Installation of Metal Oldwork Box using Madison Clips

[@1stCorinthians2_14]

I’m trying to learn about Madison straps, but I watched the whole video to learn more. Nice job, Craig! Thank you!

[@jjreal9910]

I don't know if anybody else is fed up with installing the new Plastic "Rework" boxes, but I sure am. I first went through a learning period, over a decade ago, cause those plastic tabs are tricky just to get right. Now years later, the stupid boxes are pulling out of the wall. Remember the movie "Kill Bill" where the girl just keeps punching the wall and it eventually breaks? "Time & pressure". Well sure enough, those little plastic blue tabs break over time, plugging in & pulling plugs. I always wondered, what did they do before they made those Blue "Rework" boxes? Well thanks for sharing, the"Old Tried and True" method. Because seeing the strength of it, it still reins in today.

[@jeraldgarner1636]

Great job! I found myself having to do a four gang unit for a modification to my old family home and I went to seven Home Depots/Lowes and could not find shallow PVC boxes that would fit due to a shortage in material.So I found out I could go to electrical supply houses to find metal, gangable metal boxes and this video was on point and helped me install what I needed. Again great job especially for helping a novice!

[@victorbirukov3243]

You really know how to put the clips in! that bend on the long part of the clips makes a world of a difference. thanks a lot!

[@themark462]

Came to learn about Madison straps but ended up watching the whole thing. Thanks for the video!

[@XloMotion]

I need to swap out a single gang box for a dual for a new bathroom exhaust fan and you basically showed me how to do it. I really appreciate professional like yourself that take the time to show us how it's done. Thank you!

[@lmethot3829]

Best video that I have seen on electrical work

[@johngross3860]

Thank you Craig , I"m working on a very old building where someone did some electric work and never placed any type of support to the box . It seems like the whole box is hanging by the wire and maybe one screw or something because the box moves on the one side . So anyway I am looking forward to trying your great instructions . Thanks

[@WilliamJSisti]

Thanks for the video. Had an old work box in my closet for some low voltage phone that I was reusing for cat6. Wasn’t sure how to use the Madison straps.

[@truckerdave8465]

Thank you!! This let me finally fix some loose boxes at my parents house and move 2 outlets up for their TVs. We couldn’t afford to hire anyone so thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@letsRegulateSociopaths]

excellent video. The best by far for this type of box.

[@mdumisikhumalo1438]

Just the tutorial I needed for my job today. Thank you 👍🏾

[@mrgee7059]

Great video, well presented and very helpful

[@fluteloop6737]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@luckyhiker3434]

Craig, really nice instructional vid! Can you tell me which old work box style provides the best method to firmly secure the box so it never loosens up.

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

I have never had an old work box come loose!! Now not to say they don’t but if both types are installed correctly they will never come loose!! In my opinion I like the plastic ones because they are all one piece, I don’t have to get two parts to make a whole!! Hope this answers your question! CM

[@asmamawtesfaye4079]

Thank you again. I think one thing to remind us ,when we cut we have to take care not to cut wires inside.

[@alisab8162]

great work, i learnt how to put box easy way.

[@vince6829]

You are an excellent instructor. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Question: do you recommend using a metal old work box with Madison straps in a plaster and lath wall; or, do you think a plastic old work box would work better?

[@dustinbogart9161]

Is there a way to use madison clips on round boxes for like really deep plaster walls.

[@ericramirez2303]

Thank you sir. Your an awesome instructor

[@TheManWhoSawTomorrow]

Clean, detailed and Concise....good guy

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

Thank you very much!! CM

[@delberth.atcitty9141]

The best video I've seen. Thanks a bunch!

[@matthewkirkwood6672]

great detailed video....thank you.

