Plastic Electrical Boxes Vs Metal

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.

Plastic electrical boxes vs metal.

Both plastic and metal boxes come in a full range of types and sizes for both indoor and outdoor applications. Spruce tue may 02 2017 7 27 pm shannon wrote. Electrical boxes are constructed of metallic or nonmetallic material. Mcmaster 3310t46 9 for 5.

This thread is archived. Where do you guys stand on plastic vs metal electrical boxes for residential use. In a few cases though the choice is clear cut and obvious mainly with respect to grounding. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.

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. Use a plastic box when you have romex or nm wiring leading in or out of the box. Conduit clamps are less then 1 each. Plastic vs metal electrical boxes post by a.

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 receptacle covers must be grounded even on plastic boxes. Cut about a 4 6 length of channel attatch to wall and clamp the conduit to it. In many cases your choice of a metal or plastic electrical box is one of personal preference economy and ease.

This may be achieved by use of a switch with ground connection. I prefer metal but i do use plastic where appropriate. Most do it yourselfers prefer plastic electrical boxes while electricians use both metal and plastic boxes. Plastic electrical box vs metal electrical box.

On the other hand plastic boxes are more vulnerable to impacts. For exposed or shop wiring metal boxes are probably better. How about a list. Today we will share significance of plastic electrical box vs metal electrical box.

When plastic doesn t make sense the standard alternative is a metal box. Plastic both have their advantages and disadvantages. Metal electrical boxes are primarily used with metal sheathed or bx wiring. 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.

You ll have to make sure to buy boxes that match the offset of the channel. With plastic boxes that extra thickness under the drywall can leave a bulge. Many local building codes require metal junction boxes because they are durable and ensure long lasting performance. Electrician 3 points 3 years ago.

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