Two holes on each side of 4" square box

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The reason I have been told the screw or nail cannot be placed towards the front opening of a box is the likelyhood that the conductor will make contact and potentially create a hazard.

Bullocks.

Likelyhood? Someone's not thinking logically.

And, earlier you said the same thing about metal boxes. If it hits the screw, it will hit the box.

 

[mivey]

You bring up a good point. The clips on an old work box has a better shot at contacting the device screw than one mounted in the side of the box.

That made me think about the grounding clips.

 

[buck33k]

Quote from the 2002 NEC handbook refering to 314.23(B)(1):

"This requirement prevents the nails from interfering with the installation of devices. Permitting nails inside the box within 1/4" of the ends reduces splitting of the smaller wooden studs used in some frame-type construction. However, splitting sometimes occurs where nails are within 1/4" of the back of the box."

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

That's why IMHO inspectors that have worked in the trade. Make better inspectors.
Because a lot of time good ole common sense is best.

I worked in the trade many, many years. I have seen the results of wires skinned while being pushed back into the box.

And I have also learned that common sense is not always the answer either. I have also seen where inspectors have had plenty of time in the field, but only worked in one portion of the industry...

 

[spotonlighting]

those holes are not specified in the ansi/nema box standard ... so you'd have to ask the manufacturer.