ELK M1 28" SWP Install

[scott2trot]

I recently installed an ELK M1 system in my home and quickly discovered that I need more room than provided in the small panel to accomodate M1XEP, ISY, input/output expanders etc. For now the box is surface mounted to the wall and the install is pretty messy but I'm looking to clean it up with a 28" recessed panel. The ELK installation instructions for recess mounting this panel refer to "new construction". My home is an existing build but I dont see any reason why I cant cut the drywall out for this. Is there something simple I'm missing here?

 

[Del91574]

It's doable. I'd probably suggest planning out the cable entry point(s) accordingly and get grommets that aren't wide open holes.
 
It's been a while but I'm sure I remember the can being slotted for the stud mounting holes.
 
Only downside is you're not going to easily be able to shim/tighten the box in place if your studs are too far apart. You don't want to bow the enclosure.

 

[drvnbysound]

I've run into more issues with the studs not being far enough apart rather than too far - yeah, 16" OC is standard, but it's a PITA when they set one of those 1/2" off

 

[Del91574]

Not far enough is bad, assuming non-load bearing. Circ saw or tiny bit of reframing is easy fix. Too far is more difficult as shims and the like aren't easy to get "flat" or the cut doesn't really get covered by the door.