Can I daisy chain outlets in 2x3x2.5 GEM boxes?
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Can I daisy chain outlets in 2x3x2.5 GEM boxes?
I want to add some outlets in walls of crappy old plaster on wood lath. I've found that the best old work box around for this is a 2x3x2.5 from Steel City with flip out clamp tabs CDOW-TG-25. The plastic old work boxes never secure properly even if they can fit so thick a wall, they're really only for wallboard. Plus some of these walls were built with sideways 2x4 so a 2.5" box barely fits.
I always thought it was OK to daisy chain these 12.5 cu in boxes with 14-2, I've seen it frequently, but when I just actually calculated it I come up with needing 14 cu in. WTF? These common boxes aren't good for much if you can't use 4 conductors under any circumstances. Have I gotten any of this wrong?
I always thought it was OK to daisy chain these 12.5 cu in boxes with 14-2, I've seen it frequently, but when I just actually calculated it I come up with needing 14 cu in. WTF? These common boxes aren't good for much if you can't use 4 conductors under any circumstances. Have I gotten any of this wrong?
#2
Having two cables and a device counts as 6 plus your ground meaning you need at least 14 cubic inches if an internal clamp is not used.
#3
These common boxes aren't good for much
When I'm forced to use shallow boxes I'll run the cable from each box to a common junction box.
#4
Use a deeper box and madison clips if you have wall space. If not use a 1900 box and a mud ring. You can usually get them in with a bit of patience. Spray foam works great for holding boxes in plaster and lath.
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Justin, how would I do that, screw a 1900 like below to the stud and plaster over the hole and mud ring when I'm done?
The plastic shallow work boxes are made for 1/2"wallboard and simply won't work with lath & plaster.
Searching the web on this subject I saw a reference to the box fill requirement for this size changing relatively recently. I've certainly seen real old work with 3 or 4 cables in one!
The plastic shallow work boxes are made for 1/2"wallboard and simply won't work with lath & plaster.
Searching the web on this subject I saw a reference to the box fill requirement for this size changing relatively recently. I've certainly seen real old work with 3 or 4 cables in one!
Last edited by PJmax; 05-05-16 at 09:02 PM. Reason: corrected pics
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ou could gang to gem boxes, use madison clips then use a cover plate with one blank.
But I much prefer these boxes to using madisons. They really clinch tight
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