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Basic Electrical Boxes

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Boxes Safety Tips

 

  • Always turn off power at the circuit breaker box or fuse box before changing a receptacle or switch. You can double check that the circuit is dead by using a tester.
  • Never attempt repairs near the service head. Call a professional.
  • Don’t drill into walls or ceilings blindly without shutting off power. Use a detector to determine if there are wires behind the walls.
  • If the homeowner has small children, suggest safety covers for wall receptacles. It is a small plastic device with two blades that fit into the slots of the receptacle and prevents little fingers from reaching in.

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    Wall Box

     

  • 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 1-1/2“ or 2”deep for places too shallow to mount a standard box.
  • A Handy box is surface mounted and has rounded corners for safety.
  • A Drywall box has expandable arms and can be mounted on drywall.
  • A Plastic box is best for new installation and often has a nail built-in for quick attachment to the stud.
  • A Gem box is a commonly made box, usually 2” wide, 3”high and 2-1/2” deep and made of metal. Deeper boxes are available.

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    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 also may 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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Courtesy of NRHA.org
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