Electrical back boxes are an extremely important aspect of any wire management system. These small enclosures house electrical connections and devices such as outlets, wiring, switches, etc. providing them a safe space and reducing electrical hazards. Electrical back boxes mainly come in two types i.e., metal or plastic electrical boxes.
When choosing between these two, you have to take into account several factors like your wiring system and installation environment, to name just a few. But which of these two options is right for you? This is what most people often seem to wonder.
In this blog, we are going to help you pick electrical back boxes that will work best for your project. So, without any further ado, let’s jump right ahead and look into plastic and electrical back boxes in detail to give you a better idea.
- Metal Electrical Back Boxes
- When to Use a Metal Electrical Back Box
- Plastic Electrical Back Boxes
- When to Use a Plastic Electrical Back Box
Metal Electrical Back Boxes
Metal electrical back boxes are typically made from aluminium or steel. These have long been used in a wide range of industries for their higher strength, durability, longevity, and fire resistance.
These electrical boxes are an ideal choice since they provide grounding capabilities. This makes them perfect for housing metallic-sheathed wiring, as in this case, the metal box completes the circuit, thus enhancing the safety of the installation.
This property of metal electrical boxes makes them useful in kitchens, basements, garages, and a wide range of commercial settings where appliances draw significant loads frequently.
The ability of these boxes to handle heavy electrical loads and mechanical stress also makes them perfect for installing ceiling fans or larger light fixtures. However, handling metal boxes requires special tools and skills, which is why only experts should work with them.
Pros
- These electrical back boxes are strong, durable, and fire/melting-resistant.
- These have grounding capabilities.
- These last long even in harsh and unpredictable outdoor conditions.
- Properly coated metal boxes can resist corrosion.
- These electrical boxes can handle very heavy electrical loads.
- These are perfect for most commercial and industrial applications.
- These electrical back boxes are safer as they can handle high heat and electrical loads without suffering any damage.
Cons
- You need special training and tools to handle these electrical back boxes.
- These electrical boxes cost you more.
When to Use a Metal Electrical Back Box
Experts recommend using these electrical boxes when metal conduits or metal-sheathed cables run in or out of the box. The contact between the metal sheathing and the metal box facilitates grounding, which leads to enhanced electrical safety.
These electrical boxes are also a great choice in areas where you cannot place them inside walls, and the boxes are exposed to the open air. In such cases, the exposed boxes are attached to the wall’s surface. Using plastic electrical boxes in such cases can be hazardous, as they cannot handle mechanical stress well.
Metal electrical back boxes are useful for areas with demanding conditions like high heat, constant chemical exposure, significant electrical loads, and complex wiring. Metal electrical boxes are also a great option in projects where you need long-term durability and extra security against tampering or unauthorized access.
Plastic Electrical Back Boxes
These electrical back boxes are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). These electrical boxes are known for their lightweight build, easy handling, and high impact, corrosion, and chemical resistance.
Plastic boxes are non-conductive, and they come with built-in clamps for wires. Their non-conductive nature eliminates the need for grounding, which makes them a safer option for residential use.
These boxes are less prone to corrosion, which makes them ideal for use in high moisture environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
Plastic electrical back boxes are not as strong as metal boxes. Under heavy loads or high stress, these are prone to warping or cracking. Moreover, these boxes cannot withstand very high temperatures for long. These can melt when used outside or in harsh temperature settings, which creates serious safety risks.
Pros
- These are lightweight and easy to install.
- These are affordable.
- They are non-conductive, which means no grounding is necessary.
Cons
- These are less durable than metal boxes.
- They can warp, bend, and break under high stress.
- They can melt under high heat.
- These are not ideal for commercial or industrial applications.
- They cannot support heavy electrical loads.
When to Use a Plastic Electrical Back Box
Experts recommend that you use plastic electrical back boxes for enhancing cable organization in less demanding residential projects as they give you affordability and ease of handling.
These are also a great option compared to metal boxes in moist environments like kitchens or bathrooms. You can also use them in areas where the physical damage risks are minimal and you do not need very high durability and heat resistance.
These are also a perfect option in cases where weight and ease of installation are a bigger concern than strength and durability.
Conclusion
Both metal and plastic electrical boxes have their pros and cons. The benefits of metal electrical boxes, however, far outweigh their cons. These electrical boxes can be used in both residential and commercial settings.
Metal boxes give you greater durability, better grounding, fire and chemical resistance, and increased safety. These electrical boxes can be used both inside and on the surface of the walls, which makes them a perfect fit for every application.
With plastic electrical back boxes, you get ease of handling and cost savings. However, they are only effective for use in less severe residential settings. You cannot use them outdoors since they cannot withstand harsh weather for long.
So, take these few points into consideration before ordering electrical back boxes to save yourself both money and a lot of trouble.You can visit us at Power Solution PSI to explore our top-quality metal electrical boxes for all residential and commercial applications to get maximum safety and functionality.
