I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?

On 09/28/2015 07:35 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?




The box should be independently secured.

If the holes in the box cannot be made to line up with the stud...I'd
drill a hole.

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 8:36:00 AM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?


It looks like the fixtures were intended to
be installed that way, they had knockouts to accept the cable or
conduit connector and space for the wiring junction to be made.
If it was not acceptable, seems odd the fixture would have been
designed and listed that way.

After removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting
plates shown in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...927_132127_zps
sjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back
of mounting plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this
setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting
plate and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were
screwed through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed
the plates, the electrical boxes came out with them.

The strap and threaded tube is a standard mounting system for most light
fixtures. However, the box itself should have been secured to the wall in
some way, even without the light strap.

If you can't secure the box to a stud, the easiest option would be to pick
up a "remodel" style box. These typically have a flange on the front and
tabs of some type that swing out from the back to secure the box to the
drywall.

That said, if your light fixtures have any signficant weight, you should
really find a way to secure the box to a stud for support.

Good luck!

Anthony Watson
www.mountainsoftware.com
www.watsondiy.com

On Mon, 28 Sep 2015 05:35:53 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?

I am not sure how he got through the rough but if it was "securely
fastened" on the final it is legal.

If the hole in the wall is the regular size, use an old work box and
get on with your project.

It looks a lot like the bathroom before we remodeled,
Pink tile and all.
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/new%20room/New%20bathroom.jpg

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 9:47:23 AM UTC-4, trader_4 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 8:36:00 AM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?


It looks like the fixtures were intended to
be installed that way, they had knockouts to accept the cable or
conduit connector and space for the wiring junction to be made.
If it was not acceptable, seems odd the fixture would have been
designed and listed that way.

The holes where the wires came through were actually rimmed with a brass
ring to prevent the steel from damaging the insulation. I don't recall that
that there were knockouts for conduit connectors. Romex connectors were used
in the box itself.

The hole for the threaded tube was dead center, but we don't know that that
meant the box did not need to be secured. It may simply have meant that the
plate could easily be mounted to the box, not vice-versa.

In addition, we don't really know if it was "listed" to be installed that
way. I was removing the fixtures, not installing them, so I don't have
instructions to refer to.

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 10:54:53 AM UTC-4, HerHusband wrote:
After removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting
plates shown in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...927_132127_zps
sjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back
of mounting plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this
setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting
plate and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were
screwed through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed
the plates, the electrical boxes came out with them.

The strap and threaded tube is a standard mounting system for most light
fixtures. However, the box itself should have been secured to the wall in
some way, even without the light strap.

If you can't secure the box to a stud, the easiest option would be to pick
up a "remodel" style box. These typically have a flange on the front and
tabs of some type that swing out from the back to secure the box to the
drywall.

Thanks for all that, although it wasn't really a "how to" question. It was
more about whether or not the method used was an acceptable method.


That said, if your light fixtures have any signficant weight, you should
really find a way to secure the box to a stud for support.


That said, the thickness and size of the steel plate and the fact that it was screwed to the stud with big honking screws gave me no concerns about the support of the fixture and electrical box. A couple of screws through the side of the box itself or tabs to support the box against the back of the drywall would merely be adding suspenders to the belt. Trust me, those mounting plates (and therefore the electrical boxes) weren't going anywhere.

On 9/28/2015 5:35 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?

First impression was to say, "No". Boxes want to be secured, Romex
wants to be anchored to a stud near its entrance into box, etc.

But, after thinking about it, ceiling (exhaust) fans are constructed
the same way: box is part of fan and supported by the fan. The
same is true of "remodel" style recessed can lighting. etc.

So, probably would get past a reasonable inspector. OTOH, you
may want to change the installation going forward.

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 12:26:59 PM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 9:47:23 AM UTC-4, trader_4 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 8:36:00 AM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?


It looks like the fixtures were intended to
be installed that way, they had knockouts to accept the cable or
conduit connector and space for the wiring junction to be made.
If it was not acceptable, seems odd the fixture would have been
designed and listed that way.

