Electrical Boxes
Electrical Boxes
Electrical Boxes
Boxes
What is the function of
Electrical Boxes
is to house electrical
connections. These connections
might be to a switch, a
receptacle, the leads of a light
fixture, or other sets of wire.
Types of
Electrical Box
1. Wall boxes
They are used for housing
switches and receptacles.
They are 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, the conduit
can also be secured to the holes.
One type is a four-inch square box that
is only 1 ½” or 2” deep used in places
that are too shallow to mount a standard
box.
Types of Wall
Boxes
a. Handy boxes are
surface
mounted with
rounded corners
for safety.
b. Drywall boxes
have expandable
arms and can be
mounted on a
drywall.
c. Plastic boxes
are best for new
installation and often
have a nail built-in for
quick attachment to
the stud.
d. Gem boxes
arecommonly made
boxes, usually in 2”
wide, 3” high and 2
1/2” deep and made of
metal. Deeper boxes
are also available.
2. Ceiling Boxes
They are also known as junction boxes
or splice boxes.
They are used to anchor ceiling fixtures
and serve 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 may also include
adjustable mounting hangers
that attach to rafters in the
ceiling and allow the box to be
placed anywhere in between.
Hangers also provide the
short nipple or threaded rod
that secures lighting fixtures.
3. Weather-proof
Boxes
They are also known as
an outdoor box.
They are used for
exterior switches or
receptacles.
They are thicker than
interior boxes and has a
rubber gasket between
the cover and the box
to keep out water.
Their covers are either
screw-on or Snap-On.
4. Wall Plates
They are known
as faceplates or
covers.
They are flat metal, plastic or
wooden piece that covers the
openings in the wall made by
receptacles and switches.
Their openings in the cover match
the type and number, or
receptacles or switches being
covered. Blank covers are also
available.