Lumber and Siding - Electrical boxes for porch lights, prior to stucco...

I'm wondering what my options are for adding electrical boxes on which to mount porch lights, outlets and switches, prior to stucco application?

We've got plywood sheeting up. In a couple of locations our electrician simply cut into the plywood and placed outlet boxes, with the edges bumped out an inch so they'll be flush with the stucco.

I am wondering if there's an alternative method for a surface mount solution -- a 1" box fastened directly to the ply, perhaps -- with the end goal being a more waterproof installation and a sturdier mount.

Not that I'm planning on going back and changing the contractor's work! I'm just looking at additional outlets outside of the electrician's scope of work.

Thanks for any and all replies!

Your post would probably get more attention in the electrical forum.

The boxes you mention may not have enough volume. Box fill calculation requirements must be met when installing boxes.

Thanks. I'll try the other fourm, with pics.

I'm having trouble finding 1" boxes, but wondering how what my contractor did is going to be sturdy enough.

Here's a cross post of what I just put up in one of the Electrical forums:

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Hi all,

I didn't get much of a response in the Stucco forum, so I'm reposting here.

I need to mount up about 5 or 6 exterior boxes for lights and switches. The house is plywood skinned, awaiting stucco.

I'm looking over the methods that our electrical sub used for the front porch light and stair light and I'm not impressed. I can't comprehend how the porch light box is supposed to support the light of the fixture, and both boxes look like water intrusion points in the making.

But I'm having trouble finding any info online on the proper way to do this, with off-the-shelf kit from Home Depot or the like.

I came across some "old work" round boxes today that require a 3-1/2" hold saw, and look like they might seal well. I also came across "mud rings" for square and round electrical boxes that would get the required offset to cause the edge of the box to sit flush with the stucco exterior.

Can anybody direct me to a website that describes a good way to install boxes prior to stucco. The walls in question are all accessible from the inside, so I'm very flexible.

Below are a few pictures of the two boxes our contractor's electrician put in. I'd like to hear any comments on these, as well.


This is the box over a front door, which is supposed to be encased in stucco and will be supporting a 5 or 10 pound porch light. I'm not impressed with the large gap around the circumference, and don't know how it will be waterproofed.

http://www.booboodog.net/images/house/1.jpg


This is that same box viewed from the back side. As you can see, it's just a metal rail meant for ceiling fixtures. At minimum, I'm thinking the rail should be replaced with a 2x4 to better support the weight of the fixture.

http://www.booboodog.net/images/house/2.jpg

This is a box that will house a fixture lighting the front stairs. Again, a wonky assembly -- though it actually looks more sturdy than the one for the porch light.

http://www.booboodog.net/images/house/3.jpg