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RACO 517 TIGER GRIP Gangable Steel Switch Box, Old Work
The RACO 517 TIGER GRIP Gangable Steel Switch Box is engineered for old work electrical installations, providing a durable steel enclosure measuring 3 in. x 2 in. with a 2-1/2 in. deep interior. Featuring built-in plaster ears, this switch box mounts securely to existing plaster or drywall walls without the need for additional bracing. The box includes one 1/2 in. knockout (KO) and integrated NMSC clamps for quick termination of nonmetallic sheathed cable, and as a gangable design it can be joined with additional units to accommodate multi-device wiring configurations. This TIGER GRIP Series box is UL Listed for dependable, code-compliant performance.
Key Features
- Compact Dimensions: Measures 3 in. x 2 in. with a 2-1/2 in. deep interior for standard switch and device installations.
- Durable Steel Construction: Rugged steel body from RACO's Steel Boxes and Covers line stands up to demanding jobsite use.
- Gangable Design: Gangs together with additional boxes to form multi-gang assemblies for switches or receptacles.
- Old Work Ready: Integrated plaster ears allow secure mounting directly into existing plaster or drywall walls for remodel and retrofit projects.
- One 1/2 in. Knockout: Provides a dedicated conduit or cable entry point sized for 1/2 in. connections.
- Built-In NMSC Clamps: Integrated clamps secure Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NM) directly at the box, simplifying termination.
- No Bracket: Ships without a mounting bracket, suited for direct old-work installation.
- TIGER GRIP Series: Part of RACO's TIGER GRIP® line of switch boxes engineered for secure, reliable device mounting.
Certifications & Compliance
- UL Listed
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Steel Boxes and Covers
- Product Depth: 2.5 in
- Bracket Type: No Bracket
- Wiring System: Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable
- Series: TIGER GRIP® Series
- Gangable: Yes
- Certified Listed: UL Listed
Typical Applications
- Old Work and Remodel Wiring Installations
- Switch and Receptacle Mounting in Plaster or Drywall Walls
- Residential and Light Commercial Electrical Wiring
- Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NM) Terminations
- Gangable Multi-Device Box Assemblies
Why RACO?
RACO builds its TIGER GRIP Series switch boxes from durable steel to withstand the demands of old work and remodel electrical installations. With integrated plaster ears, a gangable design, and built-in NMSC clamps, the RACO 517 simplifies installation while delivering UL Listed, code-compliant performance that electricians can depend on for reliable device mounting in existing walls.
Manufacturer Resources
Spec Sheet
Product Specs
- list_batch:
- RACO-20260916
- Product Type:
- Switch Box
- Product Depth:
- 2.5 in
- Bracket Type:
- No Bracket
- Wiring System:
- Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable
- Series:
- TIGER GRIP® Series
- Gangable:
- Yes
- Certified Listed:
- UL Listed
- Department:
- Electrical
- Product Subgroup:
- Electrical Boxes
- Product Group:
- Boxes & Enclosures
RACO RACO517 – Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can the RACO 517 switch box be mounted in an existing plaster or drywall wall without opening up the wall?
That is what the 517 is built for. It has integrated plaster ears that let it mount directly to existing plaster or drywall, so no added bracing or stud access is needed. It ships with no bracket, which is why it suits old work and remodel cut-ins rather than new construction stud nailing.
2) Will the RACO 517 steel box accept Romex, or do I need conduit?
Romex is the intended wiring method. The box has built-in NMSC clamps, so nonmetallic sheathed cable terminates right at the box with no separate connector. The single 1/2 inch knockout is there if you do need to bring in 1/2 inch conduit or a cable connector instead.
3) Can I gang two or three RACO 517 boxes together for a multi-switch opening?
Yes. The 517 is a gangable steel box, so the sides come off and it joins to additional 517 boxes to build a 2-gang, 3-gang or larger assembly for multiple switches or receptacles. Each box you add covers one more device position.
4) How deep is the RACO 517 box, and will it clear a 2x4 wall?
The 517 measures 3 x 2 inches with a 2-1/2 inch depth. A nominal 2x4 stud wall is 3-1/2 inches deep, so a 2-1/2 inch box plus drywall leaves room behind it. In a shallow wall or one with furring or obstructions, measure your cavity before cutting.