The holes where the wires came through were actually rimmed with a brass
ring to prevent the steel from damaging the insulation.

I was going by the second pic that shows the backside nut of what looks
like a normal conduit connector fastened to a metal box.



I don't recall that
that there were knockouts for conduit connectors. Romex connectors were used
in the box itself.

Either type fits in the same 1/2" hole. The point was that if the
fixture has knockouts then it sure looks like it must have been
designed and listed for use that way.


The hole for the threaded tube was dead center, but we don't know that that
meant the box did not need to be secured.

You;ve lost me now. What I thought you had was a mounting bracket
that also served as a junction box, it was secured to the wall.

It would seem the main issue now is not what was there, but what
are you replacing it with? If you're replacing it with the typical
light fixture that mounts to a box, then as others have suggested,
put in one of the round old work boxes that use ears behind the
drywall. Unless the new fixture is too heavy for that.

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 12:40:27 PM UTC-4, trader_4 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 12:26:59 PM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 9:47:23 AM UTC-4, trader_4 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 8:36:00 AM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?


It looks like the fixtures were intended to
be installed that way, they had knockouts to accept the cable or
conduit connector and space for the wiring junction to be made.
If it was not acceptable, seems odd the fixture would have been
designed and listed that way.

The holes where the wires came through were actually rimmed with a brass
ring to prevent the steel from damaging the insulation.

I was going by the second pic that shows the backside nut of what looks
like a normal conduit connector fastened to a metal box.



I don't recall that
that there were knockouts for conduit connectors. Romex connectors were used
in the box itself.

Either type fits in the same 1/2" hole. The point was that if the
fixture has knockouts then it sure looks like it must have been
designed and listed for use that way.


The hole for the threaded tube was dead center, but we don't know that that
meant the box did not need to be secured.

You;ve lost me now. What I thought you had was a mounting bracket
that also served as a junction box, it was secured to the wall.

I said:

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs, instead *they* were attached directly to the back of
mounting plates using a threaded tube and strap".

Note the words "electrical boxes...attached directly to the back of
mounting plates using a threaded tube and strap".

I then included a picture of an electrical box with a threaded tube and a strap.

Insert the tube through the mounting bracket, secure it with a nut, and you
have an "electrical box...attached directly to the back of mounting plates
using a threaded tube and strap".

2 separate objects attached together, not a mounting plate that serves as
a junction box.



It would seem the main issue now is not what was there, but what
are you replacing it with?

If what was there is what I am replacing it with, then it's still an issue.

Everything was removed so that the wallpaper could be stripped, the walls
repaired and painted. We may very well replace all of the same fixtures. If
that is the choice, then I want to know if the original installation method
is acceptable so I just put it back in.


If you're replacing it with the typical
light fixture that mounts to a box, then as others have suggested,
put in one of the round old work boxes that use ears behind the
drywall. Unless the new fixture is too heavy for that.

We have not reached that decision point yet. That is why my post was not a
"How I do I mount an electrical box for a light" question. My question was
(and still is) is whether or not the original installation method was
acceptable.

If it's not, I have no problem coming up with a way to secure the box to
the wall and then the plate to the box. However, there is no need for me
even to think about that if the original method is OK.

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 11:11:53 AM UTC-5, wrote:
On Mon, 28 Sep 2015 05:35:53 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?

I am not sure how he got through the rough but if it was "securely
fastened" on the final it is legal.

If the hole in the wall is the regular size, use an old work box and
get on with your project.

It looks a lot like the bathroom before we remodeled,
Pink tile and all.
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/new%20room/New%20bathroom.jpg

My beard is longer. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Bearded Monster

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 2:13:49 PM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 12:40:27 PM UTC-4, trader_4 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 12:26:59 PM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 9:47:23 AM UTC-4, trader_4 wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 8:36:00 AM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?


It looks like the fixtures were intended to
be installed that way, they had knockouts to accept the cable or
conduit connector and space for the wiring junction to be made.
If it was not acceptable, seems odd the fixture would have been
designed and listed that way.

The holes where the wires came through were actually rimmed with a brass
ring to prevent the steel from damaging the insulation.

