12 Types of Electrical Boxes and How to Choose

28 Oct.,2024

 

12 Types of Electrical Boxes and How to Choose

Box extenders are shaped like the boxes they are intended for but without a back panel. Metal or plastic extenders should be used to match the material of your electrical box.

EVERGREAT contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

Box extenders, or extension rings, are installed onto the front of electrical boxes to increase the box capacity or flush the box with the drywall or other surface material.

Plastic outdoor boxes are usually made from high-impact PVC, while metal outdoor boxes are typically made from aluminum rather than steel.

Depending on the application, outdoor boxes must have an outdoor cover or fixture rated for damp or wet locations.

Weatherproof outdoor boxes are sealed enclosures designed for mounting to the surface of exterior walls, roof overhangs, decks, and other structures. They are used for installing outdoor receptacles (outlets) and light fixtures.

These include a raised center area that extends the box so the opening for the switch or outlet will be flush with the exposed surface of the drywall or other wall or ceiling finish.

Solid or blank covers have no holes and are used with junction boxes or for enclosing unused boxes. Covers for 4-inch square boxes may have special cutouts to accommodate switches or receptacles (outlets).

Electrical box covers enclose the front of the box and are required by code; it is unsafe, and usually illegal, to leave an electrical box uncovered.

Square boxes are also commonly used as junction boxes , which can be installed in ceilings or walls to support lighting fixtures, light switches, or receptacles.

Square boxes come in standard depths of 1-1/4 to 2-1/8 inches, but their square corners give them additional interior space, providing maximum volume for multiple conductors and connectors. For this reason, 4-inch square boxes often are used to run several conductors in two or more directions.

Continue to 9 of 12 below

Ceiling fan boxes must be UL-listed for ceiling fan mounting and marked &#;For Use With Ceiling Fans.&#; Do not use standard round or octagonal boxes for installing ceiling fans. Ceiling fan boxes require special fastening to withstand the dynamic loading of a rotating fan.

Boxes can be mounted directly (with four screws) to a ceiling joist or wood blocking, or they can attach to adjustable braces spanning between ceiling joists.

These boxes come in several types and sizes, including 1/2-inch-deep versions and standard 2-1/8-inch-deep boxes. Ceiling fan boxes are usually round but can be octagonal and are either made of metal or durable plastic.

Ceiling fan electrical boxes are used for fans weighing up to 70 pounds or light fixtures weighing up to 90 pounds (or more), depending on the installation method.

These boxes range from 1-1/2 to 3 inches deep. They provide much more room for wiring than shallow round pan boxes and can be used as junction boxes.

Octagon and standard-size round boxes are deeper than round pan boxes, and they are the standard box for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures weighing up to 50 pounds.

The number of wires in the electrical box should never exceed its safe fill capacity.

These can be only 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch deep and made of plastic or durable metal. Some specially rated metal pan boxes may be used for mounting ceiling fans, but not all can be used for this purpose.

Round pan or pancake boxes are shallow circular boxes most commonly used for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures that weigh no more than 50 pounds.

Gangable electrical boxes are often made of durable galvanized steel. However, some plastic snap-together options may be found at certain hardware stores (sometimes for a slightly higher price).

Like standard rectangular boxes, gangable electrical boxes hold household switches and electrical outlets . Still, they are oversized so that two, three, or four devices can be mounted side-by-side.

Continue to 5 of 12 below

With electrical components, gang or gangable means that the pieces are capable of being joined.

Standard rectangular boxes can be metallic or non-metallic. Some types have built-in cable clamps for securing NM cables .

They are generally about 2 inches wide by 4 inches tall, and their depths range from 1-1/2 inches to 3-1/2 inches.

Standard rectangular boxes, or single gang boxes, are used for single light fixture switches and outlet receptacles.

An old work electrical box is installed in a closed wall. Sometimes called a retrofit box, this type of electrical box attaches to the drywall with wings or ears that clamp the box to the drywall.

If you have open walls (before installing drywall), use a new work box rather than installing an old work box after the drywall has been installed.

A new work electrical box is installed in an open wall. The box is nailed or screwed to the side of the wall studs. It is secure and strong.

Install junction boxes where they are always accessible. Never install a junction box in a concealed wall or ceiling space where it cannot be accessed in the future. Junction boxes must also be covered with solid covers.

The most commonly used box for junctions is a 4-inch square box (either metal or strong plastic), which offers ample space for making wire connections with multiple wires or cables. Other types of boxes can be used as junction boxes.

A junction box is not a special type of box but any standard electrical box used to enclose wire splices.

Metal vs. Plastic Electrical Boxes

Most electrical boxes are either metal or plastic. Metal boxes are generally steel, while plastic boxes are PVC or fiberglass.

