I would not put a screw through the box. When I put in just a few receptacles in a small renovation of a bathroom I had to with one plastic single gang box to help secure it with a sheetrock screw. The inspector failed it and stated "by putting a screw into the wall of the box you have compromised the integrity of the box". I had to remove the box and reconfigure things. It really depends on the inspector. The boxes are approved by UL in use as "as they are manufactured" not as you alter them.

 

It really depends on the inspector. The boxes are approved by UL in use as "as they are manufactured" not as you alter them.

Exactly, this topic came up on another forum about using the small holes in the side covers of the box.
Most if not all of the responses had no problem with it.

My question is "why" would those little holes be there in the first place?

I saw them on 1900 boxes too, but I believe there is a clamp that clips on that uses them.
But in general, most metal boxes have them (the small holes).

 

There are boxes that are listed with the screw through the side of the box. Both Smartbox and Arlington make them.

 

Thanks. I'll not do the screw through box.

 

oh, or I'll look for the "screw through the box" mentioned here. Thanks.

 

Here is the two gang arlington box with the screws.

 

Arlington F102.
Try your electric supply houses. The big boxes don't carry it.

 

Home Depot has one, by Madison.

EDIT: But you have to order it online.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Madison-Electric-Products-Smart-Box-2-Gang-Adjustable-Depth-Device-Box-MSB2G/203340272

 

thanks!

 

What is wrong with a screw through the box?
I suppose you could have an electrical fire so hot and prolonged that it heats the screw up enough to burn the stud; but that seems really really unlikely. Some other reason?

 

The inspectors are afraid that they would be liable if something were to happen. Would something happen? No way.
If this box were holding a wing onto an aircraft, I could see not drilling thru it, but screwed to a wall, it's not going to just crack up.
Crazy.

 

Why not just use an old work box?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-2...2-Gang-25-cu-in-Non-Metallic-Old-Work-Switch-and-Outlet-Box-B225R-UPC/100404169

 

Those plastic tabs don't always hold very well.

 

"Nails and screws, where used as a fastening means, ... or they shall pass through the interior within 6 mm (1/4") of the back or ends of the enclosure. " 314.23 (B) (1) "This requirement prevents nails from interfering with the installation of devices. Permitting nails inside the box within 1/4" of the ends reduces splitting of the smaller wooden studs used in some frame type construction." Thanks to the '08 NEC Handbook

 

The OP said the hole was cut too tall for an old work box.

 

Jim, Yeah he did, but he also asked if using screws through the side of the box was a no - no. Pete