I have a few questions before I begin wiring a wall in my basement. Any help would be great.

First, I have several new work boxes (receptacle, j-box) with push-in tabs. After wiring the boxes, do I seal the entry port where the Romex comes in? Caulk, etc? (The wall will be sealed with drywall in a few weeks.)

Second, my wall is cinderblock. Can I screw the boxes directly to the cinder (TapCon), or is there an assembly I have to build?

Third, can I run Romex along studs and notch across the studs where necessary? Or, do I need to drill through studs? Conduit?

Fourth, do you folks elec. Tape your wire nuts, or just leave 'em as is?

Fifth, I am installing a 2-gang switch, but one of the switches is unused/ unpowered for future expansion. I have Romex leading out of it. What do I do with it? Just leave it rolled up in the wall?

Any other pointers you might bring up?

Thanks a ton.

do I seal the entry port where the Romex comes in? Caulk, etc? (The wall will be sealed with drywall in a few weeks.)No. Not a requirement of NEC, although some local codes in colder climates may require. An energy conservation measure.


Can I screw the boxes directly to the cinder (TapCon), or is there an assembly I have to build?
Not sure if this violates code if box is not designed to be mounted this way but is not uncommon


can I run Romex along studs and notch across the studs where necessary? Yes but you must use nail plates to protect cable.


Fourth, do you folks elec. tape your wire nuts, or just leave 'em as is? No. If wire nut is properly installed not necessary. If wire nut is not properly installed it should be corrected.


I am installing a 2-gang switch, but one of the switches is unused/ unpowered for future expansion. I have Romex leading out of it. What do I do with it? Just leave it rolled up in the wall?Coiled inside the wall where? Won't do you much good coiled inside wall behind the switch. Could be left inside the wall at the point where it will be connected to a device if it is not connected to power. Do not connect to switch. Leave 6" of cable in switch box, sheathing intact, end taped. Tape coiled end just in case you get hit by a truck before you finish project.

Originally Posted by antipode12
Can I screw the boxes directly to the cinder (TapCon), or is there an assembly I have to build?
Not sure if this violates code if box is not designed to be mounted this way but is not uncommon

What would be correct? Fasten a stud to the wall, then fasten the box to the stud? Fasten plywood to the wall first?

Not sure I understand. Fastening the box to the cinder block wall is fine if it can be done without modifying box. Driving a screw through back of box to mount it ,if there is no screw holes, may be considered modifying. I don't know. I guess that's what I thought you wanted to do.

No plans to modify the box.

What I'm asking if A) I can attach the box directly to the masonry
Or B) do I have to attach wood (stud, plywood, etc.) to masonry first, then attach the box to the wood.

I know how to do both -- I just wondering of there is code on attaching a J-box directly to masonry.

Directly to masonary if you wish.