What To Know About The Various Types Of Electrical Boxes

Electrical boxes play a key role in the electrical system of every house. But since there’s such a wide array of them, it can be perplexing to a homeowner. They come in numerous shapes and sizes, and it’s hard to tell which box to use for what application.

To end the confusion, the following is a rundown of the most common kinds of electrical boxes.

What are the various types of electrical boxes?

Plastic and metal electrical boxes

Most boxes are either made of plastic or metal. Metal products generally feature steel construction, whereas plastic solutions are fiberglass or PVC. Weatherproof metal models for outdoors are typically aluminum.

Households using a metal conduit to transfer wires to electrical boxes require a metal solution. It anchors the line and helps ground the entire system. If non-metallic cables are used (e.g., NM-B), either metal or plastic boxes will do the trick, provided the cable comes with the right clamp.

Rectangular boxes

Single-light switches and receptacles generally fit regular rectangular boxes, also known as one-gang or single-gang boxes. Some products are gangable, featuring removable sides to enable links between multiple boxes to form a larger one. These items can store more than three devices at once.

They come in different types of old-work and new-work designs. Some items have built-in clamps to secure NM cables.

Two-gang, three-gang, and four-gang boxes

These three types fit electrical outlets and electrical switches, but they’ve been oversized to hold up to four devices simultaneously. They can also be found in various old-work and new-work styles. Some of them come with integrated cable clamps.

Round pan boxes

Round pan (pancake) boxes are usually just ½ or ¾-inch deep. They’re commonly used for wall- or ceiling-mounted fixtures that weigh up to 50 pounds.

Junction boxes

Junction boxes aren’t a special kind of electrical box. Rather, this term denotes any standard model that encloses wire splices. In most cases, they are four-inch models with enough space to connect several cables or wires. They also provide plenty of room to create branches in multiple directions and split circuits.

Round and octagon boxes

Round and octagon boxes are normally between one and a half and three inches deep. They’re also used for wall or ceiling fixtures weighing no more than 50 pounds. They offer extra room for wires than round-pan and shallow boxes and can serve as junction boxes.

Ceiling fan-rated boxes

Ceiling fan electrical boxes come in different sizes and types, such as ½-inch pancake items and standard two-inch versions. They’re typically round but can also be octagonal.

This type of box must be UL-rated for ceiling fan installation and approved for this particular use. Therefore, don’t use octagonal or standard round solutions to install ceiling fans. Their designated boxes must be properly fastened to endure the dynamic loading.

With so many types of boxes, the system is prone to all sorts of issues. To resolve them safely, reach out to a reliable electrician.

Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.