Electrical Installation and

Maintenance 4
Perform roughing-in activities, wiring and cabling works for single-phase distribution, power, lighting and auxiliary systems
Objectives:

Explain the uses of electrical boxes.

Differentiate the types of boxes in the
context of PEC.
Justify the importance of electrical boxes.
Electrical Box
 What is Electrical Box?

 Electrical boxes are used to enclose connections for a number of

applications like switches, fixtures and electrical outlets, and
protect them from external damage, tampering and other factors
that can affect their working.
 Electrical box’s primary function is to house electrical connections.
 Those connections might be to a switch, a receptacle, the leads of
a light fixture, or other sets of wire.
 Boxes are made of steel and nonmetallic materials(plastic).
 There are many models of electrical boxes available, some of which
are specifically designed to tackle indoor or outdoor connections.
 Uses of Electrical Boxes

 Electrical boxes can be mounted on wall surfaces, behind

walls and in recesses, or even on ceilings.
 This flexibility of installation makes them incredibly useful for
a number of different applications, like:
 Splicing or joining wires in electrical circuits and wiring.
 Housing connections for electrical appliances, lighting fixtures
and the like, and mounting them on walls or ceilings for easy
access.
 Uses of Electrical Boxes

 Electrical boxes are available in a variety of materials and sizes for

different applications, which can protect wiring, circuitry and against
electrocution.
 They provide easy access to the circuitry and components for repairs
and maintenance.
 Live wires can also be grounded for added protection and to prevent
short circuits.
 They are available in metal, plastic and synthetic bodies and can be
wired using metallic wire and conduit, as well as non-metallic cables.
Types of Electrical Box

 1. Wall boxes
 used for housing switches and receptacles.
  made of metal or plastic and have the capability to be mounted to a
wall or stud
  the holes in the side of the box where the conduit enters the box
are called knockouts. In metal boxes, conduit can also be secured to
the holes.
  one type is a Four-Inch Square box that is only 1 ½” or 2” deep for
places too shallow to mount a standard box.
Types of Electrical Box

a. Handy box is

surface mounted
and has rounded
corners for safety.
 Types of Electrical Box

 Handy Box – For applications

where mounting electrical boxes
behind walls or in recesses isn’t
possible, handy boxes can be used
to house receptacles and light
switches.
 They can be directly mounted on a
wall’s surface, without making any
major modifications.
Types of Electrical Box

b. Drywall box has

expandable arms and
can be mounted on a
drywall.
Types of Electrical Box

c. Plastic box is best

for new installation
and often has a nail
built-in for quick
attachment to the
stud.
Types of Electrical Box

 D. Gem box is
commonly made box,
usually in 2” wide, 3”
high and 2 1/2” deep and
made of metal. Deeper
boxes are available.
 Types of Electrical Box

 Ceiling Box
  Also known as a junction box or splice box
  Used to anchor ceiling fixtures and serves as a
junction box where wires can meet and run to
other areas of the room.
  They are either 4” octagonal or round shaped,
and either 1-1/2” or 2-1/8” deep.
  They may also include adjustable mounting
hangers that attach to rafters in the ceiling and
allow the box to be placed anywhere between.
  Hangers also provide the short nipple or
threaded rod that secures lighting fixtures.
Types of Electrical Box

 3. Weatherproof Box

  Also known as an outdoor box.

  Used for exterior switches or
receptacles.
  Thicker than interior boxes and has a
rubber gasket between the cover and
the box to keep out water.
  Covers are screw-on or snap-on.
 Types of Electrical Box

 A junction box is an enclosure that protects a

 Junction Box –  connection (the junction) of two or more wires carrying
 Junction boxes are never used electrical current.  This level of protection is needed to
prevent fires and to maintain solid, reliable
for housing switch, fixture or connections that stay tight over many years.  The use
receptacle connections, only of junctions removes the need to run a wire from every
outlet or switch back to the main service panel.
wires connected to each other.
 When a junction box is used for every electrical
 These electrical boxes allow you connection in a building it is much easier to locate and
to safely split circuits and create repair any electrical problems that come up.  When
some connections are made without junction boxes,
branches in different directions. such as inside wall cavities or in hidden ceiling or attic
locations, the likelihood future problems increases.  
Every electrical connection should be inside a
protective box that is easy to find and access.
 Types of Electrical Box

