Plastic Electrical Boxes Vs Metal

Metal sheathed wiring depends on bonding with the metal electrical box for grounding.

Plastic electrical boxes vs metal.

In a few cases though the choice is clear cut and obvious mainly with respect to grounding. With plastic boxes that extra thickness under the drywall can leave a bulge. So although metal boxes may be more rugged and more resistant to damage they have the potential to make the installation electrically more dangerous. Most do it yourselfers prefer plastic electrical boxes while electricians use both metal and plastic boxes.

Plastic vs metal electrical boxes post by a. When plastic doesn t make sense the standard alternative is a metal box. Metal boxes are usually made of aluminum steel or cast iron. 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.

Conduit clamps are less then 1 each. Back to the original question. On the other hand plastic boxes are more vulnerable to impacts. Mcmaster 3310t46 9 for 5.

Spruce tue may 02 2017 7 27 pm shannon wrote. 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. How about a list.

Electrical boxes are constructed of metallic or nonmetallic material. Both plastic and metal boxes come in a full range of types and sizes for both indoor and outdoor applications. Electrician 3 points 3 years ago. Many local building codes require metal junction boxes because they are durable and ensure long lasting performance.

The boxes made without metal are pvc or plastic. Use a plastic box when you have romex or nm wiring leading in or out of the box. Plastic both have their advantages and disadvantages. Cut about a 4 6 length of channel attatch to wall and clamp the conduit to it.

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. This thread is archived. You ll have to make sure to buy boxes that match the offset of the channel.

Where do you guys stand on plastic vs metal electrical boxes for residential use. Plastic electrical box vs metal electrical box. 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. Metal receptacle covers must be grounded even on plastic boxes.

Today we will share significance of plastic electrical box vs metal electrical box.