[NDC]

I am working on something and I have to mount and connect about 10 - 4x4 boxes side-by-each on a piece of wood. I'm looking for any ideas for a quicker and cheaper way instead of using chase nipples and lock rings.
They don't necessarily have to be mounted tight together.

I know some NM connectors have a snap in option on both ends but I need to run individual conductors and don't think they are approved for that.


If this works out, I will be building may of these in the future so the least expensive and quickest option would be beneficial.

 

[99cents]

Is it for devices?

 

[samgregger]

Might not be cheaper, but the only faster way I could think of would be to use snap in ENT connectors and a chunk of ENT inbetween. Does it have to be pretty?

If I were assembling a whole bunch if them, I would use regular chase nipples and lock rings, and then find a socket that would fit the lock rings and put it on a right angle air ratchet. You could zip them together pretty fast.

 

[NDC]

Is it for devices?

No they are going to be junction boxes closed up with covers

 

[NDC]

Might not be cheaper, but the only faster way I could think of would be to use snap in ENT connectors and a chunk of ENT inbetween. Does it have to be pretty?

This is a really good option thanks.

 

[Jlarson]

See if you can get Arlington 260ST's up there.

 

[NDC]

See if you can get Arlington 260ST's up there.

Thats pretty much exactly what I am looking for and they are even CSA approved. Can't find them anywhere up here though which really sucks.

 

[99cents]

Why not just a JB?

 

[macmikeman]

When a person says a bunch of 4x4's linked together closely , my brain drifts right to the gutter......

 

[splatz]

The issue with a gutter or junction box is they don't have a cover you can mount devices on. For example, if you wanted to put ten dead face GFCIs or AFCIs you couldn't and wouldn't punch holes in the covers.

You can use wiremold or panduit products like this, they have surface raceways that work like a gutter with device mounting in the covers, but the fittings are WAY more expensive than doing it with boxes and nipples.

You'll probably want the box spacer type nipples, not plain chase nipples - at a buck apiece I don't know how much cheaper it can get... I guess you could use EMT box connectors and little 1" pieces of EMT and save maybe a nickel if you buy them on special

 

[oldblue]

When a person says a bunch of 4x4's linked together closely , my brain drifts right to the gutter......

Mine too, I was thinking 9 extension rings on a 4 square.

 

[eddy current]

What about those plastic push in ko insulating bushings?

 

[Gnome]

The issue with a gutter or junction box is they don't have a cover you can mount devices on. For example, if you wanted to put ten dead face GFCIs or AFCIs you couldn't and wouldn't punch holes in the covers.

You just whip out your Decora punch and go to town.:vs_laugh:


Seriously though device boxes and wall plates are readily available up to six gang (as in my supply house stocks them in their main warehouse, at least for plastic covers). A lot easier to join and work in a couple 5 gang device boxes with a 1" nipple or two than mess with all those small nipples.



And a local custom box maker keeps up to 10 gangs in stock and will make anything you'd like. Leviton makes a sectional decora plate meaning you can cover a custom box if you can use a plastic cover.


Doesn't work for surface mount though.

 

[Southeast Power]

PVC couplings and box adaptors

 

[Galt]

menards has those spacer nipples

 

[active1]

The issue with a gutter or junction box is they don't have a cover you can mount devices on. For example, if you wanted to put ten dead face GFCIs or AFCIs you couldn't and wouldn't punch holes in the covers.

You'll probably want the box spacer type nipples, not plain chase nipples - at a buck apiece I don't know how much cheaper it can get... I guess you could use EMT box connectors and little 1" pieces of EMT and save maybe a nickel if you buy them on special

You never mounted mudrings on a can?
Step 1 get a can or wireway 4" wide.
Step 2 throw out the cover.
Step 3 drill & tap machine screws to mount mudrings on the box

The "spacer nipples" were what we called back to backs.
Because they were made to go from 1 box to the next but still leave a bit of space for the covers to be slightly bigger than the box.

Really it depends what the OP is trying to do. Their may be a better way.
Fire alarm controls, dimmers, receptacles, switches, connecting lots of raceways or cables, or??

 

[brian john]

I am working on something and I have to mount and connect about 10 - 4x4 boxes side-by-each on a piece of wood. I'm looking for any ideas for a quicker and cheaper way instead of using chase nipples and lock rings.
They don't necessarily have to be mounted tight together.

I know some NM connectors have a snap in option on both ends but I need to run individual conductors and don't think they are approved for that.


If this works out, I will be building may of these in the future so the least expensive and quickest option would be beneficial.

Jeeze how much time does it take to use chase nipples, unless you are personally building 100's of these.

 

[Southeast Power]

Jeeze how much time does it take to use chase nipples, unless you are personally building 100's of these.

I see what you mean but, its going to be too tight for industrial covers to fit if you don't get the exact type.
The OP didnt mention what they were used for or if any trim was being used.

 

[brian john]

I see what you mean but, its going to be too tight for industrial covers to fit if you don't get the exact type.
The OP didnt mention what they were used for or if any trim was being used.

True see Splatz above

 

[99cents]

I know a guy who would use box offsets.

Actually, I have been known to pre-fab this kind of thing at home while watching the game.