 Outdoor Box – 
 Outdoor boxes are available as
non-metallic and metallic units,
and are designed for most
outdoor applications.
 These typically include features
that protect wiring and circuitry
from the elements, like sealed
seams, gaskets and watertight
covers.
 Types of Electrical Box

 Metal Box – Metal boxes  Knockouts – sections of metal

have some unique boxes that can be easily
characteristics, which is why knocked out to form openings
local building codes in many for conduits/wires to enter.
places require their use
 Knockouts- indentations that
instead of PVC or plastic ones.
They are usually a lot more can be knocked out to make
durable and perform well for a holes for the admission of
much longer time. conductors and connectors
 Types of Electrical Box

 A,  is  a  4-in.  Octagon box used for ceiling outlets. This box is made with 1/2-or   3/4-in.
 B, shows a 4 11/16-in. square box used for  heavy  duty,  such  as for   a   range   or   dryer   receptacle.   It   is
  made   with knockouts up to 1 in. in diameter
 C, is   a   sectional   or   GEM   BOX   used   for   switches   or receptacles. By loosening a screw, you can remove
the side  panel  on  the  gem  box  so  that  two  or  more  boxes an  be  GANGED  (combined)  to  install  more
 than  one switch or receptacle at a location
 D, is a UTILITY BOX, called a handy box, made with 1/2-or 3/4-in. knockouts and used principally for open-type
work. 
  E,  is  a  4-in.  square  box  with1/2- or 3/4-in. knockouts, used quite often for switch or receptacle installation. It is
equipped with plastic rings having flanges of various depths so that the box may beset in plaster walls of various
thicknesses
 Besides  the  boxes  shown,  there  are  special  boxes for  switches  when  more  than  two  switches  at  one
location   are   required.   These   are   called   CONDUITGANG  BOXES,  and  they  are  made  to  accommodate
three,  four,  five,  or  six  switches.  Each  size  box  has  a cover to fit.
Types of Electrical Box

 PVC or Plastic Box – PVC or

plastic boxes are an easy-to-
install and inexpensive
solution for placing electrical
boxes behind drywall, in both
old-work and new-work
situations.
Types of Electrical Box

Square Box – Square

boxes are composed
of galvanized metal
and can be used in
new construction.
They accept wiring
from two devices.
 Types of Electrical Box

 Standard Rectangular
Box – Standard
rectangular boxes are the
most common type of
electrical boxes. They can
only house a single
outlet, receptacle or
switch.
Types of Electrical Box

 Round or Octagonal Box

– These electrical boxes are
designed to be mounted on
ceilings and can only
accommodate lightweight
safety devices and fixtures like
small light fixtures and
CO2/smoke detectors.
 Types of Electrical Box

 Ceiling Box – Ceiling boxes are

used for housing heavier devices
and fixtures, like chandeliers or
ceiling fans.
 Before installing one, you should
ensure that it is designed to
support at least the load it’ll
need to bear.
Electrical Boxes Accessories

There is a wide range of accessories and

fitting designed to be used along with
electrical boxes.
They can improve various capabilities like
safety, flexibility and aesthetics:
 Electrical Boxes Accessories

 Wall Plates:
 Also known as faceplates or covers.
  A flat metal, plastic or wooden piece that
covers the openings in the wall made by
receptacles and switches.
  The openings in the cover match the type
and number or receptacles or switches
being covered. Blank covers are also
available.
 Electrical Boxes Accessories

 Box Covers – After installing an electrical box and attaching the

wiring from the devices, you need to use an appropriate cover. A box
plate is basically a flat plate that can be mounted on the box with
screws, and there are various options available:
 Indoor outlet boxes and light switches can be covered with plain or decorative
covers.
 Outdoor boxes require watertight covers, or an in-use cover for receptacles.
These allow access to the outlet while still keeping it covered completely.
  Plain box covers can be used for keeping the wiring safe from the
elements and accidental contact, while still allowing access for repairs
and maintenance.
Electrical Boxes Accessories

