[weatheredwood]

I have a hanging light. It is just a pendant light with a plug in the end. I attached a photo that kind of looks like it. The current box is a steel 3 1/2 octagon box. I was thinking about installing a receptacle in the box. Does anyone know where I can purchase a duplex cover plate for a 3 1/2 box.



My other option would be to use a 3 1/2 cover plate with a knockout in the center. I could use a romex connector. I would cut off the plug. Is there an issue doing it this way?

 

[weatheredwood]

For some reason, the picture isn't showing up. It is just a single pendant light with a 2 prong plug.

 

[Jim Port]

For one the receptacle should be grounded.

 

[weatheredwood]

For one the receptacle should be grounded.

Yes, the receptacle would be grounded. I was referring to the plug on the pendent light. It is just a 2 prong plug.


Here is something similar: I can't seem to be able to post pictures from amazon.


https://www.amazon.com/Newhouse-Lig...rds=pendant+light+plug&qid=1591667516&sr=8-30

 

[jbfan]

I have used these before.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Steel-C...gon-Box-Cover-Case-of-25-5402LR-25R/202595782

 

[weatheredwood]

I have used these before.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Steel-C...gon-Box-Cover-Case-of-25-5402LR-25R/202595782

That's what I was looking into, except in a 3 1/2in size. I'm not sure if City Electric would have them. My other option would be to just use this and cut the plug.

 

[jbfan]

Here is a single receptacle cover for 3.5" box

https://www.kyleswitchplates.com/3-5-round-single-outlet-cover-plate-white/

 

[weatheredwood]

Does anyone have an opinion on just cutting the plug and running it through a knockout? I noticed a lot of chandeliers just have lamp cords.

 

[Oso954]

Most flexible cords cannot be used behind walls, ceilings, or in electrical boxes.

Cutting off the plug and running the cord thru the KO in a cover plate is a bad idea.

 

[seharper]

Yes, you can cut the plug and run flexible cordage out a knockout (with a proper strain relief, obviously).

Normally you can't do that with an equipment cord, but 400.6-8 (I can never remember which) has a specific exception allowing it for luminaires aka lights.


Make sure you are clear on your box size. A 4" box is 3-1/2" across the flats (but 4" across the rounded corners). Which is super confusing, eh?
A 3-1/2" box is 3" across the flats.

As far as finding a *duplex recep* cover plate for a *true* 3-1/2" box, that'll never happen. The box is simply too small. If you really, really need that, you'll need to get an extension octagon box that is 4" and extends from 3-1/2", and good luck finding that. Legrand Wiremold starter box maybe??

 

[betelgeuse]

The 4" cover alone is no longer approved, because it only has 1 attachment screw where 2 is required, even though HD still sells them

You now have to buy it as a UL listed assembly with the receptacle attached.

 

[weatheredwood]

The 4" cover alone is no longer approved, because it only has 1 attachment screw where 2 is required, even though HD still sells them

You now have to buy it as a UL listed assembly with the receptacle attached.

I picked one up today at Home Depot that had 3 holes. I bought some machine screws and nuts to bolt the receptacle in place. I didn't end up using it, however.