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RACO 523 Gangable Switch Box, 3 in. x 2 in., Steel, Griptite Old Work
The RACO 523 is a 3 in. x 2 in. gangable switch box constructed of steel, offering 2-1/2 in. of depth to accommodate switches, receptacles, and other wiring devices in old work (retrofit) applications. Equipped with one 1/2 in. knockout and built-in AC/MC/Flex cable clamps, this box accepts Armored Cable, Metal Clad, and Flexible conduit wiring systems directly, simplifying rough-in on renovation projects. The box relies on a Griptite mounting system rather than a separate mounting bracket, allowing it to be installed directly into finished drywall without accessing wall studs. UL Listed for use in residential and commercial electrical systems, the RACO 523 is a practical, code-compliant option for electricians working on remodel and retrofit wiring.
Key Features
- Trade Size: 3 in. x 2 in. footprint with 2-1/2 in. of usable depth, sized for standard single or multi-gang switch and device installations.
- Durable Steel Construction: Manufactured as part of RACO's Steel Boxes and Covers line for long-lasting strength and reliable grounding continuity.
- Gangable Design: This box is gangable, so multiple units can be joined together on site to create custom multi-gang configurations for switches or receptacles.
- AC/MC/Flex Cable Clamps: Integrated clamps are designed for Armored Cable/Metal Clad/MCI-A/Flex wiring systems, allowing cable to be secured directly inside the box without additional connectors.
- 1/2 in. Knockout: One 1/2 in. KO is provided for supplemental conduit, cable, or fitting entry as needed.
- Griptite Old Work Mounting: Old work design with Griptite mounting ears means no bracket is required — the box mounts directly to drywall, ideal for renovation and remodel work where stud access is limited.
- UL Listed: Certified as UL Listed for use in residential and commercial electrical installations.
Certifications & Compliance
- UL Listed
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Steel Boxes and Covers
- Product Depth: 2.5 in
- Bracket Type: No Bracket
- Wiring System: Armored Cable/Metal Clad/MCI-A/Flex
- Gangable: Yes
- Certified Listed: UL Listed
Typical Applications
- Old Work / Retrofit Switch and Device Installations
- Residential and Commercial Wall Wiring
- Armored Cable (AC), Metal Clad (MC), and Flexible Conduit Wiring Systems
- Multi-Gang Switch and Receptacle Box Assemblies
- Renovation and Remodel Electrical Rough-In
- Drywall Installations Without Stud Access
Why RACO?
RACO steel boxes are built for dependable, code-compliant electrical installations. The 523's UL Listed steel construction, integrated AC/MC/Flex clamps, and Griptite old work mounting eliminate the need for a separate mounting bracket, saving installation time on renovation projects. For electricians and contractors handling old work rough-in, the RACO 523 delivers a gangable, steel switch box built to perform reliably behind the wall.
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:
- Armored Cable/Metal Clad/MCI-A/Flex
- Gangable:
- Yes
- Certified Listed:
- UL Listed
- Department:
- Electrical
- Product Subgroup:
- Electrical Boxes
- Product Group:
- Boxes & Enclosures
RACO RACO523 – Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can the RACO 523 switch box be installed in finished drywall without hitting a stud?
That is exactly what the 523 is built for. It is an old work box with Griptite mounting ears and no mounting bracket, so it clamps into a cut opening in finished drywall rather than nailing to a stud. That makes it the box to reach for on remodel and retrofit device work where the stud bay is closed up.
2) What cable types can I land directly in the RACO 523 without buying connectors?
The 523 has built-in clamps for Armored Cable, Metal Clad, MCI-A and Flex, so AC, MC and flexible conduit land in the box without separate connectors. It is not a box for NM/Romex clamps. There is also one 1/2 in. knockout if you need an additional conduit or fitting entry.
3) How deep is the RACO 523 steel switch box, and will it hold a dimmer or smart switch?
Depth is 2-1/2 inches behind a 3 in. x 2 in. opening, which is the deepest standard single-gang steel box profile and gives you room for bulkier devices like dimmers, timers or smart switches plus folded AC/MC conductors. On a shallow stud or furred-out wall, measure your cavity first since the full 2-1/2 inches has to go in behind the drywall.
4) What is the closest steel alternative to the RACO 523 gangable switch box?
