Electrical Boxes

Electrical Boxes Overview

The purpose of electrical boxes is to assist as an end or a modulation point for electrical wires. They are normally setup in outlets; lights, ceiling fans, and light switches, are among the devices that are installed with electrical boxes. As much as there are several assortments of electrical boxes, they can all be grouped into two classes, which are plastic electrical boxes and metal electrical boxes depending on the material that makes them.

While there are many different types to choose from, it is important to know your local codes and the specific details of your project. When installing a box, be sure to consider indoor or outdoor and grounding requirements. And remember that not all electrical boxes are created equal. Be sure to invest in quality components because you surely don’t want to have to ever re-install.

Plastic Electrical Boxes

Plastic electrical boxes have their rewards and failings. Their plastic nature eliminates the need for an earth wire because plastic is a non-conductive material in nature; hence, switches and outlets would not short out in case they come into contact with the sides of the box.

The electrical box normally comes with tapped screw holes that are used for easy attachment of switches and outlets. These boxes come either in an individual gang, or double-gang, and it is even possible to find boxes with multiple-gang constellations.

One can select between plastic electrical boxes with nail-on brackets, complete with nails, or a cut-in edition that has tabs which spin out when tightened to hold the box firmly on to the wall.

Electrical Boxes - The Downfall of Plastic Boxes

The shortcomings of plastic electrical boxes arise from their brittleness and wire support brackets. Taking a look at them, one discovers that the screw holes for the device are made from a plastic material. This poses the problem of lining up the screw during the installation process. If properly lined up, there will not be any problem. However, in case the screw gets cross threaded, then the problem of the screw failing to fastening and makes the device to keep foundering when the wind blows. This, unlike the metal hole found in a metal electrical box strips, one can just tap it out, and it is as good as new.

The same problem applies to the nail-on mounting brackets. If they are hammered carefully and there is no incidental hitting of the plastic bracket, then one will not experience problems with the plastic electrical box. However, the flimsiest misuse of the hammer head on the plastic bracket or body may cause damage to the boxes, unlike metal electrical boxes which can handle a pounding and still function. The plastic electrical boxes occasionally come with plastic push-in tabs to accommodate the non-metallic sheathed (NM) wire. Furthermore, plastic electrical boxes have a longer life span compared to metal electrical boxes, as they are not affected by rust; hence, they are the best option to be used as electrical boxes.