Replies

1. 
   bones | Jan 09, 2009 08:48pm | #1

   I think I uderstand your question these are the holes that permit multiple connection capabilitys for most surfaces.  Why fill?  Do you plan on sicking paperclips in (just kidding),  if you have faceplates and you've used flex shielding you should be good to go.  Two screws should hold those boxes perfectly.   Now if you had an open knock-out in a box, I'd plug that. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 10, 2009 01:25am | #2

   Seems to me that over a period of weeks or months, those little holes would let in sawdust, to accumulate inside the box -- not an ideal thing, no?  I can't figure why they're there in the first place, though.  they're very small, not big enough for anything but one wire to go through....forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jan 10, 2009 01:28am | #3

   They are there because, depending on how the box is used, they may be needed. In your case, not. I wouldn't worry about the sawdust buildup. You'll get more dust entering the fixture through the plug slots than you will through these tiny holes.

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

2. 
   bones | Jan 10, 2009 02:35am | #4

   If you get that much sawdust in those holes, you will be dead from silicosis.  Don't worry about it.  If you get a little dust on it blow it off with an air blast. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

   Edited 1/9/2009 6:39 pm by bones

3. 
   northhouguy | Jan 10, 2009 06:20am | #5

   If the holes are too small to insert your finger, forget them.

   I'd make that lazy electrician come back and install the other two screws on the covers, though...

   You know, it's hard to get good work done these days.  Seems like craft today want a paycheck for the least time and effort.

   You should see the floor installed in our office/entryway.  (They're coming Monday to tear it out and put it in right.  Thankfully the stop payment on the check worked...)

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 10, 2009 07:57am | #6

   Nah, they're good guys and the boss is someone I know, does good work, and certainly could have turned down such a puny job, LOL.  Worried about nothin' I guess.  Seems like I've read in the past about dust build-up in shops, mostly the overhead lights maybe, so  I just thought I'd check.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   Jimurock | Jan 10, 2009 04:46pm | #8

   When I had 220 service put in I checked out the old boxes for dust and some had a surprising amount in there.  The new surface mounts had from 4 to 6 holes in them and I covered them on the outside with metallic duct tape.

   Jim

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 10, 2009 05:01pm | #9

   Square handy boxes only have two places for the screws at the corners.  You can't use screws in all four corners.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 10, 2009 08:24pm | #11

   Well, that would certainly explain it......finally.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   Tinkerer3 | Jan 11, 2009 05:00am | #12

   I go along mostly with the other guys, but if it would give you comfort why don't you do like Jimurock and cover with metalic tape?  Certainly couldn't lose more that your time and tape.

2. 
   JerryPacMan | Jan 10, 2009 04:31pm | #7

   Most 4" square boxes only have 2 tapped holes for installing the cover plate.

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   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans.

   "Life is not a success only journey."  Dr. Phil

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 10, 2009 08:24pm | #10

   These have 2 small holes in the top -- I'm guessing a little less than 1/8" diameter. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)