated with this type of box is 6/32. In order to hang these fixtures (Approx. 15 lbs. each) on these boxes... is there a restriction in the NEC that prohibits the use of 4 of the 6/32 screws to be used during the installation process? Or is this a violation?

AFAIK the NEC is not that specific about mounting, as long as the directions on the lamp or luminaire are followed and the box itself is properly supported.
There are a few details about what kind of boxes can be used, and even the attachment methods for wall mount, but I do not see anything that applies to your question.

If it is not in 310, I would not expect it to be anywhere else.

Take a look at this:
314.27 Outlet Boxes.

(A) Boxes at Luminaire or lampholder Outlets.
Outlet boxes or fittings designed for the support of luminaires and lampholders, and installed as required by 314.23, shall be permitted to support a luminaire or lampholder
...
(1). Wall Outlets
?
Exception: A wall-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 the luminaire or its supporting yoke is secured to the box with no fewer than two No. 6 or larger screws.

My concern is whether a Bell box as you describe, unless it has a cover with a threaded hole for supporting a lampholder, qualifies as "designed for the support of ...."

 

[Smart $]

I need to install some pendant hung fixtures on existing two-gang Bell boxes. The problem is the size of the screws that are associated with this type of box is 6/32. In order to hang these fixtures (Approx. 15 lbs. each) on these boxes... is there a restriction in the NEC that prohibits the use of 4 of the 6/32 screws to be used during the installation process? Or is this a violation?

What alternatives are available to hang these fixtures from this type of box? Drill and tap to 8/32 screws? Any ideas?

See following...

314.27 Outlet Boxes.

(A) Boxes at Luminaire or Lampholder Outlets. Outlet
boxes or fittings designed for the support of luminaires and
lampholders, and installed as required by 314.23, shall be
permitted to support a luminaire or lampholder.

(1) Wall Outlets. Boxes used at luminaire or lampholder
outlets in a wall shall be marked on the interior of the box
to indicate the maximum weight of the luminaire that is
permitted to be supported by the box in the wall, if other
than 23 kg (50 lb).
Exception: A wall-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 the luminaire or its supporting yoke, or
the lampholder, is secured to the box with no fewer than two
No. 6 or larger screws.

(2) Ceiling Outlets. At every outlet used exclusively for
lighting, the box shall be designed or installed so that a
luminaire or lampholder may be attached. Boxes shall be
required to support a luminaire weighing a minimum of 23
kg (50 lb). A luminaire that weighs more than 23 kg (50 lb)
shall be supported independently of the outlet box, unless
the outlet box is listed and marked for the maximum weight
to be supported.

 

[jes25]

If the bell box has one of those cheesy press-in tabs that have the 6-32 holes in 'em, I wouldn't hang a light from it. Those don't seem to hold even a gfci very well

 

[texie]

If the bell box has one of those cheesy press-in tabs that have the 6-32 holes in 'em, I wouldn't hang a light from it. Those don't seem to hold even a gfci very well

Well, I'm glad to see someone state the obvious. I have been saying for years that the industry and UL should be ashamed of themselves over the quality of these "Bell" boxes. Over the years they have become so sub standard they are an embarrassment. And don't forget the ground screws that do not properly thread in to the box.

 

[iwire]

Well, I'm glad to see someone state the obvious. I have been saying for years that the industry and UL should be ashamed of themselves over the quality of these "Bell" boxes. Over the years they have become so sub standard they are an embarrassment. And don't forget the ground screws that do not properly thread in to the box.

:thumbsup:

There is nothing good about them any more.

 

[Red Wiggler]

The Bell boxes that are currently installed are not the cheap type with the flimsy piece of metal
that is common with the Home Depot type of Bell boxes. These boxes have tapped screwed holes formed into the body of the boxes. This type of box is a lot more substantial in construction
than the flimsy types that are used elsewhere.

I guess that I am concerned about drilling and tapping out these holes to install two 8/32 screws or use four 6/32 screws that are now available in these boxes.

 

[tom baker]

Use a mallable cast iron FS box, drill and tap to 8/32.
But the NEC intends device boxes to mount devices - switches and outlet boxes to mount luminaires.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Boxes that are listed to support fixtures will have 8-32 threads. If the box has 6-32, it is not inteneded to support a fixture, and I would never consider the use of a "Bell" box for that purpose.

 

[electricman2]

Well, I'm glad to see someone state the obvious. I have been saying for years that the industry and UL should be ashamed of themselves over the quality of these "Bell" boxes. Over the years they have become so sub standard they are an embarrassment. And don't forget the ground screws that do not properly thread in to the box.

The screw is so short that with a No. 12 there are not enough threads left to hold without stripping out