[@keyboardhec]

If the insulation has a vapor barrier and it has been in anyway punctured by the whole saw while cutting out drywall, at least use duct tape to keep continuous vapor barrier. Thanks for clips Idea

[@sbana8827]

Nice work! But for the price of the madison bars plus the box you mind as well get an old work box with wings. Make the job easier. Tighten two screws and your done. Me personally, while running the cable in the box, I would have just given myself a couple of inches less of slack in favor of the metal shielding. That way, you could just throw that lock nut on the connector before putting the box in the wall and you would've still had plenty of slack left over for your conection.

[@MordecaiV]

the problem is that the connected MX is too bulky and rigid to wiggle into the hole. Try it.

[@samv2783]

Nice video. In my area some towns will not allow romex so we have to run all emt wherever new or exposed and greenfield for whips or for fishing through existing walls and ceilings. I don't know why but we're not allowed to use mc at all in residential. It is allowed however in commercial and industrial.

[@wizard3z868]

sht-crap-o / illa-no-toys? i think its because nm-b burns and melts and mc has a lot of airgaps for fire to escape as well as allow molten pvc to ooze out as well as to allow fire to breath or just the fact they like to keep & make things difficult and expensive and harder for the avg person + supply warehouse in business lol

[@alangivens7983]

Good job, nothing but what was useful, a great investment of my time.

[@adamdnewman]

Also, make sure the MC conector is compatible with your MC. ( set screw for steel mc only, and squeeze style is ok for aluminum and steel)

[@dinhnguyen9056]

Very useful video for me. I have one like this at home and trying to figure out how to remove it so I can add more wire to the box. Need to check whether Madison clips have been used to fix it as in this video. I wonder if it can be fixed to the stud by nails, if possible (like blue plastic box)? If Madison clips used, then it's not hard to remove the box, right?

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

Yes if you take the device out, you may see or feel a nail on the top and bottom of the box. Thank you for your support. CM

[@Hermiel]

Locknut for the MC clamp?

[@glendavis1266]

So do they make a box like this where it’s not so deep to just mount a receipt only? This application is in a kitchen island wall using bx armored cable up through the floor.

[@prettytone8]

Where's the locknut to secure the mc connector to the box? All in all, good presentation sir.

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

The locknut is there. The video of that was not the best view so I cut it out. Thank you for your support. CM

[@illestofdemall13]

@@craigmichaud-electricalins4602 Do you ever use the metal old work box with the built in drywall clips on the sides?

[@alakerfanatic]

Great vid thanks. But one question. What was that move to seemingly jam the flat head into the grounded contact slot? 16:01

[@kevbu4]

He was using the screwdriver in the neutral slot to shift the outlet to align it with the cover. notice that he also used the screwdriver to tap near the lower left corner of the cover right after. This is a common thing you have to deal with when installing 2+ gang outlets. It's better than having to remove the cover multiple times to make adjustments to the outlet positions.

[@roehaus1]

I'm installing a 6-50 outlet for an ev charger. 40 amp cb. Can I use a plastic old work box and stranded #8 cable?

[@kimchee94112]

Box fed by a single 2 pole breaker?

[@mikekelly571]

Are the plastic boxes better and easier to install then the metal ones?

[@JosueBarradas]

Nice work.

[@raymondjiii]

Great video. I'm trying to figure out the best way to use metallic cable in old-work boxes - like you have done - but that have the mc connector built in. In particular - where does the red-head go? Do you put one red-head inside the MC cable, pull the cable into the box and then put another red-head through the top of the built in MC connector? (I am definitely using metal old-work boxes with MC connectors - these are not the NM squeeze connectors.) I cannot find a single place that shows how to make this a good install. At worst I guess I can use two of the red-heads. Thank you.

[@wizard3z868]

best advice i do occasionally when running mc to clips tht the tits may fall out is to just use a wrap of tape on conductors to act as a bushing to hold it in place

[@usergvhhyu1223]

What is the name of the red clip you inserted at the end of the MC to avoid the conductor touching the metal sheet? Thank you.

