Types of Electrical Boxes

Boxes Safety Tips

Always turn off power at the circuit breaker box or fuse box before changing a receptacle or switch. You can double check that the circuit is dead by using a tester.

Never attempt repairs near the service head. Call a professional.

Don’t drill into walls or ceilings blindly without shutting off power. Use a detector to determine if there are wires behind the walls.

If the homeowner has small children, suggest safety covers for wall receptacles. It is a small plastic device with two blades that fit into the slots of the receptacle and prevents little fingers from reaching in.

Wall Box

Used for housing switches and receptacles.

Made of metal or plastic and have the capability to be mounted to a wall or stud.

The holes in the side of the box where the conduit enters the box are called knockouts. In metal boxes, conduit can also be secured to the holes.

One type is a Four-Inch Square box that is only 1-1/2“ or 2”deep for places too shallow to mount a standard box.

A Handy box is surface mounted and has rounded corners for safety.

A Drywall box has expandable arms and can be mounted on drywall.

A Plastic box is best for new installation and often has a nail built-in for quick attachment to the stud.

A Gem box is a commonly made box, usually 2” wide, 3”high and 2-1/2” deep and made of metal. Deeper boxes are available.

Ceiling Box

Also known as a junction box or splice box.

Used to anchor ceiling fixtures and serves as a junction box where wires can meet and run to other areas of the room.

They are either 4” octagonal or round shaped, and either 1-1/2” or 2-1/8” deep.

They also may include adjustable mounting hangers that attach to rafters in the ceiling and allow the box to be placed anywhere between.

Hangers also provide the short nipple or threaded rod that secures lighting fixtures.

Weatherproof Box

Also known as an outdoor box.

Used for exterior switches or receptacles.

Thicker than interior boxes and has a rubber gasket between the cover and the box to keep out water.

Covers are screw-on or snap-on.

Wall Plates

Also known as faceplates or covers.

A flat metal, plastic or wooden piece that covers the openings in the wall made by receptacles and switches.

The openings in the cover match the type and number or receptacles or switches being covered. Blank covers are also available.

Courtsey of NRHA.org