(Censored) blue plastic electrical boxes!!!!

[/pine]

I think the "blue" boxes are standard for "old work" types...the old sheetrock clips for metal boxes were a real PITA...!

personally I have never had any problems with the blue boxes...I usually cut the "clamp" out...with a romex staple just above the box it gives a little play if needed in the future...for low wall outlets it's a pain to get in there with a screwdriver to get a bit of slack...

While on the topic of boxes...I digress...I almost never use standard recessed can light fixtures any more...it is so much easier to use "old work" can boxes...especially if you are doing your own sheetrock etc...i.e., eliminates errors and speeds up hanging the lids...!

 

[JDgreen227]

"Old work" boxes...the tabs are "one way" (that is the "clamp") so the wire has to be inserted before you set the box. A hit with a screw driver is needed from outside to break the tiny fingers on the tabs. I wonder if the sheathing on the wire was bad? Romex outer shield is usually pretty hardy and can get pulled through rough cuts on new construction with only a scratch (you still have the insulation on the wires themselves). My biggest issue with old work boxes is not being able to clamp them flush but that is a function of bad drywall (which is usually a function of other problems that you don't want to get into).

I would have MUCH preferred to be able to break the clamps out and staple the wire (12-2) to the studs as one can do in new construction, but as this project I helped with was in an older house with existing 3/4" thick walls we were forced to use "old work" blue plastic boxes to replace the original metal ones.

 

[/pine]

I would have MUCH preferred to be able to break the clamps out and staple the wire (12-2) to the studs as one can do in new construction, but as this project I helped with was in an older house with existing 3/4" thick walls we were forced to use "old work" blue plastic boxes to replace the original metal ones.

Drilling a hole (paddle bit) in the top or bottom of a plastic box allows the use of a standard romex connector...(as mentioned in PM)

 

[techman]

When we built our house (25 years ago), I did all of the electrical. I put in 3 1/2" deep metal boxes. Can't beat them. Strong, lots of internal room, etc. But I got a lot comments from quite a few people asking why I didn't use the "wonderful" plastic boxes. I have worked with plastic boxes many times over the years, and prefer a metal box anytime.

paul

 

[LD1]

I never had a problem with the blue ones either. I like them a whole lot better than the brown fiberglass looking boxes. Those do explode if you miss the nail. And forget about removing and reusing them too. And the blue are cheap too...

 

[aczlan]

I never had a problem with the blue ones either. I like them a whole lot better than the brown fiberglass looking boxes. Those do explode if you miss the nail. And forget about removing and reusing them too. And the blue are cheap too...

I HATE those brown boxes (except when its time to demo a box to move something). Get a screw in wrong and the box shatters. Miss the nail (or hit a little too hard on the last stroke) and the box shatters...
Blue ones are ok as long as you use a screwdriver to open the holes first and dont try to pull the wire back out. I use either blue boxes or metal boxes (depending on what I am doing).

Aaron Z

 

[grsthegreat]

i use plastic boxes all the time.....there ok. Mind you when i built and wired my OWN house in 1996, i used metal boxes and steel flex. not a stitch of romex in my house. All y barns and outbuildings are emt piped.

 

[orezok]

Drilling a hole (paddle bit) in the top or bottom of a plastic box allows the use of a standard romex connector...(as mentioned in PM)

I've done that myself, but technically it voids the UL rating of the box.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Nothing beats knob and tube, in my book. Tongue firmly planted in cheek.

 

[k0ua]

Nothing beats knob and tube, in my book. Tongue firmly planted in cheek.

That and DCC (Double Cotton Covered) wire:laughing: