Plastic timer box grommet/bushing

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Joseph6044

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Ok, so I understand that the wire needs to be protected, I have a plastic timer box that was installed and my supervisor is upset about it. Its a plastic box with a metal old work box behind it used as a junction box and has the wires pass through the knockout on the back to terminate in the timer. There wasn't a bushing or grommet installed. All I can find is a code reference to protecting the wire through metal, not plastic. Is it ok to have it pass through a plastic KO without a bushing?7536.jpg
 
Joseph6044 said:
Ok, so I understand that the wire needs to be protected, I have a plastic timer box that was installed and my supervisor is upset about it. Its a plastic box with a metal old work box behind it used as a junction box and has the wires pass through the knockout on the back to terminate in the timer. There wasn't a bushing or grommet installed. All I can find is a code reference to protecting the wire through metal, not plastic. Is it ok to have it pass through a plastic KO without a bushing?View attachment 18651
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If the sharp edges were reamed in the knockout I wouldn't worry about it. If that really is plastic ( looks like metal).
 
Joseph6044 said:
Ok, so I understand that the wire needs to be protected, I have a plastic timer box that was installed and my supervisor is upset about it. Its a plastic box with a metal old work box behind it used as a junction box and has the wires pass through the knockout on the back to terminate in the timer. There wasn't a bushing or grommet installed. All I can find is a code reference to protecting the wire through metal, not plastic. Is it ok to have it pass through a plastic KO without a bushing?View attachment 18651
Click to expand...
is there connections in the box behind that - one can question if you need a larger hole in that box to make those connections accessible.

Otherwise if no sharp edges - I don't think it is a problem.
 
kwired said:
is there connections in the box behind that - one can question if you need a larger hole in that box to make those connections accessible.

Otherwise if no sharp edges - I don't think it is a problem.
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Its a gray plastic weatherproof that is installed inside. There was two sets of mc cable ran so I put a metal,old work in to make the terminations bc the box had one,knock out and there was a 3 wire, black passing through as constant and red as a switch leg. So I made the connections in a box behind the timer
 
Joseph6044 said:
All I can find is a code reference to protecting the wire through metal, not plastic. Is it ok to have it pass through a plastic KO without a bushing?
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Even if it isn't required, iy would look neater with a grommet. Just my opinion.
 
Also I think I would get rid of what looks like a drywall screw mounting it
 
Joseph6044 said:
Ok, so I understand that the wire needs to be protected, I have a plastic timer box that was installed and my supervisor is upset about it. Its a plastic box with a metal old work box behind it used as a junction box and has the wires pass through the knockout on the back to terminate in the timer. There wasn't a bushing or grommet installed. All I can find is a code reference to protecting the wire through metal, not plastic. Is it ok to have it pass through a plastic KO without a bushing?
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Not that it applies here but, if it were an Electric-Discharge or LED luminaire you would have a problem but not because of the lack of a fitting, see 410.24(B). In reality I could see someone applying it in other situations.

Roger
 
jumper said:
You are assuming that that screw is going to the box, could just as easily be going into wall sheathing or wood member.
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You're right. It's probably sheathing considering its an old work box. There are devices better suited to secure boxes to sheathing.
 
drktmplr12 said:
You're right. It's probably sheathing considering its an old work box. There are devices better suited to secure boxes to sheathing.
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2014 NEC
Article 314 Outlet, Device, Pull and Junction Boxes, Conduit Bodies, Fittings, and Handholes
III. Construction Specifications
314.43 Nonmetallic Boxes. Provisions for supports or other mounting means for nonmetallic boxes shall be outside of the box, or the box shall be constructed so as to prevent contact between the conductors in the box and the supporting screws.
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I can't tell for sure, but is that drywall screw simply shot through the plastic box wall?
 
how is the plastic up against a metal box with a bushing on the metal box?
the drywall screw looks like a violation.
 
Joseph6044 said:
It is anchored in through the drywall into wood
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Yes, I can understand that. But that's not what I asked.

See, as a rule, the plastic walls, themselves, are not tested and evaluated to have a screw shoot through the plastic to mechanically support the box. Also, nothing around the head of the drywall screw helps to protect the screw head from accidental energization by contact with a conductor. While, in your installation, you may claim the screw, in turn, is not in contact with anything other than drywall and wood, it is far from usual to "know" that the screw is touching only those things.
 
al hildenbrand said:
Yes, I can understand that. But that's not what I asked.

See, as a rule, the plastic walls, themselves, are not tested and evaluated to have a screw shoot through the plastic to mechanically support the box. Also, nothing around the head of the drywall screw helps to protect the screw head from accidental energization by contact with a conductor. While, in your installation, you may claim the screw, in turn, is not in contact with anything other than drywall and wood, it is far from usual to "know" that the screw is touching only those things.
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if you placed a plastic screw cap cover over the screw head (the captive type) you can provide protection, but i think mounting as shown is not an approved installation method per device instructions?

Z3JC9ufo5oy.JPG
 
FionaZuppa said:
if you placed a plastic screw cap cover over the screw head (the captive type) you can provide protection, but i think mounting as shown is not an approved installation method per device instructions?

Z3JC9ufo5oy.JPG
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Screw wasn't punched through the box, there was a hole that was there for one. Manufactured with a hole for a mounting screw. I understand about the screw being able to be energized but then couldn't you argue any screw? Screws when panels are mounted, screws when you mount pancake boxes to a wood truss and so on?
 
Joseph6044 said:
Screw wasn't punched through the box, there was a hole that was there for one. Manufactured with a hole for a mounting screw. I understand about the screw being able to be energized but then couldn't you argue any screw? Screws when panels are mounted, screws when you mount pancake boxes to a wood truss and so on?
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no, a metal screw in a metal box is on the egc. a metal screw in a plastic box is on whatever touches it 1st, ?

ok, so a hole was there for mounting, perhaps a std zinc pan-head is better than a rock screw, and as such perhaps a cover on screw head? the countersink (taper) screw head puts a lot of stress on the plastic, etc.
 
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