Plastic Electrical Boxes Vs Metal

With plastic boxes that extra thickness under the drywall can leave a bulge.

Plastic electrical boxes vs metal. Plastic both have their advantages and disadvantages. Metal boxes more expensive more variety of sizes and styles do not burn do not break or crack are gangable can be used with conduit and armored mc cable. Conduit clamps are less then 1 each. Electrician 3 points 3 years ago.

Metal electrical boxes are primarily used with metal sheathed or bx wiring. In a few cases though the choice is clear cut and obvious mainly with respect to grounding. Spruce tue may 02 2017 7 27 pm shannon wrote. Plastic electrical box vs metal electrical box.

Metal sheathed wiring depends on bonding with the metal electrical box for grounding. Today we will share significance of plastic electrical box vs metal electrical box. Many local building codes require metal junction boxes because they are durable and ensure long lasting performance. Use a plastic box when you have romex or nm wiring leading in or out of the box.

Electrical boxes are constructed of metallic or nonmetallic material. Most do it yourselfers prefer plastic electrical boxes while electricians use both metal and plastic boxes. Plastic vs metal electrical boxes post by a. Cut about a 4 6 length of channel attatch to wall and clamp the conduit to it.

So although metal boxes may be more rugged and more resistant to damage they have the potential to make the installation electrically more dangerous. Metal boxes are usually made of aluminum steel or cast iron. Mcmaster 3310t46 9 for 5. This may be achieved by use of a switch with ground connection.

This thread is archived. Plastic electrical boxes sometimes called junction boxes have plenty of pluses including low cost convenience and ease of installation but they re not the best choice for every application. For exposed or shop wiring metal boxes are probably better. When plastic doesn t make sense the standard alternative is a metal box.

In areas where metal conduit is not used which is most of the country grounding is provided by a grounding wire and the box metal or plastic serves no purpose in the grounding system. How about a list. Metal receptacle covers must be grounded even on plastic boxes. The boxes made without metal are pvc or plastic.

In many cases your choice of a metal or plastic electrical box is one of personal preference economy and ease. Back to the original question. On the other hand plastic boxes are more vulnerable to impacts. I prefer metal but i do use plastic where appropriate.

You ll have to make sure to buy boxes that match the offset of the channel.