Stupid plastic electric boxes

[JHZR2]

Can anyone tell me the right way to deal with the wire entry tabs on plastic electric boxes? Tabs like this:

It is nearly impossible to pull 12/2 or /3 wire into them, let alone back out. Makes putting things like switches really hard, because you're wasting a ton of wire and it is a pain to pull. They are so annoying, and so easily damage romex, that I'm tempted to just break them off for the openings I need to use.

Nothing indicates if this is right or wrong. Suggestions?

 

[The_Jeff]

I put the wire in before I nail them to the 2x4.

 

[JHZR2]

These are for old work - plaster lathe walls.

Even still, half the time the wire goes down the side of the tab and gets punctured by the sharp edge or something like that.

And what if you pulled too much wire? Impossible to push back out.

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

I usually push them in with a flat blade screwdriver to loosen them up some, then feed the wire. IIRC code says that wirer needs to be secured in the box, so breaking them off is not a good idea. To push wire back, lift the tab with a screwdriver or needle nose pliers.

 

[Chevys_n_Hawgs]

They're built that way, to be used as a one-way "catch". I suppose it prevents the wire from being pulled away from the outlet or switch. I agree, it is a pain to strip the wire, and push/pull it out of the box, but I think it's main purpose is for that safety reason.

 

[JTK]

Yes, they can be a pain and will tear through the outer casing on romex. I just pull the tab on them from inside the box with needle-nose pliers in the event I need to pull wire out. I've had the tabs break right off too. I leave it, given it's wiring I generally do for myself.

I've never gotten any type of permit or inspection on my interior re-dos. Exterior, not so much. The town inspector is at my door if he sees me carrying a hammer.

Joel

 

[expat]

Actually, I have found tem more roomy than metal boxes, and normally less damaging to the nomex.

If I pull too much, I normally cut off the excess, rather than try and pull it back through the box. 4or5 inches here and there wont kill me.

 

[tom slick]

strip 8" of sheath off of the NMB then poke it through the tab until the sheath is just inside the box. Make all of the connections then fasten the box to the wall.

Those tabs are not designed to break completely out, they somewhat grip the NMB and somewhat close off the hole.