(2) 1900 boxes, a single gang mud ring and a two gang mud ring :thumbup:
Sw boxes with MC
What are you guys using for a 3-gang switch box when using MC as the wiring method?
Thanks,
Thanks,
1 - 20 of 41 Posts
(2) 1900 boxes, a single gang mud ring and a two gang mud ring :thumbup:
Usually use deep gang able metals here.
I'll usually use either a true 3 gang box (ususally special order), or deep cut in boxes that chain together.What are you guys using for a 3-gang switch box when using MC as the wiring method?
Thanks,
If you only need two gang I will use and extension ring on a deep 4 x 4x 2.25, with correct mud ring.
I assumed it was new work. How do you mount old work cut-in boxes? Just screw thru the side into the metal stud?
I will buy new work version with side mount bracket and gang em. Can't remember if old works are cheaper but for some reason I usually end up ganging some of them with the new work. Probably having some in the truck to unload is why.
Cruzie bars...they span the studs and clip the ears. (I don't know the official name for them)I assumed it was new work. How do you mount old work cut-in boxes? Just screw thru the side into the metal stud?
Or cut a piece of metal stud to span the stud space and screw thru the ears.
Does the spacing work out right for a 3-gang switch cover?
(and yes, it's new work)
No, it doesn't.Does the spacing work out right for a 3-gang switch cover?
(and yes, it's new work)
Nope, separate cover plates.Does the spacing work out right for a 3-gang switch cover?
(and yes, it's new work)
Hence the name "Hack Work"Nope, separate cover plates.
I have used on of these:
http://www.grainger.com/product/RACO-Electrical-Masonry-Box-2DDA2
Kinda of a PITA if you don't get it just right but usually I
The depth takes up the the entire wall cavity due to the depth so on a regular stud and 1/2" drywall install, it's perfect.
Another choice is one of these with a three gang ring. This is what I normally use:
http://www.grainger.com/product/RACO-Electrical-Box-2DCX4?s_pp=false
With a three gang ring:
http://www.grainger.com/product/RACO-Plaster-Ring-Gang-Box-Cover-2DCZ1?s_pp=false
Just keep in mind that these are 3/4" deep rings.
http://www.grainger.com/product/RACO-Electrical-Masonry-Box-2DDA2
Kinda of a PITA if you don't get it just right but usually I
The depth takes up the the entire wall cavity due to the depth so on a regular stud and 1/2" drywall install, it's perfect.
Another choice is one of these with a three gang ring. This is what I normally use:
http://www.grainger.com/product/RACO-Electrical-Box-2DCX4?s_pp=false
With a three gang ring:
http://www.grainger.com/product/RACO-Plaster-Ring-Gang-Box-Cover-2DCZ1?s_pp=false
Just keep in mind that these are 3/4" deep rings.
Ok, this would be my last choice.
ie: high profitHence the name "Hack Work"
The majority of the time we would just make sets of 2 gang.
He asked about MC, this is probably commercial, who is gonna give a flying fu(k (other than the electrician)?
The customer.He asked about MC, this is probably commercial, who is gonna give a flying fu(k (other than the electrician)?
Maybe we have a different type of customer than you, but if you are installing 3 switches, new work, in the same location, and you install a 2 gang and single gang right next to each other instead of a 3 gang, I would expect to hear some bitching about it. Deservedly so because that's hack.
Yes, we must have different customers. Not a single customer has ever cared about having multiple cover plates, it's the absolute last thing anyone would notice. I am talking about in hospitals, offices, data centers, etc.The customer.
Maybe we have a different type of customer than you,
Triple brackets, 1900 boxes, and 1 & 2 gang mud rings are on the job, ready to go. On the other hand, look at this thread as an example of how many different hack solutions people have had to come up with to do this installation with 1 cover plate. It's not worth it, especially if the supply house doesn't have the 3 gang mud ring or that type of box to fit it or whatever.
Just my experience.
Gangable gem boxes here. Usually get a box of the new work ones and a couple boxes of the old work ones.
I know that just using what's laying around is easy, and I very much see your point but, it's not for me. It just looks like poor planning or an after thought when I see three or four switches installed like that.Yes, we must have different customers. Not a single customer has ever cared about having multiple cover plates, it's the absolute last thing anyone would notice. I am talking about in hospitals, offices, data centers, etc.
Triple brackets, 1900 boxes, and 1 & 2 gang mud rings are on the job, ready to go. On the other hand, look at this thread as an example of how many different hack solutions people have had to come up with to do this installation with 1 cover plate. It's not worth it, especially if the supply house doesn't have the 3 gang mud ring or that type of box to fit it or whatever.
Just my experience.
I do see why it's done like that, and it works just fine.
Those are really tight and I hate to find that when I open a switchbank.Gangable gem boxes here. Usually get a box of the new work ones and a couple boxes of the old work ones.
You see it that way (I do too).I know that just using what's laying around is easy, and I very much see your point but, it's not for me. It just looks like poor planning or an after thought when I see three or four switches installed like that.
I do see why it's done like that, and it works just fine.
Customers don't.
In residential I try to avoid it. But when discussing it with the customer, such as adding another switch to an existing box, and giving the higher price, they almost always say "Who cares, just cut a new one in next to it".
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