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Friday, December 24, 2021

Question:

Greetings,

My question is about screws for fastening receptacles and switches to plastic boxes. Can a battery drill be used along with drywall (course threaded) screws be used instead of the traditional 6-32 screws that come with the devices? I've been through a few housing developments where this is occurring. Is there a Code rule on it?

Thanks.

Mike Sanders

A

Answer:

Hi Mike,

Check out Section 404.10(B) and 406.5 for receptacles which indicate that screws used for the purpose of attaching a snap switch or receptacle to a box shall be of the type provided with a listed snap switch or listed receptacle, or shall be machine screws having 32 threads per inch or part of listed assemblies or systems, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The method you mention in your question is not mentioned in the NEC. Hope this is useful.

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