120v outlet replacement

[JBill9694]

Sorry TucsonJim, but I'm not following you on the clamping or securing of the conductor within 12" of the outlet box. Are you saying that the RV box clamps the wires so that they can't pull loose and that this negates the need for securing the conductors to the framing? In residential installations, aren't the conductors also clamped to the outlet box? Isn't that why the plastic boxes have those levers over the access ports, and we use collars on the metal boxes?

[TucsonJim]

JBill9694

John - Many contractors use inexpensive outlet boxes with knock out wire holes. Once the knock out is removed, the wire needs to be secured within 12" of the box. I'm attaching a photo of this type of box below. If an owner uses something like this, they need to be aware of the requirement.

If a box has a clamping method for the wire, then that will meet the requirements also. The RV style boxes have a clamping method. Many old work boxes have an entry that will clamp the wire when you pull it in. I'm just remining folks that the wire must be secured with a clamp, wire tie, or staple (within 12 inches) if they remove the original outlet.




Jim

[Cate&Rob]

I would expect that all wiring boxes have provisions for clamping the wire at the inlet to the box. The NEC requirement that the wire be secured within 12" of the box is in addition to the box entry clamp. Whether RV manufactures accomplish this is debatable.

Edit: The Canadian Electrical Code is very similar to NEC and states
"Secure wires every 1.5 m (5 feet) when run on the sides of joists or studs and 300 mm (12 inches) from each outlet box."

Rob

[FLGuy]

I actually found the process to be fairly easy. I moved a few boxed from under my cabinets next to the bed on a 17MKE. If you push the "clips" in and pry a little the box will open. I used a flat head screwdriver to pry the wires out. When I moved the box I just laid the wires on top of the connector and pushed them down into place using the screwdriver right next to the metal pinch. Once all the wires are in you can just snap the back plastic of the box back on my hand. No clamps needed.