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

That is called a Red Head or its also known as a Red Devil. Thank you for the question!! CM

[@usergvhhyu1223]

@@craigmichaud-electricalins4602 Appreciate the response. TY.

[@bman65golf]

anti-short

[@sullyyyy5262]

Those Madisons can be a PITA, but you only have to bend em! TY

[@bananaaaa3428]

Nice video thank you man

[@SimplyGheju]

I will be installing 2 outlets in a kitchen island. Are madison straps required on all metal cut-in boxes?

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

That is a good question!! I am going to say yes and No. It is up to the installer on weather they want to use them or not!! I will say if I am using a nonmetallic sheathed cable I will use a plastic box for sure. You can screw them which I have done it ready depends on the material. Thanks for your question I hope this helps. CM

[@petemiller519]

Good vid. Cheers.

[@kab0om1]

cool video...I agree with TheMan

[@fsv052679]

Good Video! thanks Sir.

[@Royosankar]

Great video bro!!!

[@brianborkowicz8771]

This was very helpful. But how do you attach the mc cable to the other end to a box that is already installed? Do you have a video for that?

[@gnotec1074]

Brian Borkowicz Knock the ko out completely fish the wire but when you fish it already remove enough of the jacket and attach a Mc connector usually I fish the fish sticks threw the ko if it’s possible

[@zulemazuniga2270]

good learning

[@johnconnolly2377]

where do i apply for a position, I am a resident of NC have 2.5 years experience of commercial industrial and residential electrical work including trouble shooting . also have taken a year of classes so far for licencing

[@23003jamestvl0h]

You ran 12/3 mc? Would those outlets be on seperate breakers, with each conductor getting spliced in a homerun jbox...or a multi wire branch circuit sharing a double pole breaker? They're sharing the nuetral so it must be a double pole breaker right? Wouldn't it be easier to run 12/2 mc and make some pigtails out of some thhn and make splices? Any advice or clarification would be appreciated and love the channel. @CraigMichaud

[@surferdude642]

James, I had exactly the same question. I assume that since Craig is an instructor he is only focusing on the topic at hand. Who knows if the mc cable is connected. He never verified that the outlet was actually working.

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

The answer to your questions are yes!! It is a Multi wire circuit and the outlet is connected to a 20 amp two pole breaker. I did this in order to not have to put a two gang book in and made it for the specific equipment it was being used for. This video was more on the installation of a metal old work box not on what was being wired in and the equipment related to it. Thanks for your question!!! CM

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

Yes Ted the cable was connected and yes I was only focusing on the installation of the box itself. I can see why you may have thought that as I watched the video again before I replied!! Thank you for your observation!! CM

[@atb2003]

The NEC does allow the use of a 2-pole breaker for a MWBC but the long term risk is not worth the savings. Also when someone is wiring in the Electrical panel if they remove one of the hot wires on the breaker it could cause an imbalance and increases the chance for arching which could take out devices or equipment at the other end - just my opinion.

[@atb2003]

Please with the above said I want to thank you for the video, excellent information on installing old work metal boxes using the Madison straps, I particularly like the tip on bending the strap around the ear it sure helps get it tight; I installed two boxes today and I have to say I wish the NEC would allow us to use plastic boxes in a commercial setting. Thank you again.

[@stevenbernstein1978]

Are metal switch boxes mainly used for old work or are there instances where metal switch boxes are used for new work?

[@illestofdemall13]

For new work people usually use a box that is all one piece. Plastic nail on boxes will often be used in residential, and metal switch boxes often in commercial. Or in commercial they will often use 4x4 boxes with mudrings for devices.

[@f0xygem]

Nice technique on the madison bars.

[@johngalv9288]

good video! thanks.

[@bricago2302]

Midpoint skinning at 14:15

[@blackrockcity]

I assume that’s bad because it can harm the conductor and make it break?

[@ramosel]

Hmm.... Madison Straps. I knew they must have a real name, I'd only ever heard them called "battleships".

