Adding Switch - Too Many Cables
#1
01-09-16, 05:30 PM
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Adding Switch - Too Many Cables
My wife asked me to move a switch from our living room to next to the door coming in from our garage. Currently, there is one switch next to this door.
I've ripped out the electrical box and was expecting to just use 2 single gang metal boxes (joined together) to complete this job, however, there are already lines of BX cable and a line of metal conduit coming into this box.
What are my options considering I only have 2 knockouts in the top of the 2 gang metal boxes I bought? Previously they had a square box in there. Do I need to get an old work square box (3 holes on top) and an adapter plate for the 2 switches? Or is there a way to utilize what I've already bought?
Thanks!
I've ripped out the electrical box and was expecting to just use 2 single gang metal boxes (joined together) to complete this job, however, there are already lines of BX cable and a line of metal conduit coming into this box.
What are my options considering I only have 2 knockouts in the top of the 2 gang metal boxes I bought? Previously they had a square box in there. Do I need to get an old work square box (3 holes on top) and an adapter plate for the 2 switches? Or is there a way to utilize what I've already bought?
Thanks!
#2
01-09-16, 05:38 PM
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A cut-in or gem box has two knockouts in the top. You can remove one side of each box and combine them. That will give you four knockouts up top. Is that not enough ?
I just re-read your post..... conduit and MC ?
I just re-read your post..... conduit and MC ?
#3
01-09-16, 05:40 PM
Can you route the new cable from the old switch box to the new switch box to enter from the bottom (assumes there are knockouts on the bottom of the new box)?
#4
01-09-16, 05:43 PM
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#5
01-09-16, 05:47 PM
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PJMax - Yes, there are 2 lines of armored cable and one metal conduit. This wall has the garage on the other size, not sure if that has something to do with it?
#6
01-09-16, 05:50 PM
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PJ - I only see a single knockout on the top of the image you provided? 4 would absolutely be enough.
#7
01-09-16, 05:54 PM
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I might add that the new line will come in from the bottom or side, however, i need 3 knockouts on the top as i can't extend the conduit or bx cable.
#8
01-09-16, 06:03 PM
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The top or bottom of a gem box has one 1/2" KO or two knockouts for romex/bx cable.
You will have to open the wall and use a 4" square 1900 box with a two gang mud ring.
You will have to open the wall and use a 4" square 1900 box with a two gang mud ring.
#9
01-09-16, 06:13 PM
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