Metal Electrical Boxes

Metal electrical boxes are best for metal-sheathed cable or metal conduit. Weatherproof metal boxes for outdoor use are generally made of aluminum.

  • Capable of being grounded
  • Durable
  • Fireproof
  • Secure
  • Required with metal conduit

Plastic Electrical Boxes

Plastic electrical boxes are best for Romex or non-metallic cables.

  • Not capable of being grounded
  • Cheaper than metal boxes
  • No sharp edges
  • Include built-in clamps
  • Lightweight

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Wire Container. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Choosing an Electrical Box

Choose an electrical box based on its intended purpose. For example, ceiling fans or heavy light fixtures should always be mounted on boxes rated for the fixture's weight.

Consider the type of electrical cable you are using, too. If the project calls for non-metallic cable, such as Type NM-B (non-metallic sheathed cable), you can use plastic boxes or metal boxes. If you are installing wires enclosed in metal conduit, you must use a metal box.

Also, determine whether you need an old work or new work electrical box. If you are replacing an existing electrical box, an old work box will be needed to attach it to the wall covering (usually drywall). New work boxes can be attached directly to the stud, for example, when building a new house or an addition.

FAQ

  • What&#;s the difference between outlet boxes and junction boxes?

    An outlet box and a junction box can be the same thing. A junction box is a standard electrical box that encloses wire splices and contains no device (like a receptacle).

  • What is a Type 1 junction box vs. a Type 2 junction box?

    The type 2 junction box is only for indoor use. The type 1 junction box protects against water and other liquids, so it can be used outdoors.

  • Can any electrical box be used as a junction box?

    In a broad sense, any electrical box can be used as a junction box. Most standard code-approved electrical boxes found at home centers can be used as junction boxes.

How To Select the Right Wire Basket for Your Industry

For any manufacturing industry, choosing the correct industrial wire baskets or containers can significantly impact production with far-reaching implications. For instance, your industry may involve various treatments like washing, ultrasonic cleaning, vapor degreasing, or electroplating. For all these processes, the baskets containing the products are subjected to a different type of stress, and in such a scenario choosing the wrong type of basket will have consequences. These consequences will vary from rendering the basket unusable, spoiling your product, or damaging the machine parts themselves, which are economically taxing and production-hindering.

So, what is the solution? The answer to your query is selecting the correct type of industrial wire baskets for the storage of your products to ensure a smooth and efficient manufacturing process. This article will share tips for choosing the right basket for your needs.

1. Consider the Parts Being Held

It is a no-brainer for a manufacturer to consider the size, shape, and weight of every part of the process before selecting the basket. However, there are more factors besides the physical dimensions to consider when choosing a storage basket. These include characteristics like the product's impact resistance and the part's surface resistance.

For instance, while choosing the wire basket for ultrasonic cleaning of delicate, no -scratches products, you might select a basket with a soft and shock-absorbent material coating to keep the parts from impacting one another during the wash cycle.

2. Consider the Process Basket Will Undergo

The wire baskets used in different processes must be compatible with the product characteristics but should also be suitable to undergo the procedure safely. What good will it do if the basket itself breaks under the stress of the process?

For instance, the washing process involves the use of a chemicals. In such a scenario, a basket made of materials susceptible to corrosion can reduce the life span of the basket, thus making your process inefficient. On the other hand, a basket made from stainless steel or corrosion-resistant material or coating will have a considerably larger life span.

Thus, it is essential to consider the processes in your manufacturing unit before opting for the best wire basket that optimizes production, has a good life span, and enhances your process.

3. Consider the Expected Life Span of Different Wire Baskets

So, what is a wise investment? A basket forth $150 with a life span of 5+ years or a $50 basket that needs to be replaced every six months! Well, you can do the math. While the up-front investment might seem like a lot to digest, the durability, efficiency, and long-term savings make up for the initial cost making your investment worth it.

4. Consult a professional

Sometimes, choosing the used wire basket for your project requires professional assistance. A professional will comprehend your manufacturing process and needs like parts load; chemicals used; operational temperatures; environmental factors; the severity of impacts; and the type of protection required for parts before suggesting the correct kind of wire basket for your business. Professional like Container Exchanger help will let you achieve the desired production efficiency faster than going through trial and error and bearing the losses.

Wrapping up

Industrial wire storage baskets are an integral part of manufacturing units that impact not only the process's efficiency but also the project's cost-effectiveness. When investing in a wire basket, make sure to prioritize quality and compatibility with your industry standards because the right basket can maximize the functionality of your process. Assessing your specific needs and requirements beforehand will enable you to select a wire basket that enhances productivity and streamlines operations.

The company is the world’s best Wire Mesh Container supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.