PE catches up with the inventor of a new solution that aims to improve the process of securing electrical metal back boxes.
The newly developed Box Strap Bracket is specifically designed to secure electrical metal back boxes, ensuring a safe and efficient installation. The bracket is an alternative to the traditional telescopic bracket, which is also known as ‘caddy strap’, and was invented by an electrician.
The origin of the idea
Josh Estrada, the brains behind the product, explains more about where the inspiration came from: “The idea originated after encountering some jobs where I had little-to-no access to the stud work behind the plasterboard due to materials being in the way or an alteration to an existing installation.
“The clients in question did not want to use a plastic drylining box (as they’re a combustible material), and the lip of the plastic box prevents the electrical switchgear from sitting flush with the wall.”
He continues: “The bracket is fixed from the front of the plasterboard cut-out for a switch or a socket and is fixed on the plasterboard with two drywall screws. This differs from the traditional method that requires you to go behind the wall to install the telescopic bracket between studs.
“It’s that easy to install, we’re confident that experienced users could see their installation times improving significantly over more traditional methods.”
Looking specifically at the benefits for electrical contractors, Josh believes there are many, stating: “Firstly, it will put a stop to earth parallel paths during R1+R2 testing, as the metal stud work that is causing the earth parallel paths in a new build installation doesn’t come under an exposed-conductive-part or an extraneous-conductive-part as the bracket can also be installed vertically to avoid having to cut it. This also means there is no requirement to cut the brackets to fit in between studs.
“Additionally, contractors don’t have to cut or trim plasterboard that has been ‘overboarded’ over the back boxes by the drylining contractors, as the cables can be left inside the wall and the boxes cut out when the open side of the wall gets closed. Now you simply install the metal boxes without having the stud work exposed.”
Peace of mind
Of course, the process of bringing a product of this ilk to the marketplace is one that involves a significant amount of safety testing to ensure it is fit for purpose. To that end, Josh has got his ducks nicely in a row by undertaking proof testing ahead of the product’s launch.
He says: “We have some significant certification behind the product and have conducted pull tests to ensure it meets the requisite requirements. The results are freely available on my website for any interested parties to have a look at.
“Equally as significant is that fact that Hilti has approved the installation method to be compatible with its CP617 putty pads, so that is great news.”
Josh concludes: “It’s amazing to see the product come to life and I’m keen to make sure that it is readily available throughout the whole electrical supply chain network. We’re currently in talks regarding new electrical wholesalers coming on board as distributors and I’ll be demonstrating the product at various trade shows in the future. I’m confident it will prove to be a useful solution for those who use it.”
Get more product and purchasing details about the Box Strap Bracket here
