Mueller steel buildings

[formek]

I am looking to mount GFI out side of my Mueller steel building. I was not sure if any one has done this and what did you use? I was thinking old work steel box then a weather proof cover. will this work or be too flimsy(sp?)

Photos would be appreciated if any one has done this on a Mueller building

 

[nehog]

I don't know how different my building is from yours, but I just screwed a plastic box to the wall, into the steel girt, and its been good.

 

[Aceman]

When I wire steel buildings, I use bell(WP) boxes outside. You don't want to cut an opening the size of a box so you can recess it in the wall, that's huge, you only want to cut a hole large enough to get a connector into the back of a WP box.

If you can mount it high, you can screw to the Z channel that's usually up about 4' or so. If you want it lower, cut a 2x6 so it will fit snug vertically between the base plate and z channel, flatside against the outside tin. Drill an oversized hole(say 1.25-2") in the center of the 2x6 at your box height to pass wire through. Screw the box from the outside into the board on the inside. It will sandwich the tin between the box and board. You can also screw through the z channel into the end of the board if you think you need more support.

 

[PugetDude]

I'd use a weatherproof outdoor box. You'll only need to drill a <1" hole thru the panel for a short 1/2" NPT conduit ****** threaded into the back of the box. Push it thru the hole, install and tighten a locking nut, and a bushing or female connector on the end of the ****** to prevent damage to the incoming wires. Add a couple of short #8 self-tapping sheet metal screws to the box to help secure it and keep it from rotating. Make sure you seal the the conduit penetration and around the box with a good quality silicone caulk to prevent water infiltration.

I would NOT install the box thru the wall, it's asking for trouble.

 

[formek]

I don't know how different my building is from yours, but I just screwed a plastic box to the wall, into the steel girt, and its been good.

plastic Box? What wire are you using? romex ? This raises another question I thought that you should use BX or pipe the electric in a medal building. Is that not the case?

 

[formek]

When I wire steel buildings, I use bell(WP) boxes outside. You don't want to cut an opening the size of a box so you can recess it in the wall, that's huge, you only want to cut a hole large enough to get a connector into the back of a WP box.

If you can mount it high, you can screw to the Z channel that's usually up about 4' or so. If you want it lower, cut a 2x6 so it will fit snug vertically between the base plate and z channel, flatside against the outside tin. Drill an oversized hole(say 1.25-2") in the center of the 2x6 at your box height to pass wire through. Screw the box from the outside into the board on the inside. It will sandwich the tin between the box and board. You can also screw through the z channel into the end of the board if you think you need more support.

I like this. But why cant it be recessed will that mess with the integrity of the sheet medal?

 

[formek]

I'd use a weatherproof outdoor box. You'll only need to drill a <1" hole thru the panel for a short 1/2" NPT conduit ****** threaded into the back of the box. Push it thru the hole, install and tighten a locking nut, and a bushing or female connector on the end of the ****** to prevent damage to the incoming wires. Add a couple of short #8 self-tapping sheet metal screws to the box to help secure it and keep it from rotating. Make sure you seal the the conduit penetration and around the box with a good quality silicone caulk to prevent water infiltration.

I would NOT install the box thru the wall, it's asking for trouble.

I like the sound of this also.

 

[Aceman]

I like this. But why cant it be recessed will that mess with the integrity of the sheet medal?

It's easier to keep a smaller hole waterproof.

If you want to cut a big hole and recess a box you can, but the first thing I would do is hold the WP cover up against the box you want to recess to get an idea how much fudge factor you have. If the WP cover and gasket barely cover the box, you're going to have a hard time keeping it sealed unless you silicone the heck out of it. Then you're going to break the silicone loose the next time you remove the cover, not a big deal, but something to think about.

I'd just rather surface mount a box than cut a big hole in the customers siding.

 

[formek]

It's easier to keep a smaller hole waterproof.

If you want to cut a big hole and recess a box you can, but the first thing I would do is hold the WP cover up against the box you want to recess to get an idea how much fudge factor you have. If the WP cover and gasket barely cover the box, you're going to have a hard time keeping it sealed unless you silicone the heck out of it. Then you're going to break the silicone loose the next time you remove the cover, not a big deal, but something to think about.

I'd just rather surface mount a box than cut a big hole in the customers siding.

Thank you for the info I will post when I decide what I am going to do