Hello: I am renovating my basement, and framing with metal studs. My question concerns the type of box to use with metal studs, plastic or metal, as both types are available. What are the pros and cons of each, and do you have any other tips for me? Yes, I am using grommets for the wire through the studs. Thanks
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It makes no difference, although I find metal boxes to be easier to work with when installing the wiring, and plastic boxes easier to install to the studs.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
get the special boxes from your stud supplier for metal studs, you will see very quickly the advantages of them
besides your local inspector may require them, here in ontario its the code
caulking is not a piece of trim
Steve is right, find a good electric supply house and check through their stuff. There are several types of fastening available for mtl studs. Some boxes have return ears that will brace it against the sheetrock on the backside. On occasion an electrician will screw a pc of stud to the opposing edge of the box to stablize it in the wall. Boxes fastened as if the stud were wood will often flop around. There are handy clips made to snap the box to the stud. There are also clips made to fasten the wire to the stud. Some will mearly elec. tape it to the side. That very well might be pushing code.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
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