I was going by the second pic that shows the backside nut of what looks
like a normal conduit connector fastened to a metal box.



I don't recall that
that there were knockouts for conduit connectors. Romex connectors were used
in the box itself.

Either type fits in the same 1/2" hole. The point was that if the
fixture has knockouts then it sure looks like it must have been
designed and listed for use that way.


The hole for the threaded tube was dead center, but we don't know that that
meant the box did not need to be secured.

You;ve lost me now. What I thought you had was a mounting bracket
that also served as a junction box, it was secured to the wall.

I said:

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs, instead *they* were attached directly to the back of
mounting plates using a threaded tube and strap".

Note the words "electrical boxes...attached directly to the back of
mounting plates using a threaded tube and strap".

I then included a picture of an electrical box with a threaded tube and a strap.

Insert the tube through the mounting bracket, secure it with a nut, and you
have an "electrical box...attached directly to the back of mounting plates
using a threaded tube and strap".

2 separate objects attached together, not a mounting plate that serves as
a junction box.



It would seem the main issue now is not what was there, but what
are you replacing it with?

If what was there is what I am replacing it with, then it's still an issue.

Everything was removed so that the wallpaper could be stripped, the walls
repaired and painted. We may very well replace all of the same fixtures. If
that is the choice, then I want to know if the original installation method
is acceptable so I just put it back in.


If you're replacing it with the typical
light fixture that mounts to a box, then as others have suggested,
put in one of the round old work boxes that use ears behind the
drywall. Unless the new fixture is too heavy for that.

We have not reached that decision point yet. That is why my post was not a
"How I do I mount an electrical box for a light" question. My question was
(and still is) is whether or not the original installation method was
acceptable.

If it's not, I have no problem coming up with a way to secure the box to
the wall and then the plate to the box. However, there is no need for me
even to think about that if the original method is OK.

In that case, didn't GFRE give you the answer? He said as long as
the boxes are securely mounted, it's to code, ie that it's acceptable
that they are mounted to the brackets with are in turn securely mounted.
But the typical new lights I've seen for use in that kind of location,
don't mount that way. They rely on the box holding the fixture.

On Mon, 28 Sep 2015 11:13:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

We have not reached that decision point yet. That is why my post was not a
"How I do I mount an electrical box for a light" question. My question was
(and still is) is whether or not the original installation method was
acceptable.


Have asked your / the local building code/permit office?

If it's not, I have no problem coming up with a way to secure the box to
the wall and then the plate to the box. However, there is no need for me
even to think about that if the original method is OK.

Sounds like you have a solution and not an answer.
--
"Dodgeball in Burkas" -- Greg Gutfeld

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 12:11:53 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Mon, 28 Sep 2015 05:35:53 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

I spent the weekend helping my Dad prepare his house to be put on the market.

One of the tasks was to remove the light fixtures from a bathroom. After
removing the fixtures themselves, I was left with the mounting plates shown
in the following picture.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...pssjkqsr1x.jpg

When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, similar to this setup:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

The threaded tube came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. Obviously, when I removed the plates, the
electrical boxes came out with them.

Is this an acceptable method of installation?

I am not sure how he got through the rough but if it was "securely
fastened" on the final it is legal.

If the hole in the wall is the regular size, use an old work box and
get on with your project.

It looks a lot like the bathroom before we remodeled,
Pink tile and all.
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/new%20room/New%20bathroom.jpg

There may never have been a rough or a final. This house was built by my
grandfather in a small Massachusetts town. Grandpa was a mason who laid
many of the millions (?) of bricks for the paper mills along the Connecticut
River in Holyoke, MA. I'm sure you know how things were done back then.
There may have been permits, there may not have been, but I'm pretty sure
there weren't any real, formal inspections.

[When my Mom was in grade school Grandpa started building a new house for
his family. (not the one we're discussing here) He ran out of money after
building the basement, so he sold the house they were living in and
they moved into the basement of the new place. Over the next year or so,
he and other family members built the rest of the house above them. I'm
pretty sure that wasn't "allowed', even back then, but many things were
ignored, depending on who you knew. (Just like today, I guess)]

Aside from that, the fixtures are not even close to original, so even if
whatever was there before was inspected and passed, this installation was
done some time long after the house was built.

