Who Can Tell Me This

 
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Old 02-27-2008, 11:49 PM   #1
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Who Can Tell Me This


I've been doing resi for quite a while,but hey i got a question that for the life of me no one can answer

What is the purpose of the notch on the side of a plastic new constr. box any of them

Please don't say for drywall dept


Second has anyone found a succesful method of ruff-in, when comes to installing the plastic boxes on stud .For me it never fails our boxes is either too deep or shallow

What does anybody recommend, but I prefer to keep using the cheap nail-on

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Old 02-28-2008, 01:52 AM   #2
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


I'm not a sparky, and I don't know which box or notch you are talking about, but I have two guesses....Either to pull the grounds outside the box for space...or so you can put a tester on the recep/switch terminals without taking it out of the box?
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Old 02-28-2008, 01:56 AM   #3
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Well....The Carlon boxes and the like have a built-in 1/2" depth mark. Do you use it????? If not this WILL solve your problem. Remember a box that is a bit too deep is better than one too shallow.
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Old 02-28-2008, 03:41 AM   #4
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Quote:
Originally Posted by MO-AMPS View Post
I've been doing resi for quite a while,but hey i got a question that for the life of me no one can answer

What is the purpose of the notch on the side of a plastic new constr. box any of them

Please don't say for drywall dept


Second has anyone found a succesful method of ruff-in, when comes to installing the plastic boxes on stud .For me it never fails our boxes is either too deep or shallow

What does anybody recommend, but I prefer to keep using the cheap nail-on

You have got to be joking, That is exactly what they are for, here is a link to Carlon with some FAQ's about their blue boxes. Take a look at the end of page 10-11 it answers your question.http://www.carlon.com/FAQs/FAQ-ZipBoxes.pdf
try tapping the nails on the box to have them poking out about 1/8"-1/4''before putting it on the stud. It helps stop it from slipping before you set it.
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Old 02-28-2008, 05:41 AM   #5
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


X2, it is the 1/2" space setting for drywall. Round nail-ons will have an indentation too for the same reason.
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Old 02-28-2008, 08:13 PM   #6
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


While we are on the subject, what are the nails for?

My boxes keep falling to the floor and I have to use screws to hold them in place.
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:16 PM   #7
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Quote:
Originally Posted by 220/221 View Post
While we are on the subject, what are the nails for?

My boxes keep falling to the floor and I have to use screws to hold them in place.

The nails are used for securing the box to the wooden framing member.

What's that 10 - #14 stamped inside the box thing mean?
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:25 PM   #8
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Is lack of Humor sensitivity rampant on this site????

Capacity of wire gauges are on back......
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Last edited by MALCO.New.York; 02-28-2008 at 10:32 PM.
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:29 PM   #9
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Maybe Im the stupid one but isnt that indicating how many wires can go in the box?
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:33 PM   #10
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnettica View Post
What's that 10 - #14 stamped inside the box thing mean?
That's the size of the screws you use to attach the box when you throw away those pesky nails.
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:49 PM   #11
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


I lost my hammer so I have to use the screws.
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:55 PM   #12
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Quote:
Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York View Post
Is lack of Humor sensitivity rampant on this site????

Capacity of wire gauges are on back......

Most of the humorous threads are reserved for homeowners asking about how to wire built-in pools in their first posts. Hang around for awhile and you'll know who the regs are. Welcome!
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:59 PM   #13
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Thanks for the welcome Magnettica! I am the sort who takes some getting to know as I am sure most of the regulars are.
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Old 02-29-2008, 05:04 PM   #14
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


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I lost my hammer so I have to use the screws.
How do you set the height of the boxes with no hammer? 16" screwdriver?
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Old 03-02-2008, 10:11 PM   #15
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Quit using Carlon blue boxes and switch to Union gray. The nails are better, no joke for real.
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Old 03-02-2008, 10:38 PM   #16
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


220 Man!!!!!!!! You got the wrong boxes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mike has been looking for those for a month, You have SCREW on boxes thats why!
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Old 03-02-2008, 10:47 PM   #17
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


What is the standerd hight for boxes? plugs and switches. How about over cabinets?
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Old 03-02-2008, 10:54 PM   #18
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Quote:
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What is the standerd hight for boxes? plugs and switches. How about over cabinets?
There's no such thing as standard height, but most guys have their own rules of thumb that are all pretty close to each other. If I'm working in existing work, I just match what's there.

Presently, I favor:
  • receptacles, cable tv outlets, and phone outlets 18"
  • switches, garage receptacles, basement receptacles 48"
  • thermostats and wall phones, 54"
  • kitchen countertop receptacles and switches, 43"
  • bathroom vanity receptacles and switches, 41"
  • Microwave hood receptacles and sconce lights, 72"

(all measurements to the bottom of the box)
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Old 03-02-2008, 11:07 PM   #19
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


I measure to the bottom of the box as well. I know some people measure to the middle of the box but that's not how I learned how to do it. I do 16" AFF for bedroom/ living room/ dining receptacles, 44" for switches, bathroom GFI's, and kitchen countertop receptacles. 55" AFF for under cabinet lighting.
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Old 03-03-2008, 09:48 AM   #20
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Re: Who Can Tell Me This


Well that notch is completely off I really don't think Carlton use that for accurate drywall dept it just can't be

I know i am not the only one has this problem ,if you use that notch your box will be completely off, then you have to use ext. to be code compliance in regards to combustible material
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