Hi, I’m renovating a Federal-style house and trying to minimize the view of modern conveniences like outlets. So I have decided to place them very low on the walls into the nine-inch baseboards. Other than using old-work receptacle boxes, is there a technique that would allow me to mount electrical boxes horizontally without voiding the U.L. approval (nailing or drilling into a plastic box is a no-no)? One thought was to use a four-inch box with a single device mud-ring, but I was hoping for something a little more inventive. Thanks, Larry
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Replies
It sounds like you are going to do a quality job here - I'd suggest using metal boxes instead. Last for years without stripping out,and without any flex. Metal boxes have the holes in the back four mounting.
You can set the box into the wall, then use a box extender to reach out to the level of your finished surface. This will give you a little extra room to make pigtails too in a single gang box.
Thanks Paul. I was hoping not to use metal, but you're right. I try to "embrace" modern methods, but there is no substitute for metal...I'm an ex-Navy electrician and there's "the right way, the wrong way...and the Navy way!)...
There are a couple of single-gang, new work boxes designed to mount horizontally.
The smartbox is a real problem-solver:
http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/SmartBox-2.htm
Allied Moulded Products also has a nice horiz mount, adjustable depth SG box:
http://www.alliedmoulded.com/index.cfm/action/resproducts.showitem/itemid/7224/template/products_sub_res/categoryid/222
Either of these ought to fill the bill.
Carlon has an adjustable depth SG box that you could mount horizontally if you install blocking on the sole plate. I'd screw the box bracket to a block and then attach the block to the sole plate. This approach, of course, if you plan to have the baseboard off for the re-wiring. Some of those old baseboards are really prone to split; don't ask me how I know..
Best of luck--
Cliff
Ahhhh, you're not going to be
Ahhhh, you're not going to be cutting into 'gennuine' old 9" molding, are you?
There are new-work boxes designed to mount the other way, or you can install a horizontal piece of 2x4 between studs and mount to that. (Hint: Screw rather than nail the horizontal in place and it will stand up to nailing the box in more readily.)
I knew I could count on you guys...thanks...one down, 999 to go...
Larry