Thanks for the answer. It we reuse the fixtures, I'll put it back together the same way.

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 3:17:39 PM UTC-4, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 28 Sep 2015 11:13:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

We have not reached that decision point yet. That is why my post was not a
"How I do I mount an electrical box for a light" question. My question was
(and still is) is whether or not the original installation method was
acceptable.


Have asked your / the local building code/permit office?

If it's not, I have no problem coming up with a way to secure the box to
the wall and then the plate to the box. However, there is no need for me
even to think about that if the original method is OK.

Sounds like you have a solution and not an answer.
--

Right, but I really, really wanted an answer. ;-) It would be a good thing
to know going forward.

I'll accept grfe's answer that it's an acceptable method.

On 09/28/2015 11:11 AM, wrote:
On Mon, 28 Sep 2015 05:35:53 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

....

... the electrical boxes were not attached
to the studs, instead they were attached directly to the back of mounting
plates using a threaded tube and strap, ...
[which] came through a hole in the center of the mounting plate
and was secured with a nut. The mounting plates themselves were screwed
through the wallboard into a stud. ...
....
Is this an acceptable method of installation?

I am not sure how he got through the rough but if it was "securely
fastened" on the final it is legal.
....

+1 on the end result; with those mounting straps as furnished it's the
logical way.

As your followup notes; in all likelihood there was no inspection in
play and these followed well after any, any way. The requirement is a
solid fastening, not any specific fastening, per se. IOW, it's the end
result not the method.

As for the "living in the basement while building the house", the
grandparents here built two halves of the eventual granary on either
side of a driveway as the first structures on the place when
homesteaded. They lived in the west half, used the east as the barn for
two year or so at which time the basement for the house was dug and
covered by the first floor subflooring and a layer of tar paper.

They then moved from the barn to the basement and lived there while the
rest of the house was built. This was ca 1914-1916+. My father was
first of the children born in the house; he used to joke he was born in
the coal room as that is what the area of the original basement became
when the initial furnace was installed for the main house. Was _very_
progressive for a farmhouse in SW KS at the time; was wired for and
installed a Delco windcharger system at the time...

--

On Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:16:24 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Monday, September 28, 2015 at 3:17:39 PM UTC-4, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 28 Sep 2015 11:13:45 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

We have not reached that decision point yet. That is why my post was not a
"How I do I mount an electrical box for a light" question. My question was
(and still is) is whether or not the original installation method was
acceptable.


Have asked your / the local building code/permit office?

If it's not, I have no problem coming up with a way to secure the box to
the wall and then the plate to the box. However, there is no need for me
even to think about that if the original method is OK.

Sounds like you have a solution and not an answer.
--

Right, but I really, really wanted an answer. ;-) It would be a good thing
to know going forward.

I'll accept grfe's answer that it's an acceptable method.

On my master bath, changing light fixtures, (single to double) things
seemed okay for a bit. The cutting of drywall I found wires that had
been spliced (black tape in the wall cavity). Obviously during
construction, now in a electrical box. I did fix it. Put in two light
sconces. I did keep it secret; but it is now safe with a secured box.

Maybe I got it right or wrong.

the thickness and size of the steel plate and the fact that it
was screwed to the stud with big honking screws gave me no
concerns about the support of the fixture and electrical box.

Sorry, I guess I misunderstood your initial post:

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs"

I got the impression the box was just "floating" somehow other than the
front strap for the fixture mounting. I couldn't see a mounting bracket in
the photo, but maybe it's there in the bottom of the hole?

Either way, as long as the box is secured somehow, you should be fine.

Anthony Watson
www.mountainsoftware.com
www.watsondiy.com

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs, instead *they* were attached directly to the
back of mounting plates using a threaded tube and strap".

I still don't understand the installation, even after seeing the photo.

My question was (and still is) is whether or not the original
installation method was acceptable.