The Steel City Adjust-A-Box LXWOWC-25 is the nearest steel equivalent. Like the RACO 523, it is a gangable 1-gang switch box, and it is made in pre-galvanized steel. The RACO 523 is a 3 in. x 2 in. box 2-1/2 in. deep with built-in Armored Cable/Metal Clad/MCI-A/Flex clamps and Griptite old work mounting that needs no bracket, so if you are pulling AC or MC into a finished drywall wall the 523 is the box set up for it without added connectors.
5) Can I use a non-metallic box instead of the RACO 523 on a remodel?
Only if your wiring method allows it. The RACO 523 is a steel box with integrated clamps for Armored Cable/Metal Clad/MCI-A/Flex, and its steel body carries grounding continuity for those systems. Non-metallic choices such as the Allied Moulded P-181 FlexBox 1-gang residential switch/receptacle box at 18 cu. in. or the Allied Moulded 2302-NKV fiberglass reinforced 2-gang box are built for cable systems that bring their own equipment ground, and neither is a gangable steel box. If the feed is AC or MC, stay with the steel 523.
6) What should I use instead of the RACO 523 if the wall is framed with steel studs?
For a stud-mounted install in steel framing, the Cantex EZ20SB EZ Box is a 1-gang non-metallic box made specifically for steel studs. The RACO 523 is an old work box: its Griptite mounting ears secure it directly to drywall with no bracket, which is what you want when the finished wall is already up and you cannot get to framing.
7) Can I gang two or three RACO 523 boxes together for a multi-gang switch assembly?
Yes. The 523 is a gangable box, so the side plates come off and units join on site to build two-, three- or more gang configurations for switches and receptacles. Order one box per gang and a matching multi-gang cover or plate for the finished opening.
8) Is the RACO 523 approved for commercial jobs or residential only?
It is UL Listed for use in both residential and commercial electrical systems, and the steel body gives you grounding continuity back through the AC/MC armor. Inspectors on remodel work generally want a listed metal box where you are extending an existing AC or MC system, which is the role this one fills.
9) Should I use a steel old work box like the RACO 523 or a non-metallic one?
Pick the steel 523 when you are working an AC, MC or flex system, since the armor's ground path relies on a metal enclosure and the box carries clamps for those cables. If you are pulling NM cable instead, a non-metallic box is the normal choice: ZenSupply carries the Allied Moulded P-181 FlexBox 1-gang thermoplastic switch/receptacle box at 18 cubic inches, and the Allied Moulded 2302-NKV fiberglass 2-gang box for two-device openings.
10) What is a comparable steel gangable old work box if the RACO 523 is not what I need?
The closest steel alternative we carry is the Thomas and Betts LXWOWC-25 Steel City Adjust-A-Box, a 1-gang gangable switch box in pre-galvanized steel, also an old work design. For new work on steel studs, the Cantex EZ20SB EZ Box is a 1-gang non-metallic steel stud box instead, which mounts to the stud rather than into finished drywall.
11) I need a two-gang opening - should I buy the Allied Moulded 2302-NKV or gang two RACO 523 boxes?
Either approach gets you two devices. The Allied Moulded 2302-NKV is a one-piece 2-gang box in fiberglass reinforced construction. The RACO 523 is gangable, so two or more can be joined on site to build the multi-gang configuration you need in steel, with AC/MC/Flex clamps in each section. Choose the 523 route when the wiring method is armored or metal clad cable and you want a steel assembly.
12) Is the Steel City Adjust-A-Box LXWOWC-25 the same thing as the RACO 523?
They are both gangable 1-gang switch boxes, and the LXWOWC-25 is pre-galvanized steel, but they are not identical. The RACO 523 measures 3 in. x 2 in. with 2-1/2 in. of depth, carries one 1/2 in. knockout, and mounts with Griptite old work ears rather than a bracket, so confirm depth and mounting method against the opening before swapping one for the other.
13) Does the RACO 523 come with a cover plate or mounting screws for the device?
The 523 ships as the steel box with its integral Griptite mounting and AC/MC/Flex clamps. Device mounting into the box ears is standard 6-32 hardware, and the wall plate is a separate item sized to your gang count, so add the cover you want with the order.
How fast can I get the RACO RACO523 delivered?
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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 RACO523 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The RACO RACO523 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
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