Tabs on plastic electrical box

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toolguy504

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Is it OK if the tab on the box where the wire goes in breaks completely off or does it have to be on to act as a clamp. Thanks. Earl
 

Billy_Bob

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I suppose if you pointed that out to an electrical inspector, he might say you need to replace the box?

As a practical matter, I would think some caulking squirted in the opening should hold the wire in place. (or liquid nails, whatever)

What I would be concerned about is sometimes connections inside electrical boxes arc and send sparks flying. I would rather not have large openings through which sparks could fly out and cause a fire. (Keep any potential sparks in the box is the idea...)
 

Scuba_Dave

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The tabs on the single gang boxes break off a lot of times
Not required to caulk
You would not be required to replace the box
The 2 gang boxes the "tabs" are made to be like clamps
I've never had one of those break off
 

Alectrician

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The tab is only there to fill the unused hole, not to clamp the wire.

If it was a clamp, like on a cut in box, it won't break off.

It will however twist off with needle nose :D
 
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