I’m having my bricks repointed and I plan to add a dedicated GFCI outlet to the outside porch.
I will be having the masonry crew cut out a hole for the metal outlet box in the bricks. Are there any special *masonary* boxes out there that is meant to hold the box in place with wings, clips, etc? Looking for a single gang box that will fit in brick…the question is how to keep it in place?
Is there a general height on how high outdoor boxes should be. It will be under a covered porch. 52 inch high or something like 28 inch high?
Replies
We use metal handy boxes mortared in. They are there for life. Ever try to pull a brick out? If a brick wont budge, a metal box wont either.
I look down my nose at people who dare to look down their nose at people.
There are special masonry boxes available, but you will need to go to an electrical supplier to find them. A large handy box will work, just be sure to add a cable clamp if you're not using conduit. We like to mount any outside boxes 20 to 24" above the floor to prevent water from splashing in too easily (will happen with even the best waterproof cover).
Metal or plastic boxes will work if mortared into the brick as mentioned above. NEC does not specify a minimum height for outdoor outlets. They do specify a maximum height of 6'-6" above grade in section 210-52(e). You are also required to use a weather-tite cover on them.
If you are overly conserned about the box construction, use a Bell Box with the anchor clips attached to your sheating board. You will need to be there to anchor it when the masons have the brick layed up to the course you want it install in. they do not normally anchor any electric boxes, but will lay around them when the box is placed fot them.
Alan,
Yes, buy a masonary box,it's a little bigger than either an old work box or handy box and you'll appreciate the room if you use a GFCI receptacle,which fits MUCH tighter that a regular receptacle.How are they held in? In new construction there would be much more mortar around the outside of the box to hold it in the wall.Since you're cutting it in after the fact,the trick is to just barely punch in the knockouts on the top and sides,just maybe a quarter of an inch.Then with just the right amount of cable coming out of the wall and into the connector in the back, have the bricklayer put some mortar in the hole as he inserts the box.The mortar will just start to creep into the knockouts and when it sets up you won't be able to pull it out.Guaranteed.
Height of box? Dave's right,it's not mandated by code,you pick.I like 18 inches.The biggest thing is to cut a nice tight hole.You'll be able to tell how good a brickie you hired by how it comes out.A nice hole that the w/p cover just covers is nice,a big mortar joint all around the box looks like hell.You could just surface mount a bell box if you aren't confident in his abilities.
Barry
Thanks for all the advice. I picked up a 2 1/4 box and hopefully it's big enough. The next step up was a 3 1/2 box and BX is not exacty as flexiable as I like, and I wasn't sure if the bend radius would allow for the 3 1/2" so I went with the smaller box. I guess I'll find out sooner or later if it fits....