If you remove that front diagonal strap, is the box loose in the wall? If
so, that is not a normal installation. As long as the box is secure when
everything is tightened down, it shouldn't matter. But thinking ahead to
future fixture replacements that may have different mounting systems, I
would find a way to secure the box without the front strap.

Anthony Watson
www.mountainsoftware.com
www.watsondiy.com

On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 11:23:03 AM UTC-4, HerHusband wrote:
"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs, instead *they* were attached directly to the
back of mounting plates using a threaded tube and strap".

I still don't understand the installation, even after seeing the photo.

My question was (and still is) is whether or not the original
installation method was acceptable.

If you remove that front diagonal strap, is the box loose in the wall? If
so, that is not a normal installation. As long as the box is secure when
everything is tightened down, it shouldn't matter. But thinking ahead to
future fixture replacements that may have different mounting systems, I
would find a way to secure the box without the front strap.


I can see how it might be hard to understand from the pictures, so I'll
explain it in a different way.

The following picture of a junction box is an *example* of how my dad's
junction box is configured, including the strap and threaded tube. Imagine
that it is not attached to the wall in any manner. The wires are secured to
the box with Romex connectors, but the box, with the strap and the threaded
tube, could fall into (or out of) the wall.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...j/DSC03039.jpg

First, remove the nut from the threaded tube and set it aside.

Second, grab the fixture mounting plate and feed the wires through any of
the larger holes in the plate *except* for the hole in the exact center.

Third, locate the hole in the exact center of mounting plate and slip it
over the threaded tube then secure it with the nut that you removed earlier.
The junction box should now be firmly attached to the back of mounting
plate, but nothing is yet attached to the wall.

Fourth, slip the junction box into the hole in the wall until the mounting
plate is flat against the surface. Locate the 2 smaller holes in the plate
and drive screws through the holes into a stud behind the wall board.

You now have a fixture mounting plate firmly attached to a wall support, a
junction box firmly attached to the back of the mounting plate, and the
Romex firmly attached to the junction box.

Fifth, grab the fixture itself and properly connect all wires.

Finally, slip the fixture over the mounting plate and secure it with the screws provided.

Basically, I have no concerns that the installation was unsafe in any manner
since everything was solid and secure. I just didn't know if the box
itself should have been attached to the wall before the plate was attached.

I guess it's not much different than a ceiling fan. The junction box for a
ceiling fan is part of the fixture housing. The Romex is attached the
junction box with Romex connectors and then the housing is attached to the
framing.

In this case, the junction box didn't come as part of the fixture, but
in the end, once it was connected to the mounting plate, it really wasn't
very different than the ceiling fan situation.

However, I can see how a rough inspection would have been an issue. Until
the plate is secure to the wall, everything is just hanging there. That
wouldn't pass. However, once the plate is secured to the wall, you can no
longer see the junction box to inspect it.

HerHusband wrote:

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs"

I got the impression the box was just "floating" somehow other than the
front strap for the fixture mounting. I couldn't see a mounting bracket in
the photo, but maybe it's there in the bottom of the hole?

Either way, as long as the box is secured somehow, you should be fine.

Retrofit boxes use wings that fold out behind the drywall and are not attached
to any stud.

On Tue, 29 Sep 2015 11:50:14 -0600, Arthur Conan Doyle
wrote:

Retrofit boxes use wings that fold out behind the drywall and are not attached
to any stud.

You could use that if you like. Me. I drive two screw into the stud to
secure and stabilize the box. Even on the diagonal. BTDT

On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 1:50:18 PM UTC-4, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote:
HerHusband wrote:

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs"

I got the impression the box was just "floating" somehow other than the
front strap for the fixture mounting. I couldn't see a mounting bracket in
the photo, but maybe it's there in the bottom of the hole?

Either way, as long as the box is secured somehow, you should be fine.

Retrofit boxes use wings that fold out behind the drywall and are not attached
to any stud.

In the situation that started this thread, by having the junction box
attached to the mounting plate and then having the mounting plate screwed
to a stud, the fixture is much more secure than it would be if the junction
box was held in by a couple of tabs.

The mounting plate is pretty thick and the fixtures have some heft. The
torque on the tabs would be significant.

