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Hi, I want to install 4 wall sconces in my bedroom (2 on a north wall and 2 on a south wall) and I need to put some boxes in the wall. I bought some round plastic old work boxes from home depot but I found out tonight that they are too small of diameter because of the way the wiring comes out of the sconce. Any body have any ideas on any bigger old work boxes for walls?
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Old work round boxes are standard for sizes. Did you purchase perhaps "metal pancake" boxes? These are round, about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 - 3/4 inches thick. By standard I mean, RACO, CARLETON, STEEL CITY, manufacturers boxes the same diameter. Plastic old work boxes have two metal or plastic "ears" that rotate out from the body of the box when the securing screws are turned. Some like RACO have a sort of "W" bracket that snap out when the box is inserted into the wall opening and is secured by turning the one long screw in the center. The fixture strap bracket accomodates all standard fixture straps with 8-32 screws. One ear has a green screw for the equipment grounding. Look in one of the electrical illustrations for "boxes" you'll see one of my drawings in there for old work boxes. - HayZee -
Okay, I have had no luck finding these boxes local. Both Lowe's and Home depot do not stock a 4" square old work fixture box. The only thing close is what I bought originally that won't work. That was a plastic 3" diameter old work fixture box. New question though. I found something that will work but I want to make sure I won't be violating any wierd code. I bought some plastic 4"x3.5" (aprox) old work double gang switch boxes that will work for me IF I can mount them sideways in the wall. This will mean that the wires will enter and exit the box from the sides, and not the top. I will for sure reinforce them in the wall as they aren't meant to hold any real weight. Does anyone know if this is a code violation? I live in Arizona and I can't imagine it would make any difference since all of the electrical connections will be made inside of the box, it's just that the box was never designed for this. ThanksComment
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Wall sconces & boxes
Wall sconces use a metal fixture strap which you fasten to a plastic old work box or a 4" octagon metal old work box. The metal box has two sets of "ears" which prevent the box from falling in the wall or ceiling. Two sheetrock fasteners and screws -or- two 6-32 toggle bolts go through these holes to hold the box in place and hold the load. In the metal box, there may be romex clamps or just knockouts for a standard romex connector. My attached pictorial will show these holes. A two gang switchbox as you describe may work with the fixture strap, but the holes won't line up and the box edges will go out beyond the fixture canopy. Home Depot has a good selection of boxes, but for something like these, go to an electrical supply house.Comment
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