[copper_string]

Hello All,
I have searched the Internet and can't find a solution for what I think is a super basic question, but I want to make sure I do this right. I have also searched through 8+ pages of threads in this forum, so my apologies if there is an existing answer for this question.

I am installing new construction electrical outlet and switch boxes and I can’t determine the best way to fasten them to the wooden 2x4 wall studs.

I have a bit of a special project. I am putting in a recording studio in my basement, so I am using metal outlet boxes and metal clad Romex to reduce RF interference. I am also using two thicknesses (with Green Glue in between) of 5/8” drywall for soundproofing, so I bought deep 3.5” boxes as I'll need a lot of length to be even with the interior surface of the drywall after I mount the box to the stud. I am using Raco #600 boxes and Armorlite 12-2 w/ground.

The simple question is what is the best way to attach the box to the wall? For a single box it appears long screws or nails through the back two holes I marked in the photo (attached) should work. Is that standard practice?

These boxes are gangable, and I’ll need to go to three and four wide for some switch boxes. If I have a two, three, or four gang box, should I first remove the box side and screw the box to the wall using shorter wood screws, then assemble the gangs on after?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Nealtw]

I think that is what the other 2 holes are for.

 

[surferdude2]

Some Mud Ring choices[/URL]That's a bracket box that you are showing and it's meant to be nailed or screwed to a wall stud via the bracket on its side. If you flush the bracket with the stud face (same as the box face), it will be possible to use standard mud rings to extend the box face to whatever wall board is installed or will later be installed and become flush with it. A wide variety of mud rings are available for that purpose. If the big box store doesn't have the mud ring you need, any electrical supply
house will.


Mud Rings to choose from

 

[copper_string]

OK, makes sense. That means I won't have much stud left to screw/nail into, as I am mounting these to be flush with 1.25" or a little more of drywall.



Didn't want to use box "extenders" as they look like they will become loose as time goes on.


Anyone have experience with ganging these 3 or 4 wide? Will I need support lumber of some sort?



Thanks.

 

[copper_string]

surferdude,
I am going to take those brackets off. Those are on the front of the box face, and I think they are meant for retrofit mounting? They screw off, and I was going to remove them.


Let me know if I have this all wrong...

 

[copper_string]

Actually, now that I measure it out, even if I use the holes in the middle of the box (and not at the rear) I will still have about 3/4" of wood to the edge of the wall stud. That should work.

 

[surferdude2]

Why would you want to do that? Standard bracket boxes are the item of choice and they will always be installed so they are at the same point as the stud face. The mud ring you install will make the box come flush with whatever wall board and finish is installed. Granted, you need that wall finish info in advance to know what rise of mud ring to install during rough-in stage before wall closure but that shouldn't be a problem in your case since you're dictating it.

You don't mount the box out in front of the stud face since it will be in the wall board... not where it ever belongs.

 

[copper_string]

OK, I see. Do they make a mud box (extender?) that is 1.25 inches thick? I am using double drywall, 5/8 inch thick. I've been searching, but they seem hard to find.

 

[surferdude2]

They make anything you will ever need. You may not find it at the big box store but your local electrical supply house will likely have it. They even make adjustable mud rings that will allow you to make them come out flush regardless. Those are harder to find and rarely needed... cost more too.

You know what you'll need so figure wall thickness and get what you need. A 1-1/4" rise mud/drywall ring is fairly common, I've used hundreds of them but always got them from the supply house. Big box stores may or may not have them... I never got my supplies from them but I suspect they may handle them.

 

[copper_string]

OK, I did find this for a dual gang box. Would this work?


Also, I like your idea of going to a local place for parts. Not a box store.

 

[surferdude2]

Sure, that will work. It's twice the price of a standard 1.25" rise ring and maybe you don't need a 2 gang one, but if it fits your needs, go for it. Always mount the box/boxes at the same face as the stud.

 

[copper_string]

OK, thank you very much. You have been a huge help. Is there a way I can "vote" you up on this forum?

 

[RAL238]

OK, I did find this for a dual gang box. Would this work?

Also, I like your idea of going to a local place for parts. Not a box store.

Note that mud ring is for a 4" square box, not a 3"x2" gangable box you were originally talking about. They make mud rings for both types, so just make sure you get ones that match. You can even get 4 gang mud rings if you need them.

 

[surferdude2]

Is there a way I can "vote" you up on this forum?

No, but thanks all the same. Come back any time and someone here will always be waiting to help you. This site is a wonderful resource that all of us can take part in and learn and help each other. I appreciate and expect others do to, the fact that all advice rendered is open to review by peers, and those of even better knowledge, so it makes this a very reliable way to get safe guidance when needed.

All the best, SD2

 

[copper_string]

Alright, thanks again!
Thanks RAL238 as well.

 

[surferdude2]

RAL238 has a good point, that box you show isn't like anything I'd use but I never did much residential work other than freebies for friends.

I would use a 4-sw-fb-spl box for normal work. That is a 4 square side bracketed box with both 1/2 and 3/4 knock outs. Pretty much standard stuff that any counter clerk will know at a supply house or a good clerk at Home Depot or equal.

So you see... RAL238 saw the possible miscue here and stepped up to point it out. Like I said, everything gets good review here. lain:

 

[Wiredindallas]

Even if you buy elsewhere, look at Garvin Industries to see all available. They have things you never heard of.

 

[ChuckTin]

Garvin industries is certainly a good resource!
They even have stainless steel conduit boxes.
But where would you use SS conduit anyway? In a salty locale?

 

[Rabidcapybara]

Hello from the looks of it the box you have is an old work gangable box. I dont believe the removable side plates are meant to be a mounting point. To mount these types of boxes, madison clips are usually used. The madison clips keeps the box from coming out of the wall and the flaps on the front of the box keep the box from going in the wall. For new construction I would recommend getting a box with a stud mount on the side of it. As for mud rings, they make mud ring of all sorts of shapes and sizes.