 Braces and Bar Hangars – Lights and other devices can be

mounted between joists using braces and bar hangars, so they
can be installed in different locations with relative ease.
 Extension Rings – If an electrical box needs to accommodate
multiple wires, an extension ring can be used to increase the
total depth and provide more space for wiring.
 Adjustable Depth Boxes- 
These boxes can be adjusted to precisely install electrical boxes
flush with a wall’s surface, regardless of the actual depth of the
wall material.
 PEC PROVSIONS

 Electrical codes require that all wire connections or cable splices be inside an approved metal
or plastic box.
 And every box must be accessible – you cannot bury inside a wall.
 This protects your home from the danger of fire and make it easier to inspect and upgrade
your wiring in the future.
 Codes govern how many connections you are allowed to make within a box, depending on its
size.
 If you must make more connections, you have to use a larger box.
 Boxes for switches and receptacles serve as workhorses in any electrical installation. Some of
the metal ones can be ganged in to double, triple, or larger multiples by removing one side
and linking them together.
PEC PROVSIONS

 Box selection must be based on requirements for a

given location (such as dry, damp, wet, or hazardous).
 Boxes have particular requirements concerning the
maximum number of conductors.
 PEC PROVSIONS
 Boxes should be installed so that the outside edges are flushed with the
finishing material.
 Presumably, you know what materials you will be using, but make sure
that you know the thickness of any paneling, wallboard, or combinations.
 (For 3/8-inch drywall plus ¼-inch paneling, for example the box should
stick out 5/8-inch from the front of the framing.)
 The code allows boxes to be as deep as ½ inch behind the surface of
noncombustible materials, such as gypsum wallboard, brick, or concrete
block.
 This may cause a problem; however lining up the receptacle and cover
plate, so have the outside edges flush with the finishing material in all
 PEC PROVSIONS

 Boxes must be rigidly and securely fastened in place whether

mounted on the surface, mounted to a framing member, or
mounted in a finished surface.
 Under certain conditions, the only means of support a box
needs is two threaded conduits.
 Access to conductors and devices located within boxes and
conduit bodies must be available.
 PEC PROVISIONS: Mounting Boxes

 There are a great many different types of electrical boxes, but basically there are only
two ways of attaching them to walls and ceilings.
 The easiest method, used almost universally in new construction is to nail the box
directly to the framing of the new work before any finishing materials are attached to
walls or ceilings.
 The most convenient boxes are equipped with mounting brackets welded to the box
itself.
 Simply nail through the bracket into the front or sides of the studs or joist bottoms with
1-inch roofing nails.
 Other boxes are nailed with 8d (8-penny) nails into the sides of the studs through
projections in the top or bottom, or through holes predrilled in the boxes themselves.
 Some boxes, usually plastic ones, come with nails already attached through in-line
projections.
 PEC PROVISIONS: Mounting Boxes

 Occasionally a box must be located away from the framing members.

 This is often true of ceiling fixtures, and sometimes wall fixtures,
when exact placement is more desirable than it is for a switch or
outlet.
 In new work, use wood cleats, metal mounting straps, or adjustable
bar hangers, which are nailed into the studs or joists on each end. The
box can then be slid and locked in place at the optimum location.
 Round boxes shall not be used where conduits or connectors
requiring the use of locknuts or bushings are to be connected to the
side of the box.
 Nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted only with open wiring on
insulators, concealed knob-and-tube wiring, cabled wiring methods
with entirely nonmetallic sheaths, flexible cords, and nonmetallic
raceways.
 All metal boxes shall be grounded
 PEC PROVISIONS: Mounting Boxes

 In damp or wet locations, boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings

shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture from
entering or accumulating within the box, conduit body, or
fitting.
 Boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings installed in wet locations
shall be listed for use in wet locations.
 Boxes and conduit bodies shall be of sufficient size to
provide free space for all enclosed conductors.
Construction Specifications

