outlet and switch box mounting depth for drywall?

[TimberMan]

Seems like a dumb question but when I mount my outlet and switch boxes in anticipation of drywall should they be proud of the studs by the exact drywall thickness or just short? For example, I am using 5/8" drywall so should my boxes be proud of the studs 5/8" or 1/2" to allow some margin for error with drywall hanging?

thanks,

 

[alien]

The end result should be the box front flush with the sheet rock.

 

[cybrdyke]

If plastic boxes, there should be a mark on the side of the box that aligns with the front of the stud. It's 5/8, so if you do it right, it'll come out flush. You want them flush with the drywall, typically 5/8". If they're too proud, then your wallplates wont touch the drywall.
CD

 

[mm08822]

I use 1/8" less than wall thickness. Being a little shallow to the surface is easier to manage.

BTW, new work Plastic boxes can be sanded down flush to the drywall surface so plates can sit flush. It's not something you want to do but needing an 1/8" tweak is doable. Drywallers do this all the time without realizing it.

 

[Norcal]

I am one who went from plastic boxes to metal, and use 4X4 boxes with plaster rings, with the ring 1/8” deeper then the wall finish material, 5/8” for 1/2” & 3/4” for 5/8” because sloppy box setting is a pet peeve, can’t stand floating receptacles.

 

[Shiftless]

I am one who went from plastic boxes to metal, and use 4X4 boxes with plaster rings, with the ring 1/8” deeper then the wall finish material, 5/8” for 1/2” & 3/4” for 5/8” because sloppy box setting is a pet peeve, can’t stand floating receptacles.

Excellent!
This is exactly how I did it with my latest work putting 3 new receptacles into an existing wall.
I removed the molding, cut out the 6 feet of Sheetrock about 8 inches up from the floor, and put in 4x4 metal boxes with plaster rings. I had plenty of room to drill holes in the studs and work with the 12 ga. NM-B.
As long as you’re halfway careful, you can piece together your drywall and get the wall looking just as good as it used to be. ( Maybe not if you had a level 5 wall and you’re not a drywall pro)

 

[sparky 1971]

I use 4X4's with the bracket in kitchens. 5/8 mudring for drywall or if they don't know what the finish will be, 3/4 for tile, 1" or 1-1/4 for granite. (assuming 1/2" drywall). I also use them with 1-1/4 rings for disposals and over the range hoods and microwaves. It makes it impossible for the drywallers to cover them up as well as tougher for the cabinet installers to bury. 2-1/8" deep 4X4's with a bracket are used for ranges and dryers.

Things like that cost more so I only wire about one house per code cycle, just enough to remind myself why I don't wire houses.

 

[TimberMan]

thx folks!

 

[alfredeneuman]

The extra 1/8" that Norcal mentioned is to compensate for the heads of the 8/32 screws in the corners of the 4S box.