2 gang smart box flexes too much
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 55
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
2 gang smart box flexes too much
Does anyone else have a problem when you install an old work Madison SmartBox (in my case it's 2 gang), and it flexes as you unplug devices from it on the far end from where it's secured to the stud with screws? I installed one of these in a bathroom and whenever we unplug things, you can see the electrical cover come out about 1/8 inch from the wall. I took the cover off and it's the whole box that is moving, but it doesn't move on the side where it's attached to the stud.
Does any one have any tricks to stabilize it?
Does any one have any tricks to stabilize it?
#2
Member
If I install 2 or 3 gang boxes, I typically frame around them inside stud bay to give them extra support. Sometimes it's not necessary and a good check is to install the box, then wiggle it back in forth by hand, if there is movement, it'll be similar to that once drywall and cover is put on. If its moving to much, time to add some framing within studs to secure it too.
#3
Usually two gang boxes are fairly stable. It's the three gang and up ones that are normally flimsy.
You can add a Madison bar to your box on the side that pulls out. The following video shows adding two bars.... one to each side of the box. You will only need one on the side that pulls out. Be sure to turn power off when installing.
Using Madison bars
You can add a Madison bar to your box on the side that pulls out. The following video shows adding two bars.... one to each side of the box. You will only need one on the side that pulls out. Be sure to turn power off when installing.
Using Madison bars
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 55
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Usually two gang boxes are fairly stable. It's the three gang and up ones that are normally flimsy.
You can add a Madison bar to your box on the side that pulls out. The following video shows adding two bars.... one to each side of the box. You will only need one on the side that pulls out. Be sure to turn power off when installing.
Using Madison bars
You can add a Madison bar to your box on the side that pulls out. The following video shows adding two bars.... one to each side of the box. You will only need one on the side that pulls out. Be sure to turn power off when installing.
Using Madison bars
For these Madison bars, are they generally available at the big box home improvement stores? Do they work well?
Update: I did find them at Home Depot going by a different name: Raco Switch Box Old Work Supports (2-Pack).
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 55
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Usually two gang boxes are fairly stable. It's the three gang and up ones that are normally flimsy.
You can add a Madison bar to your box on the side that pulls out. The following video shows adding two bars.... one to each side of the box. You will only need one on the side that pulls out. Be sure to turn power off when installing.
Using Madison bars
You can add a Madison bar to your box on the side that pulls out. The following video shows adding two bars.... one to each side of the box. You will only need one on the side that pulls out. Be sure to turn power off when installing.
Using Madison bars