[@craigmichaud-electricalins4602]

That’s funny I have never heard them called Battleships!! It’s funny how depending on where or when you came up in the trade people always call things something else!! Thanks for the info!! CM

[@billybobjoe2818]

we called 'Box Hold-its", guess I wondered if there was a proper name. I laughed the first time I heard them called battleships

[@ductran8128]

Sir, where can we get the madison straps? thanks,

[@Realmisterwolf]

There are a ton of companies. Just search old-work box support and you’ll see them from .75 cents to $1.50 for a pair

[@batfink1962]

Very helpful video. Suggestion- Wear Safety Glasses.

[@wizard3z868]

nothing wrong with above code work most CON-tractors seem to argue tht bare minimum code D- work is worth arguing over vs doing it with pride and craftsmanship and the best possible

[@TheBoxFort759]

What would happen if you don't remove the ears from the outlet?

[@2lakers3peat4]

Your trim plate won’t be flush to your wall

[@adamdnewman]

Frustration as to why the faceplate is bowing out in the center

[@njsongwriter]

I never had a problem leaving the wings on. I'm using raised metal cover plates.

[@MindKontrolleProject]

Can you use Mad bars in a plastic old work box? I ask because the plastic old work box tabs have broken away some of the drywall.

[@njsongwriter]

I was wondering the same thing. Of course because they are metal and ungrounded, I'm not sure myself.

[@rodner31]

Would you use the Madison straps as well for an old work metal (commercial) light box? If not, how would that be installed?

[@adamdnewman]

Nery Rodriguez no

[@douglassheehan6690]

Why take off the ears?

[@parlenkow]

Every thing si ok on video tutorial but Put the locknut in place Is some time a batle! I say tris in my experience making tihis Job

[@BearStar1]

He called them '' wings '' when actually they are Plaster or Dry Wall Ears !

[@twogunsforme1]

Baaada bing baada booom!

[@ethelryan257]

Only an idiot doesn't use anti-short bushings. Good video.

[@eddiew2325]

are u calling me an idiot.....

[@JohnThomas-lq5qp]

I was taught to cut the armored jacket at a 45 degree angle to get rid of sharp edge then install the anti short bushing. Some times the bag of 35 anti shorts appear to be undersized so then I use two of them 180 degrees apart. I always had a plastic bin in my van filled with various anti short bushing to handle 14/2 AC ( YEA BX ) to 2/3 MC cable.

[@didafm]

Honestly I use whatever connectors I have...the role of the connector is to hold the wire in place...most connectors will accomplish that.

[@r6u356une56ney]

"Need to take the ears off the outlet"... But you never explain why? What harm would there be leaving them on?

[@Realmisterwolf]

I prefer to leave them on for more support and flusher install. If you notice at the end of the video the receptacles were sunk in a little. If he didn’t cut the plaster ears off he’d have that 16th inch to be flush with cover plate. He may do it depending on brand of cover plate. Some are thinner and he would have to cut plaster ears off for a cleaner look. Neither option effects the function, it’s all cosmetic.

[@ddaniels2901dd]

He cut the ears 📴 so the receptacle cover would sit flush against the receptacle and the 🧱

[@giuseppenero110]

...and if you you know what's good for your hands, wear gloves...not like this guy

[@wizard3z868]

must be a euro fanny lol thts why the trades have crafts-MAN not crafts-dressers rofl 🤣🤣😂😁

[@joshualesicka2603]

You should really teach your apprentices how to clean up after them selves and be respectful to the other trades! Iv been in construction my whole life and sparkys are the worst! They think they are gods gift to the job site!!!!

[@woodythdog]

on and off the worksite :-)

[@wizard3z868]

lol trades are like the military branches all are the best you belong to🤷‍♀️ lol i find plumbers to be the ones tht think they are the gods because they have the bigger holes and asses and drip all over and cut everything and never clean it up lol. yes im a past apprentice spark🤣