Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Rjhastings75's Avatar
    Rjhastings75 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 6, 2012, 06:17 PM
    Type of fastener for outlet/switch
    Is it acceptable to use a standard Sheetrock screw in place of a machine type screw to attach an outlet or switch to a box?
    Jerry burch's Avatar
    Jerry burch Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 6, 2012, 07:36 PM
    I guess I've been an electriton for twenty years an I've done it but the size screw you need is a 6/32
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 7, 2012, 07:33 AM
    Jerry,

    Am I understanding you correctly, you have used a drywall screw to mount a yoke to a device box?

    *************************

    Please, never do that. If someone have to replace that yoke the box may have to be cut out and an "Old work" box would need to installed and the existing wires would need to be worked out of the original box and back into the replacement box.

    Using a drywall screw is not only shoddy work, but it might be dangerous if the drywall screw were to pierce the wires.
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #4

    Nov 7, 2012, 09:43 AM
    I strongly agree with Don, it will also violate the electrical code as sheet rock screws
    Do not come with the device and therefore were not intended for use by the manufacturer...
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Replacing light switch with switch outlet combo [ 1 Answers ]

I would like to replace a light switch and add a light switch outlet combo, but only have two wires in the box

How to wire an outlet off switch with out the switch controlling the outlet [ 2 Answers ]

Currently there is only one black, white and ground in the switch box

Wall switch controlling a outlet,want to use outlet to control ceiling fan [ 3 Answers ]

I Have a wall swich that currently controls a baseboard outlet. The Wall switch has a white,black, ground coming in from the top of the box-- and a white,black,red,ground coming in from the bottom of the box. The two blacks are tied together/two whites tied together... the red goes to the switch...

What type fastener is best for 3/4" CDX on roof trusses [ 6 Answers ]

I am reviewing bids for installing roof trusses on my ICF walls. They will also put up the decking. They intend to use roofing staples. I asked them what type fasteners will be used to attach the 3/4 plywood roof decking. They answered it will be 1 1/2'' x 7/16'' roofing staples Any...

Switch a 220 v outlet to a 120 v outlet [ 1 Answers ]

I just got an emergency generator and it has a 220 v plug, I will not be using a 220 appliance and would like additional 120 outlets. It seems that I should be able to split the 220 into two 120 outlets. If so how to do it.

View more questions Search