Plastic Electrical Boxes Vs Metal

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Plastic electrical boxes vs metal. This thread is archived. Plastic electrical box vs metal electrical box. So although metal boxes may be more rugged and more resistant to damage they have the potential to make the installation electrically more dangerous. Today we will share significance of plastic electrical box vs metal electrical box.

Metal receptacle covers must be grounded even on plastic boxes. Electrical boxes are constructed of metallic or nonmetallic material. Use a plastic box when you have romex or nm wiring leading in or out of the box. In a few cases though the choice is clear cut and obvious mainly with respect to grounding.

Plastic both have their advantages and disadvantages. Electrician 3 points 3 years ago. Both plastic and metal boxes come in a full range of types and sizes for both indoor and outdoor applications. Conduit clamps are less then 1 each.

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. You ll have to make sure to buy boxes that match the offset of the channel. 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. In many cases your choice of a metal or plastic electrical box is one of personal preference economy and ease.

Plastic vs metal electrical boxes post by a. With plastic boxes that extra thickness under the drywall can leave a bulge. The boxes made without metal are pvc or plastic. How about a list.

I prefer metal but i do use plastic where appropriate. 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. Spruce tue may 02 2017 7 27 pm shannon wrote. Metal sheathed wiring depends on bonding with the metal electrical box for grounding.

This may be achieved by use of a switch with ground connection. Metal electrical boxes are primarily used with metal sheathed or bx wiring. Mcmaster 3310t46 9 for 5. Where do you guys stand on plastic vs metal electrical boxes for residential use.

For exposed or shop wiring metal boxes are probably better. On the other hand plastic boxes are more vulnerable to impacts. Cut about a 4 6 length of channel attatch to wall and clamp the conduit to it. When plastic doesn t make sense the standard alternative is a metal box.

Most do it yourselfers prefer plastic electrical boxes while electricians use both metal and plastic boxes.