Mounting junction box to steel panels

[AA7483]

I'm running emt in my new pole barn with interior steel liner panels. Is it to code to secure my boxes to the steel with no framing behind? I have my supports attached to the horizonal framing but where my boxes land there is no framing. If not this poses a problem since I'll have to go too low or too high with my outets. It feels solid but does me no good if I won't pass inspection.

 

[Bert_]

For junction boxes and switches I wouldn't worry about it. If you put an outlet in the box then you want some framing to attach to. Eventually the screws will strip out.

 

[AA7483]

Well they are going to be for outlets so I see what youre saying. What are my options. I cant frame behind the steel now. To grab the nearest horizonal framing I need to drop the bottom of the box to about 44" or raise it to 70

 

[alfredeneuman]

Use toggle bolts to spread out the load?

 

[AA7483]

Yea that definitely crossed my mind. I think I'd rather do that than drop down to the lower height. Any code restrictions?

 

[Bert_]

Code only says it has to be secured, it is not specific beyond that. I would have no problem passing an inspection with it screwed only to the steel. But it is a crappy install that will give you problems down the road. Toggle bolts would be better than screws.

Depending on how many outlets you want I'd be tempted to pull a few sheets and add the blocking that should have been put there in the first place. The tin is easy to put up and take down and it's a good lesson in thinking ahead.

 

[AA7483]

I have quite a number of outlets planned so pulling the sheets is the last thing I want to do. Any issue with that lower box height or would I be best served to leave it there and use toggles?

 

[Bert_]

Lot's of people on here claim they always cover up outlets with sheet goods, personally it has never been a problem for me and I usually put outlets 48" to top or center. So if it were me I'd mount the outlets at 44" or whatever your framing is at.

 

[Dagny]

Yes put them at 44. remember if you use one hole straps to plan so the screws will also hit wood.

 

[AA7483]

I wound up just using toggles. Zero issues so far.

 

[Jim greengo]

Did you support the conduit coming down walls?

 

[AA7483]

Yes. Into the framing.