Using a gutter as an extension ring

[LarryFine]

i can really flip the mudring backwards? i always thought that was a cobbled thing to install it down under

I don't see why not, as long as the screws reach the ears. Here's the back view of one:

 

[AC\DC]

Never thought of flipping those so it’s flush. Great idea

 

[Another C10]

Yes, and yes.

Look at this bad boy, doubt I'd ever use one myself.


6G Multi-Box Tggle Cvr

UPC: 78559210987

Part Number: GBTC-6

 

[Strathead]

i can really flip the mudring backwards? i always thought that was a cobbled thing to install it down under

IMO, box fill would be the only detractor. Modifying a wireway is also not a code issue IMO. Indoor metal wireways don't require a UL listing, so a modification of a hunk of metal is still you manufacturing a wireway. As far as required labelling, nothing says you can't just attach a P touch label that says manufactured by ...

 

[wyreman]

I think it’s gonna look awesome! Especially compared to the masonry box I was going to use it first

Motörhead 3 new items added to shared album photos.app.goo.gl

 

[curt swartz]

Why didn't you just install (2) 3-gang boxes on the right side of the stud in the picture?

 

[jap]

I'd install a small surface mount gutter for all the cables to come into the back of and offset nipple out of the top into as many boxes with raised covers as I needed for the switches to create room and keep all the splicing in the gutter where I could work it.

JAP>

 

[wyreman]

Why didn't you just install (2) 3-gang boxes on the right side of the stud in the picture?

the 3/4" emt run that came to that location
that corner was the old fuse box

 

[Jerramundi]

As far as I'm aware, you can't utilize a gutter box like an extension ring, although the consensus thus far seems to be that you can, interestingly enough.

I would see that as a violation of 110.3(B) personally. However, it opens things up to the debate about being able to fabricate in the field, like fabricating your own knockouts, which many on here seem to support, and rightfully so, IMO. How else are you supposed to deal with boxes that come with no KO's? I just don't think turning a gutter box into an extension ring is anywhere near in the same category.

A quick look at your picture and it appears you have 1 x 4" SQ 1900 w/ 1 x 4" SQ 1900 Extension Ring = 42 CU.
I count 18 x #14 + 1 EGC in NM which equals 38 CU / 42 CU, not counting what comes in from the EMT.
That means nippling over and transferring all those existing NM's is NOT physically possible.

You can't do you're first proposal of extending to the surface because the existing wires will not reach, what I believe is a required 4" past the front edge of the box, but I could be wrong about that. I was always taught 6" of lead in the box, 4" past the front.

So, assuming that we agree that neither of your 2 proposed solutions are acceptable, I would consider a solution that involves rerouting everything to either one of the following:
(1) 1 x surface mount 6 gang.
(2) 2 x flush or surface mount 3 gangs
(3) 1 or More j-boxes higher up and then piping down to your cleaner, preferred solution and bite the bullet on the blank covers above.

All of this is assuming this closet will no longer serve as anything but for electrical.
It appears to me that shifting up, rerouting all the existing cable, if possible, and just having to reroute one EMT is the best solution, IMO.

 

[wyreman]

That’s a 4-11/16 box w an adjustable 2gang mudring. The plan is to hang a 4sq extension on the 2 gang mudring. The wires extend at least 3 inches past the extension ring. I can make up the neutrals in there and then switch loads there are six can be spliced in there.
into the six gang surface mounted box which will use a three-quarter inch spacer nipple
there will just be seven wires that’ll be six switched loads and one hot leg

I agree that must’ve been an easier way to do this
But so far it still looks compliant to me

 

[wyreman]

I’m not allowed to have a switch box in the closet?

 

[wyreman]

As far as I'm aware, you can't utilize a gutter box like an extension ring, although the consensus thus far seems to be that you can, interestingly enough.

I would see that as a violation of 110.3(B) personally. However, it opens things up to the debate about being able to fabricate in the field, like fabricating your own knockouts, which many on here seem to support, and rightfully so, IMO. How else are you supposed to deal with boxes that come with no KO's? I just don't think turning a gutter box into an extension ring is anywhere near in the same category.

A quick look at your picture and it appears you have 1 x 4" SQ 1900 w/ 1 x 4" SQ 1900 Extension Ring = 42 CU.
I count 18 x #14 + 1 EGC in NM which equals 38 CU / 42 CU, not counting what comes in from the EMT.
That means nippling over and transferring all those existing NM's is NOT physically possible.

You can't do you're first proposal of extending to the surface because the existing wires will not reach, what I believe is a required 4" past the front edge of the box, but I could be wrong about that. I was always taught 6" of lead in the box, 4" past the front.

So, assuming that we agree that neither of your 2 proposed solutions are acceptable, I would consider a solution that involves rerouting everything to either one of the following:
(1) 1 x surface mount 6 gang.
(2) 2 x flush or surface mount 3 gangs
(3) 1 or More j-boxes higher up and then piping down to your cleaner, preferred solution and bite the bullet on the blank covers above.

All of this is assuming this closet will no longer serve as anything but for electrical.
It appears to me that shifting up, rerouting all the existing cable, if possible, and just having to reroute one EMT is the best solution, IMO.

And a sincere thank you for taking the time to look at my question

 

[wyreman]

 

[Another C10]

Personally .. I probably would of knocked out a 3" opening out of the back of that 6 gang box and mount it directly over the 4" opening in the wall.

although that works too.

 

[wyreman]

 

[wyreman]

Personally .. I probably would of knocked out a 3" opening out of the back of that 6 gang box and mount it directly over the 4" opening in the wall.

although that works too.

yep, that was kinda sorta the original idea, bolt it to the 5sq with some #8s, more honest

 

[jap]

Looks like it would have been a good place for power packs with remote picos.

Just sayin..


JAP>

 

[wyreman]

it kind of is, just easier /cheaper w the casetas. large lathe and plaster historical architectural dustbowl.

 

[Another C10]

I suppose you could always turn that blank into a device, that is if you have the constant hot/w neutral. battery charger type loads

 

[Fred B]

What you have here a trouble shooting nightmare and potentially really hidden switches in the back wall of the closet that will with 99% certainty be behind clothes and coat's. Rod cups are present as dead giveaway of intent. Also the presence of door strike indicate installation of a door to further "hide" the switch bank. This is a closet and most would reasonably assume introduction of clothes or "stuff" would ultimately happen.
And also you have a violation of 404.8 that states switches shall be "readily accessible". Back of a closet behind stuff does not meet the definition of "readily accessible". Also open unused spaces in the cover would be violation of 110.12(A). An inspector could easily reject this installation as done.
I would hope that I wasn't the electrician called because of "My light(s) stopped working", once the closet was stocked. Too many times a customer will deny any "extra" locations, then only after checking multiple other things will pop out with "Oh yeah there is a ...." that ultimately ended up being the trouble location.