On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 2:06:19 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 1:50:18 PM UTC-4, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote:
HerHusband wrote:

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs"

I got the impression the box was just "floating" somehow other than the
front strap for the fixture mounting. I couldn't see a mounting bracket in
the photo, but maybe it's there in the bottom of the hole?

Either way, as long as the box is secured somehow, you should be fine.

Retrofit boxes use wings that fold out behind the drywall and are not attached
to any stud.

In the situation that started this thread, by having the junction box
attached to the mounting plate and then having the mounting plate screwed
to a stud, the fixture is much more secure than it would be if the junction
box was held in by a couple of tabs.

The mounting plate is pretty thick and the fixtures have some heft. The
torque on the tabs would be significant.

I've been glancing at this thread and what I come away with is that the plate supports the box. Like you have one big fraking bracket to support the box so it need not be attached to a wall stud. Am I thinking correctly? o_O

[8~{} Uncle Box Monster

On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 3:55:03 PM UTC-4, Uncle Monster wrote:
On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 2:06:19 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 1:50:18 PM UTC-4, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote:
HerHusband wrote:

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs"

I got the impression the box was just "floating" somehow other than the
front strap for the fixture mounting. I couldn't see a mounting bracket in
the photo, but maybe it's there in the bottom of the hole?

Either way, as long as the box is secured somehow, you should be fine.

Retrofit boxes use wings that fold out behind the drywall and are not attached
to any stud.

In the situation that started this thread, by having the junction box
attached to the mounting plate and then having the mounting plate screwed
to a stud, the fixture is much more secure than it would be if the junction
box was held in by a couple of tabs.

The mounting plate is pretty thick and the fixtures have some heft. The
torque on the tabs would be significant.

I've been glancing at this thread and what I come away with is that the plate supports the box. Like you have one big fraking bracket to support the box so it need not be attached to a wall stud. Am I thinking correctly? o_O

[8~{} Uncle Box Monster

Yes, with the added fact that the one big fraking bracket is attached to
the stud so nothing is going anywhere unless the wall does.

See my detailed explanation to HerHusband back about 2.5 hours ago.

[8~{} Cousin Fixture Monster

On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 3:11:28 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 3:55:03 PM UTC-4, Uncle Monster wrote:
On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 2:06:19 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 1:50:18 PM UTC-4, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote:
HerHusband wrote:

"When I removed the plates I found that the electrical boxes were not
attached to the studs"

I got the impression the box was just "floating" somehow other than the
front strap for the fixture mounting. I couldn't see a mounting bracket in
the photo, but maybe it's there in the bottom of the hole?

Either way, as long as the box is secured somehow, you should be fine.

Retrofit boxes use wings that fold out behind the drywall and are not attached
to any stud.

In the situation that started this thread, by having the junction box
attached to the mounting plate and then having the mounting plate screwed
to a stud, the fixture is much more secure than it would be if the junction
box was held in by a couple of tabs.

The mounting plate is pretty thick and the fixtures have some heft. The
torque on the tabs would be significant.

I've been glancing at this thread and what I come away with is that the plate supports the box. Like you have one big fraking bracket to support the box so it need not be attached to a wall stud. Am I thinking correctly? o_O

[8~{} Uncle Box Monster

Yes, with the added fact that the one big fraking bracket is attached to
the stud so nothing is going anywhere unless the wall does.

See my detailed explanation to HerHusband back about 2.5 hours ago.

[8~{} Cousin Fixture Monster

That's what I thought Cuz because me and my brother have mounted a lot of equipment to walls in that way. There was an old guy who owned a sheet metal fab company and we would go there all the time to get him to cut a piece of 3/16 aluminum plate on his big shear that we'd use to mount all sorts of heavy things to walls. The plate was wide enough attach to the studs on either side and whatever we had was attached to the aluminum plate with Tek screws. Sometimes we would clean and sand the plates so they could be painted to match the wall color. I miss the old fella and the metal shop because he helped us custom fabricate all sorts of metal items. 8-(

[8~{} Uncle Fab Monster