5) What is the closest steel gangable alternative to the RACO 517 switch box?
The Thomas & Betts LXWOWC-25 Steel City Adjust-A-Box is the nearest steel equivalent: like the RACO 517 it is a 1-gang gangable switch box, and it is built in pre-galvanized steel. The RACO 517 is a gangable steel box 2-1/2 in. deep with built-in plaster ears and NMSC clamps for old work. The Adjust-A-Box name refers to its adjustable depth design, so if you are setting device depth in a wall of varying thickness that is the one to look at; if you want a fixed 2-1/2 in. old-work box with clamps already in it, stay with the 517.
6) Can I use a nonmetallic box instead of the RACO 517 for a remodel switch?
For a single device you can look at the Allied Moulded P-181 FlexBox, a 1-gang thermoplastic switch/receptacle box rated 18 cu. in. for residential work. The difference is construction and ganging: the RACO 517 is a steel box that gangs with additional units to build multi-device assemblies, while the P-181 is a one-piece nonmetallic box. If your jurisdiction or the job spec calls for a steel enclosure, or you need a two- or three-gang assembly built up from single boxes, the 517 is the one that does it.
7) Will the RACO 517 work in a steel stud partition?
The RACO 517 is an old-work box: it mounts with integrated plaster ears into existing plaster or drywall, and it ships with no bracket. For new work in a steel stud wall, the Cantex EZ20SB EZ Box is a 1-gang non-metallic box made specifically for steel studs. Use the EZ20SB where you are fastening to an exposed steel stud and the 517 where the wall is already closed up and you are cutting into the finished surface.
8) Is the RACO 517 UL Listed for use in residential and light commercial work?
The 517 is UL Listed. It is used for switch and receptacle mounting in plaster or drywall walls on residential and light commercial remodel wiring.
9) Should I use a steel box like the RACO 517 or a non-metallic box for a remodel?
Steel gangable boxes like the 517 are chosen when you want to add device positions later and when you want a metal enclosure with cable clamps built in. If you prefer non-metallic, ZenSupply carries the Allied Moulded P-181 FlexBox, a 1-gang 18 cubic inch thermoplastic switch/receptacle box, and the Allied Moulded 2302-NKV fiberglass 2-gang box. Neither of those gangs with steel boxes, so pick one system per opening.
10) What is the closest alternative to the RACO 517 if I need a gangable steel old-work box from another brand?
The Thomas & Betts LXWOWC-25 Steel City Adjust-A-Box is a 1-gang gangable switch box in pre-galvanized steel, so it covers the same gangable steel role. For a steel stud wall instead, the Cantex EZ20SB EZ Box is a 1-gang non-metallic box made for steel studs.
11) Does the RACO 517 come with a nail-on bracket for new construction framing?
No. The 517 ships with no bracket, so there is nothing to nail to a stud face. For new work where you are fastening to exposed framing, order a bracketed box instead; the 517 is for cutting into finished walls.
12) I need a two-gang box in one piece instead of ganging RACO 517 boxes together. What should I order?
The Allied Moulded 2302-NKV is a fiberglass reinforced 2-gang electrical switch box, so you get the two-device opening in a single enclosure rather than joining two singles. Ganging two RACO 517 boxes gets you to the same device count in steel with NMSC clamps already built in and plaster ears for mounting into existing plaster or drywall. Choose on wall condition and material: the 2302-NKV is a one-piece fiberglass box, the ganged 517 pair is steel and old-work mounted.
13) Is the Cantex EZ20SB a direct substitute for the RACO 517?
No. Both are 1-gang switch boxes, but the EZ20SB is a non-metallic box for steel studs, while the RACO 517 is a UL Listed steel box with built-in NMSC clamps, 2-1/2 in. deep, that gangs with additional units for multi-device assemblies. If your takeoff calls for a gangable steel old-work box with cable clamps in it, the EZ20SB does not cover that function.
14) How many RACO 517 boxes do I order for a three-gang switch bank?
Three. Each 517 is a single 3 x 2 inch device box, and you remove the adjoining sides and gang them to build the bank. Order one box per device position, plus a matching three-gang cover plate separately since no plate is included.
How fast can I get the RACO RACO517 delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the
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Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit,
reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the RACO RACO517 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The RACO RACO517 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
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