 Metal boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings shall be

corrosion resistant or shall be well-galvanized,
enameled, or otherwise properly coated inside and out
to prevent corrosion.
Construction Specifications
 Thickness of Metal. Sheet steel boxes not over 1650
cm3 (100 in.3) in size shall be made from steel not less
than 1.60 mm thick.
 The wall of a malleable iron box or conduit body and a
die-cast or permanent-mold cast aluminum, brass,
bronze, or zinc box or conduit body shall not be less
than 2.40 mm thick.
 Other cast metal boxes or conduit bodies shall have a
wall thickness not less than 3 mm.
Construction Specifications

Grounding Provisions.
A means shall be provided in each metal
box for the connection of an equipment
grounding conductor.
The means shall be permitted to be a
tapped hole or equivalent.
 Construction Specifications

 Covers.
 Metal covers shall be of the same material as the box or conduit body
with which they are used, or they shall be lined with firmly attached
insulating material that is not less than 0.80 mm thick, or they shall
be listed for the purpose.
 Metal covers shall be the same thickness as the boxes or conduit
body for which they are used, or they shall be listed for the purpose.
 Covers of porcelain or other approved insulating materials shall be
permitted if of such form and thickness as to afford the required
protection and strength.
Construction Specifications

 Bushings. Covers of outlet boxes and conduit bodies

having holes through which flexible cord pendants may
pass shall be provided with approved bushings or shall
have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cord
may bear.
 Where individual conductors pass through a metal
cover, a separate hole equipped with a bushing of
suitable insulating material shall be provided for each
conductor.
 Construction Specifications

 Nonmetallic Boxes. Provisions for supports or other mounting

means for nonmetallic boxes shall be outside of the box, or the box
shall be constructed so as to prevent contact between the conductors
in the box and the supporting screws
 Marking. All boxes and conduit bodies, covers, extension rings,
plaster rings, and the like shall be durably and legibly marked with
the manufacturer’s name or trademark.
References

 http://www.dfliq.net/electrical-materials-products/electrical-boxes/
 https://www.thespruce.com/electrical-box-installations-and-uses-1152442
 https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Electrical_Outlet_Box_Types.php
 https://electronicorg.wordpress.com/2016/04/05/different-kinds-of-electrical-boxes/
 https://www.wiringdoneright.com/eboxtypes/
  
 Self Check

 1. The holes in the side of the box where the conduit

enters the box are called _______________.
A. Knack outs
B. Knockouts
C. Knockdown
D. Box Hole
Self Check

 2. It has expandable arms and can be mounted on a

drywall.
 A. Handy Box
 B. Drywall Box
 C. Plastic Box
 D. Gem Box
Self-Check

 3. Outdoor box is also known as

 A. Waterproof Box
 B. Watertight Box
 C. Weatherproof Box
 D. Either of these
Self-Check

 4. These electrical boxes allow you to safely split

circuits and create branches in different directions.
 A. Utility Box
 B. Square Box
 C. Junction Box
 D. Metal Box
Self-Check

 5. These are an easy-to-install and inexpensive solution for

placing electrical boxes behind drywall, in both old-work and
new-work situations.
 A. Plastic Box
 B. Square Box
 C. Junction Box
 D. Metal Box
 Self Check

 6. These boxes are used for housing heavier devices and

fixtures, like chandeliers.
 A. Ceiling Boxes
 B. Square Box
 C. Junction Box
 D. Metal Box
Self-Check

7. Sheet steel boxes not over 1650 cm3 (100

in.3) in size shall be made from steel not less
than ______________ thick.
A. 1.60 mm B. 1.5 mm C. 1.4 mm D. 1.8 mm
 Self Check

 8. Metal boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings shall be corrosion resistant or

shall be well-galvanized, enameled, or otherwise properly coated inside
and out to prevent corrosion.
 9. A means shall be provided in each metal box for the connection of an
equipment grounding conductor.
 10. All boxes and conduit bodies, covers, extension rings, plaster rings,
and the like shall be durably and legibly marked with the manufacturer’s
name or trademark.