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codyman144 · Jan 11, 2009, 11:23 AM

How do I properly anchor this wire in this type of outlet box? I am thinking that because this outlet box is not going to be behind drywall the NM cable must be anchored. That's what my favorite book says is this true or do they just mean J-boxes?

I have round plastic push in kind anochors for J-boxes (used one last night). But I don't know what to do with these square knockouts. Pictures below.

Thanks - John.

stanfortyman · Jan 11, 2009, 01:14 PM

You don't. Just make sure you staple the cable within 8" of the box.

codyman144 · Jan 11, 2009, 01:37 PM

Stan,

Like this? Didn't use staples just those nail on wire holders.

Just a side note also thought those nail on ones would be easier to use... They are not!

stanfortyman · Jan 11, 2009, 02:36 PM

That's fine, but is that box staying exposed like that? If so why not just use a 4x4 metal box?

codyman144 · Jan 12, 2009, 11:24 AM

Yeah your right should have used a metal box. Used that one because that is what I had available. Maybe I will pick up one and swap it out, (like when I get some staples).

On a side note install is done, tested the GFCI outlet and working fine. My tankless hot water heater now has an outlet and not running on an extension cord... :)

ZoeMarie · Jan 12, 2009, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by codyman144

Stan,

Like this? Didn't use staples just those nail on wire holders.

Just a side note also thought those nail on ones would be easier to use... They are not!

Most people call those "nail on wire holders" staples. If you go into a store and ask for staples, that's what they're going to show you.

codyman144 · Jan 12, 2009, 01:49 PM

ZoeMarie,

I know what he means by staples:

Find Cable Staples and other Electrical Connectors at Aubuchon Hardware

But yes the nail on ones are often called staples also. I have noticed the electricans seem to perfer the type above.

ZoeMarie · Jan 12, 2009, 01:53 PM

I do too, I'm just used to the everyone that came into Menards where I used to work asking for staples and what he showed us is what they wanted.

Stratmando · Jan 12, 2009, 04:01 PM

How about a 2 gang metal box, 1 switch, 1 receptacle, switch could go up to a light?

codyman144 · Jan 12, 2009, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by Stratmando

How about a 2 gang metal box, 1 switch, 1 recepticle, switch could go up to a light?

?? Not what we are talking about

donf · Jan 12, 2009, 05:04 PM

Codyman - Please look at the box you are using.

The two tabs you see at the top are actually spring loaded (via the plastic tabs). You can run one or more wires into the holes and the tab will press back against them to keep them tight.

That does not mean you can eliminate the staple. Sect. 334.30 of the 2008 NEC code states that NM sheathed cable must be supported every 4.5' and "within 12" of any outlet box, junction box, cabinet or fitting."

Stratmando · Jan 12, 2009, 05:18 PM

Sorry about that, I thought the Box and staple issue was resolved.
Forget the switch and the light.

Stratmando · Jan 12, 2009, 05:21 PM

As far as the square knockouts, only break one side of that square, push cable through into box, THEN Staple. It may be difficult to feed wire into box after it is stapled close to the box as shown.

stanfortyman · Jan 12, 2009, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by donf

Codyman - Please look at the box you are using.

The two tabs you see at the top are actually spring loaded (via the plastic tabs). You can run one or more wires into the holes and the tab will press back against them to keep them tight.

Don, those boxes are not the ones that hold the cable. You simply break out that little square.

donf · Jan 12, 2009, 05:40 PM

Okay, please educate me. How do I tell the difference between those that lock the cable and those that would require an insert to clamp the cable?

By the way, in re-visiting the images, this box looks like a "New Work box", because of the nails coming from the side. I do see a rather flimsy set of tabs holding the "knockout in place" and the do not appear strong enough to hold air, much less clam a cable into position.

stanfortyman · Jan 12, 2009, 07:10 PM

Well, like I said, this box does not hold the wires in place. You literally knock out that square.

That is a single gang non-metallic box. No clamp or cable securing is necessary as long as you staple within 8" of the box.

codyman144 · Jan 12, 2009, 08:22 PM

Wow lots of discussion on a job that is already successfully completed...

codyman144 · Jan 12, 2009, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by ZoeMarie

I do too, I'm just used to the everyone that came into Menards where I used to work asking for staples and what he showed us is what they wanted.

And the nail in ones don't secure the wire very tightly. About the only advantage to them is they are fool proof meaning you cannot possibly drive the thing in so hard as to damage the wire.

ZoeMarie · Jan 13, 2009, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by codyman144

And the nail in ones don't secure the wire very tightly. About the only advantage to them is they are fool proof meaning you cannot possibly drive the thing in so hard as to damage the wire.

Yeah, that's what I've heard.