We passed our final electrical inspection yesterday, but with one caveat. The electricians installed our boxes for 1/2″ drywall, but we used 3/4″ t&g. So, because the boxes are slightly recessed into the wood paneling, we need to install what the inspector called a “spark ring”. Is there another name for this thing?
Does anyone know what I’m talking about? Do they have them at home depot?
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Replies
Paula, around here they are called box extensions. It sleeves the gap between the device and the set too deep box. Believe they come plastic and metal. Don't know if the depot carries them. Give em a call.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Thanks! I was able to find it by calling it a box extension ring.
I think this is it:
http://www.wellspent.org/Product?p=35910
Paula
I found them called that too on several site. Thanks! Going to McGuckins later, so it will be good to have several names. (Do you remember McGuckins?)
>> (Do you remember McGuckins?)
Who could forget McGuckins? The One True Hardware Store.
Not from that area so I ran a search:
http://www.mcguckin.com/
Seems nice enough even though their web page needs work. Looked up under 'circuit breakers and fuses' and only got one, one not very useful, listing. Every category I looked at was the same. One item and only one item. They say they carry 300,000 items but I can only find about 30 on their web site.
You're right, their web site looks like a student project, abandoned incomplete at the end of the semester. MSC is another vendor that lots of people recommend despite a really bad web site. MSC at least has a usable printed catalog. To appreciate McGuckin's, you have to go there.
I just realized that you are in Boulder. I can't believe I didn't know that before. Howdy neighbor! There's another guy Steve here too. Are the Coloradoans (and ex coloradoans like Piffin, WHW, and Goldhiller) taking over the board? LOL!
Maybe we'll have to have an informal Boulder/McGuckins fest one of these days.
you mean "McScrewins"? (i cleaned it up for a family website). went to CU 20-some-odd yrs ago. moved from denver to nc almost two yrs ago, but haven't been in mcguckins in ages. does it still have a reputation for prices higher than a hunchback's heinie? (hence their nickname) they always have what you're looking for and they are proud of it at the cash register.
m
The non-family version is how we refer to them too! LOL! On most things, yes they are expensive, but you are paying for those old guys who have worked there forever and can point you to EXACTLY the thing you thought you'd never find.
I'll add you to the "Coloradoans and Ex-Coloradoans taking over the board" list. :-)
Paula
I've lived in Boulder since '75 and never heard that. I guess I hang with a more genteel crowd. :)
Yes, the prices are still high, but the place is packed all the time. Think what a mob scene it would be in there if the prices were reasonable.
Unfortunately, their volume has outstripped their supply of old guys who know what and where everything is. I get consistently good service in fasteners, but elsewhere in the store, I see the same cluelessness as at the big box stores. Not all the time, it just seems like they can't train their new people fast enough.
My brother lives in Westminster. Had some problems with loocal contractors so I went out and finished his basement. Spent more than a few trips to McGuckin. Now thats a hardware store. My brother went with me and found all kinds of things he needed. I still go there when I get out to Co. They should franchise. Put hd etc. out of business. The best was turning a corner in the store annd running into someones dog!
Around here they are called fire rings... Back when they were made of metal, I always wondered if they caused fires or prevented fires. Now that they are made of plastic, the whole thing makes a lot more sense.
Round here they are called 'goof rings', as in 'we thought you were installing half inch drywall guess we goofed', and are available in plastic and galvanized steel. Get the plastic ones. They are cheap, effective, easier to install and less likely to cause problems later . The steel ones can be interesting to install live, of course you wouldn't be stupid enough to do it live, and can come loose and cause a short later.
Term mud ring is usually, but not exclusively, used to describe an extension screwed to the face of a junction box prior to drywall or plaster being installed. Failure to use the right mud ring can make using goof rings a necessity.
Paula
One word of warning.
Some of the rings tend to make the opening alot smaller (the ACE brand is one).
If your wiring is tight, or have a large outlet (such as a GFI) the metal ring can touch the terminals causing a short.
Use the plastic ones, or pick metal one that doesn't cause this.
Jeff
To all:
Thanks for your help. I did go to McGuckins last night and found both the metal variety and the plastic type. Sounds like the plastic type is the way to go. I will avoid the Ace brand. Thanks for the tip.
What a hoot that so many people know McGuckins. It is a wonderful resource. I used to bring my dog there and she loved it. Now all the home depots and Lowes around here allow dogs because of McGuckins. The website is pathetic and not at all reflective of the store.
Happy holidays everyone.