Plaster rings installation

[Jeffr002]

Is there a correct way to install plaster rings on a 4" sq box per the NEC? I seem to remember an electrical inspector requiring that all plaster rings to be installed so they would not fall off in the event the screws were not tightened. In more laymans terms they should not be installed upside down. Can anyone provide what part of the NEC requires this or was this just an overzealous inspectors personal pet peeve.

Thanks

 

[George Stolz]

I vote for the latter. Take a walk through 314, I didn't see anything like that.

 

[480sparky]

Although this is a blank cover, it demonstrates what the OP means:

Correct (right-side up):

Incorrect (up-side down):

​

It's not an NEC issue, just personal preference.​

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

It is a good practice but i don't believe its in NEC. One possable issue is if instructions say to do it, if so then he has you. All of mine are done that way.

 

[electricmanscott]

This is one of the dumbest things I have ever read here. And there have been some real doozies!..

 

[jmargolis79]

Once the walboard installed it would be pretty tough for the ring to fall off.

 

[jeremysterling]

Which way does it go for a ceiling application? North to South?:grin:

 

[curt swartz]

I have never heard of this for switch/plaster rings but it is a requirement if making a surface extension off of a box.

314.22 Surface Extensions.
Surface extensions shall be made by mounting and mechanically securing an extension ring over the box. Equipment grounding shall be in accordance with Part VI of Article 250.
Exception: A surface extension shall be permitted to be made from the cover of a box where the cover is designed so it is unlikely to fall off or be removed if its securing means becomes loose. The wiring method shall be flexible for a length sufficient to permit removal of the cover and provide access to the box interior, and arranged so that any grounding continuity is independent of the connection between the box and cover.

 

[Howard Burger]

welcome

welcome

George and 480 have it right, for a box cover. As to plaster ring, it won't move once the rock is over it, right? But in the meantime, having the hooks down is better, IMHO.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[electricmanscott]

George and 480 have it right, for a box cover. As to plaster ring, it won't move once the rock is over it, right? But in the meantime, having the hooks down is better, IMHO.

I'd say tightening the screws is better.

 

[iwire]

I'd say tightening the screws is better.

No doubt.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I'd say tightening the screws is better.

No doubt.

OK, but why would anyone ever install it where it would fall off if the screws were not tight?

 

[iwire]

OK, but why would anyone ever install it where it would fall off if the screws were not tight?

We prefab tons of boxes here at the shop and the person doing the prefab will not know which way up the box will be going.

 

[kwired]

If the screws are not tight then you should be required to install a bonding jumper to ensure the ring or extension is grounded. If the screws are tight it is not going to fall off unless someone gets abusive with it.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

We prefab tons of boxes here at the shop and the person doing the prefab will not know which way up the box will be going.

You install plaster rings on the box in the shop? ............ Really?


























Seriously, really?

 

[iwire]

You install plaster rings on the box in the shop? ............ Really?



Seriously, really?

:grin:

Seriously more than that, much more than that ..... but I really need to be careful how much I giveaway about the company's methods.

 

[roger]

You install plaster rings on the box in the shop? ............ Really?

On large projects it's common place for us to prefab boxes with plaster rings and connectors.

On slab and deck work this can be a filler for rain days

Roger

 

[lakee911]

On slab and deck work this can be a filler for rain days

Like you mean a bucket? Does the plaster ring prevent sloshing?

 

[Chamuit]

If the plaster ring had a direction, there would be an indicator.

 

[sameguy]

The indicator is that the ring falls off if the screws are not tight.
You put ground whips on before you mount the box too!?