Approved as an American National Standard ANSI Approval Date: March 25, 2009 2010 Amendment ANSI Approval Date:

October 27, 2010

ANSI/NEMA OS 2-2008 Nonmetallic Outlet Boxes, Device Boxes, Covers, and Box Supports Contains 2010 Amendment

Published by National Electrical Manufacturers Association 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752 Rosslyn, VA 22209 www.nema.org

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights including translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention or the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.

NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of persons engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was developed. Consensus does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement among every person participating in the development of this document. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards and guideline publications, of which the document contained herein is one, are developed through a voluntary consensus standards development process. This process brings together volunteers and/or seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in the topic covered by this publication. While NEMA administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not write the document and it does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy or completeness of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards and guideline publications. NEMA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, application, or reliance on this document. NEMA disclaims and makes no guaranty or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein, and disclaims and makes no warranty that the information in this document will fulfill any of your particular purposes or needs. NEMA does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual manufacturer or sellers products or services by virtue of this standard or guide. In publishing and making this document available, NEMA is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is NEMA undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances. Information and other standards on the topic covered by this publication may be available from other sources, which the user may wish to consult for additional views or information not covered by this publication. NEMA has no power, nor does it undertake to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this document. NEMA does not certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for safety or health purposes. Any certification or other statement of compliance with any health or safety-related information in this document shall not be attributable to NEMA and is solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker of the statement.

OS 2-2008 Page iii

Foreword
The purpose of this Standards Publication is to provide a guide for the types and sizes of nonmetallic boxes and supports that are in general use. The standards present dimensional data needed for the safety and convenience of interchangeability with associated equipment. All items, when properly installed and properly used, contribute to safety. Properly manufactured boxes and covers are, however, only one factor in minimizing the hazards, which may be associated with the use of electricity. The reduction of hazards involves the joint efforts of various equipment manufacturers, the system designer, the installer, and the user. Information is provided herein to assist users and others in the proper selection of boxes and covers. The manufacturer has limited or no control over the following factors, which are vital to a safe installation: a. b. c. d. e. f. Environmental conditions System design Equipment selection and application Installation Operating practices Maintenance

This publication is not intended to instruct the user of the boxes and covers with regard to these factors, except insofar as suitable equipment to meet needs can be recognized in this publication. These standards are necessarily limited to defining the construction requirements for the products covered herein. The publication has been promulgated with a view towards reducing the hazard to persons and property when boxes and covers conforming with these standards are properly selected and installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code. This Standards Publication has been reviewed with input obtained from independent testing laboratories and major consumer representatives. The publication will be reviewed periodically by the Outlet and Switch Box Section of NEMA so that it will be kept up to date with advancing technology. Comments are welcomed and should be sent to: Vice President, Technical Services National Electrical Manufacturers Association 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752 Rosslyn, VA 22209 OS 2-2008 and its amendment, approved as an American National Standard on October 27, 2010, revises and supersedes OS 2-2003. Page 7 has been amended, and the amended section is indicated by a black line in the margin.

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

OS 2-2008 Page iv

This Standards Publication was developed by the Outlet and Switch Box Section. Section approval of the standard does not necessarily imply that all section members voted for its approval or participated in its development. At the time it was approved, the Outlet and Switch Box Section was composed of the following members: Allied Moulded Products, Inc.Bryan, OH Arlington Industries, Inc.Scranton, PA Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.Bridgeport, CT CANTEX INC.Mineral Wells, TX Cooper B-LineHighland, IL Cooper Crouse-HindsSyracuse, NY EGS Electrical GroupSkokie, IL Erico, Inc.Solon, OH Hubbell IncorporatedBridgeport, CT Pass & Seymour/LegrandSyracuse, NY RACOSouth Bend, IN Thomas & Betts CorporationMemphis, TN The Wiremold Company, Walker Systems West Hartford, CT

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

OS 2-2008 Amended 2010 Page 7 2.11 GROUNDING

2.11.1 Boxes may be provided with integrally attached ground straps intended to ensure grounding continuity between metal covers, metal face plates, or wiring devices such as switches or receptacles, which may not be of the grounding-type. 2.11.2 An integrally attached ground strap shall include a means for the connection of an equipment grounding conductor or a bonding conductor. The means shall be a grounding screw meeting the requirements in 2.11.5 and shall be assembled to the ground strap. 2.11.3 The ground strap and connection means shall be located so that:

a) The connection means is readily accessible through the opening in the face of the box; b) The removal of a device mounted in the box does not disturb in any way the continuity of the grounding circuit; and c) The connection means is not part of a removable cover, back, or side. 2.11.4 An integrally attached ground strap shall be constructed of plated steel, stainless steel, copper, or copper alloy. 2.11.5 The grounding screw shall:

a) Be No. 8-32 or larger; b) Have a green-colored head; and c) Be plated steel, stainless steel, copper, or copper alloy; d) Have a head or integral washer with a diameter not smaller than 7.8 mm (0.30 in) for a No. 8 screw and not smaller than 9.1 mm (0.36 in) for a No. 10 screw. 2.11.6 When provided with a box, a grounding screw shall also be provided with a means of laterally retaining a 10 AWG (5.267 mm) conductor under the head of the screw. Raised areas of the ground strap provided as a retention means shall permit tightening of the ground screw to secure a 16 AWG (1.31 mm) conductor. The retention means shall be permitted to be an integral feature of the ground strap. NOTERetention means are intended to ensure that the grounding conductor will not escape from under the head of the ground screw as the ground screw is being tightened and effective ground continuity will be maintained.

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

OS 2-2008 Page 8

Section 3 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

3.1 GENERAL

The drawings in this section give minimum and maximum dimensions to assure safe inter-changeability with other components. Specific details and dimensions for outlet boxes, device boxes, covers, box supports, and accessories should be obtained from the manufacturer. Overall device box sizes, other than those specified in this standard, may be provided for specific applications. 3.2
a.

INDEX TO FIGURES
DEVICE BOXES* Single Gang Two Gang Three Gang Four Gang Single Gang with Plaster Ears Two Gang with Plaster Ears Three Gang with Plaster Ears Single Gang Offset with Plaster Ears OUTLET BOXES* 3- Diameter Round or Octagonal 4 Diameter Round or Octagonal 3-, 3 Diameter Round or Octagonal with Flange 4 Diameter Round or Octagonal with Flange 4 Square COVERS FOR OUTLET AND DEVICE BOXES 1. Flush or Surface Mounted 3-, 3- Round or Octagonal Blank 3-, 3- and 4 Combination Blank 3-, 3- and 4 Combination Drop Cord 4 Square Blank Blank or Pendant Duplex Receptacle Single Receptacle Toggle Switch 2. Raised Covers for Fixture 4 Round or Octagonal 4 Square Raised Covers for Switches and Receptacles 4 Square Single Device

FIGURE NUMBER

PAGE

3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-7 3-8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

b.

3-9 3-10 3-11 3-12 3-13

c.

3-14 3-15 3-16 3-17 3-18 3-19 3-20 3-21

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

3-23 3-23

30 31

3.

3-24

32

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.