What Size Screw For Outlet Box
Electrical Box Types & Sizes for Receptacles. We give some basic electrical box size examples just below. They are plastic, color-coded frames that fit between the front edge of the box and the outlet/switch. The screws that secure the outlet/switch to the box also secure the frame in place. That metal strip grounds the outlet mount, which, when you screw the outlet to the metal box, grounds the box. No need for a green grounding screw. I found using the outlet box surface mounted with the type of cover used in the video, allows for an extra 1/2' of depth to the box.
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Supporting a ceiling fan properly is important to avoid personal injury and damage to your house. There are several acceptable ways to support a ceiling fan, including special boxes designed with straps or fastening the box to wood blocking. A visual inspection from above is always recommended to confirm that the previous work is sufficient. If there is no attic space available to use for inspection, other options are available.
Support Requirements
The National Electric Code requires that all fans 35 pounds and over must be supported with an outlet box or outlet box system that is listed for ceiling fan support. The manufacturer must have marked the outlet box system to indicate that it is acceptable for ceiling fan installations. If the original box is not listed for this purpose, it must be retrofitted and attached securely to the building structure.
Outlet Boxes Designed for Ceiling Fans
Specially designed outlet boxes for ceiling fan support have special braces that extend to contact adjacent ceiling joists. These braces are then nailed or screwed into the joists themselves. A threaded set-nipple is mounted in the middle of the box, which allows the box to travel laterally along the brace. Inspecting the brace-joist connection is the best way to make sure that the box was installed properly. Barbatos lupus rex red eyes.
Wooden Support
Ceiling boxes in older homes may not have special fan boxes. Instead, the carpenters who framed the ceiling may have added a block between the ceiling joists upon which the box is mounted. The box should have been fastened with screws to the bottom of the block. If the box is mounted on only one side or with nails it should not be used as is.
Inspecting an Existing Box
The best way to confirm that a box is securely attached is to inspect from above. Crawling through the attic to locate the box allows you to confirm that all supports are adequate. However, if you are installing a fan between stories where there is no attic space, you will have to determine from below. Look for the attachment points of the box. Is it screwed to wood from the sides, or do the screws go through the top of the box? Is there a threaded nipple visible from below? If you cannot discern how the box is supported, hire an electrician to inspect the box for you.
References (1)
- 2011 National Electric Code; National Fire Protection Association
Longer Screws For Electrical Outlets
Resources (1)
- Old Electrical Wiring: David Shapiro
About the Author
Charles W. St.Clair has been writing professionally since 2003. He lives in Oakland, Calif., working as an electrician and carpenter. St. Clair holds a bachelor's degree in public policy from Emory & Henry College and a master's degree in city planning from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where he specialized in food system planning.
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