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RACO 686 3-Gang Welded Steel Switch Box, 2-1/2 in Deep
The RACO 686 is a 3-Gang welded steel switch box built for professional conduit wiring installations. This box measures 2-1/2 in deep and is punched with eleven 1/2 in and eleven 3/4 in knockouts (KO's) to accommodate a wide range of conduit sizes and entry points. It features an FM bracket designed for mounting to metal or wood studs and carries UL Listing, making it a dependable choice for commercial and residential rough-in work where multiple devices need to be ganged together in a single, durable enclosure.
Key Features
- Gang Configuration: 3-Gang design allows multiple switches or devices to be housed in a single box for clean, organized installations.
- Durable Construction: Welded steel body provides a rigid, one-piece enclosure that resists flexing and damage during rough-in and finish work.
- Box Depth: 2-1/2 in deep interior provides generous wiring space for conductors and devices, simplifying termination.
- Knockouts: Eleven 1/2 in and eleven 3/4 in KO's deliver flexible conduit entry options from multiple directions.
- Bracket Type: FM bracket is engineered for secure mounting to metal or wood studs, streamlining framing-stage installation.
- Wiring System: Purpose-built for conduit wiring systems commonly specified in commercial and light-commercial construction.
Certifications & Compliance
- UL Listed
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Steel Boxes and Covers
- Product Depth: 2.5 in
- Bracket Type: FM, for Metal or Wood Studs
- Wiring System: Conduit
- Certified Listed: UL Listed
Typical Applications
- Commercial and Residential Switch and Device Installations
- Conduit Wiring Systems
- Metal and Wood Stud Wall Framing
- New Construction and Renovation Projects
- Multi-Gang Switch and Control Locations
Why RACO?
RACO steel boxes like the 686 are built with welded construction for long-term structural integrity on the jobsite, and this box is UL Listed to help ensure it meets recognized safety standards for electrical installations. With an FM bracket suited to metal or wood stud framing and ample knockout options for conduit entry, the RACO 686 gives electrical contractors a reliable, code-compliant 3-Gang enclosure for demanding conduit wiring projects.
Manufacturer Resources
Spec Sheet
Product Specs
- list_batch:
- RACO-20260916
- Product Type:
- Switch Box
- Product Depth:
- 2.5 in
- Bracket Type:
- FM, for Metal or Wood Studs
- Wiring System:
- Conduit
- Certified Listed:
- UL Listed
- Department:
- Electrical
- Product Subgroup:
- Electrical Boxes
- Product Group:
- Boxes & Enclosures
RACO RACO686 – Frequently Asked Questions
1) Will the RACO 686 switch box mount to metal studs, or is it wood stud only?
Both. The 686 comes with an FM bracket made for mounting to either metal or wood studs, so the same box works whether you are roughing in steel framing on a commercial job or wood framing on a residential one.
2) How deep is the RACO 686 3-gang box and does it give enough room for three devices?
The 686 is 2-1/2 inches deep across all three gangs, which is the deep version of the standard 3-gang steel switch box. That depth is what gives you working room for conductors plus three devices without fighting the wires back in at trim-out.
3) Can I use the RACO 686 with NM cable, or is it strictly for conduit?
The 686 is built for conduit wiring systems. Its openings are 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch knockouts sized for conduit connectors, not cable clamps, so if you are pulling NM cable you want a box with integral cable clamps or a non-metallic box instead.
4) I only need a single switch location on a steel stud wall - is there a simpler box than the RACO 686?
The RACO 686 is a 3-gang box, so for one device it is more enclosure than the opening needs. The Cantex EZ20SB EZ Box is a 1-gang non-metallic box made for steel stud framing, and the Allied Moulded P-181 FlexBox is a 1-gang thermoplastic switch/receptacle box rated 18 cu. in. for residential work. Note that the 686 is built for conduit wiring, which is the deciding factor if the raceway is metallic.
5) What size conduit can land on a RACO 686 and how many entries are there?
The box is punched with eleven 1/2 inch and eleven 3/4 inch knockouts, so you can bring 1/2 or 3/4 trade size conduit in from multiple sides, top and bottom included. That count is what makes it workable at a multi-gang switch location where several homeruns and switch legs converge.
6) I need a non-metallic switch box instead of steel. What are my options?
The 686 is welded steel and intended for conduit. For non-metallic work, ZenSupply carries the Cantex EZ20SB EZ Box 1-gang non-metallic steel stud box, the Allied Moulded P-181 FlexBox 1-gang thermoplastic switch/receptacle box at 18 cubic inches, and the Allied Moulded 2302-NKV fiberglass reinforced 2-gang box. All of those are single or two-gang, so a three-gang steel box is still the pick if you need three devices in one enclosure.
7) Does the RACO 686 come with a cover or device plate?
No. The 686 is the box and bracket only. Three-gang device plates, plaster rings, and any raised covers needed to bring the box flush with your finished wall are ordered separately.
8) For a renovation where I need to adjust box position after drywall, is the RACO 686 the right choice?
The RACO 686 mounts with an FM bracket to metal or wood studs during framing-stage rough-in, so its position is fixed once the bracket is fastened. If adjustability is the priority, the Thomas & Betts LXWOWC-25 Steel City Adjust-A-Box is a 1-gang pre-galvanized steel box from the Adjust-A-Box series. Choosing between them comes down to whether you need three ganged devices in a welded enclosure or a single adjustable box.
9) If I need a two-device box instead of the RACO 686, what are my options?
The RACO 686 houses three devices in a welded steel body. For a two-device location, the Allied Moulded 2302-NKV is a 2-gang electrical switch box in fiberglass reinforced construction. The 686 remains the choice where a metal box is required for conduit wiring, since that is the wiring system it is built for.
10) What is the manufacturer part number to order the RACO 3-gang 2-1/2 inch deep bracket box?
Order RACO model 686. That is the full part number for the 3-gang welded steel switch box, 2-1/2 inches deep with the FM stud bracket.
How fast can I get the RACO RACO686 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 RACO686 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The RACO RACO686 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
How do I get technical support or installation help for the RACO RACO686?
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