Can I use a plastic junction box outside?
Plastic junction boxes aren't a good fit for the outdoors, and they can't be used with metal conduit, which is often required outdoors or when the wiring runs are not concealed inside wall or ceiling cavities.
What are the different types of junction boxes?
Metal boxes also come in old work types, but they aren't always as easy to use. Some plastic junction boxes have integrated cable clamps, usually in the form of little spring tabs that hold the electrical cable snug once it's inserted into the box. Many do not, though, and require the wire to be stapled in place within eight inches of the box.
Do junction boxes have cable clamps?
Plastic junction boxes have integrated cable clamps, usually in the form of little spring tabs that hold the electrical cable snug once it's inserted into the box. By contrast, many metal boxes require a separate cable clamp that is secured to the cable and then to the box.
What is a junction box on a ceiling?
Ceiling Junction Boxes In most cases, an electrician installs a rough-in electrical box before hanging any type of ceiling fixture. It can be made of metal or plastic, it's usually round and it attaches to a ceiling joist with screws or nails.
How much weight can my junction box hold?
You can assume the box will be able to support a light fixture if it supports at least 50 pounds. If the weight of the box is over 35 pounds, it must be labeled as such.
How much weight can a plastic ceiling electrical box?
All ceiling boxes are required to support at least 50 pounds (NEC 314.27(A)), so you can assume the box will be able to support a simple light fixture. Boxes that are designed to support ceiling fans must be labeled as such, and must have a label listing the weight it can support if over 35 pounds (NEC 314.27(D)).
How much weight can old work Junction box support?
50 poundsThe B618R is a round old work outlet box and is not listed for fixture support in the ceiling. Only approved ceiling boxes are allowed to support fixtures in the ceiling. These boxes will be permitted to support a minimum weight of 50 pounds. The B618R can be used in the ceiling as a junction box.
Is it OK to use a plastic junction box?
A plastic electrical box might be a better choice for your application if: You're using non-metallic sheathed wire (often called Romex wire). Romex wire and plastic junction boxes are frequently used together, but metal enclosures may be acceptable as well (depending on the project).
How do I know if my junction box will hold a ceiling fan?
The manufacturer must have marked the outlet box system to indicate that it is acceptable for ceiling fan installations. If the original box is not listed for this purpose, it must be retrofitted and attached securely to the building structure.
Can I mount ceiling fan into plastic box?
Conventional metal or plastic rough-in boxes aren't supposed to hold any more than 50 pounds, and most fans exert more force than that. Consequently, to hang one you need a support system consisting of a metal box attached to blocking or metal rods that you can secure to the ceiling joists.
How much weight can a plastic Octagon box hold?
50 poundsOctagon and Round Electrical Boxes Octagon and standard-size round boxes are deeper than round pan boxes, and they are the standard box for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures weighing up to 50 pounds.
How much weight can a old work box Hold on a wall?
Suitable for fixture support up to 50 lbs. With the the old work version(B618R), it states. Not listed for fixture support in ceilings.
Can you use old work box for light fixture?
Old work round boxes are not designed for light fixtures. You need to use a fan style bar box that goes between the joist unless you get lucky and hit a ceiling joist.
Do electrical junction boxes have to be metal?
In many cases, your choice of a metal or plastic electrical box is one of personal preference, economy, and ease. In a few cases, though, the choice is clear-cut and obvious, mainly with respect to grounding. Most do-it-yourselfers prefer plastic electrical boxes, while electricians use both metal and plastic boxes.
Do plastic junction boxes need clamps?
Single plastic boxes do not require internal cable clamps, but the cable must be stapled within 8 in. of the box. Larger plastic boxes are required to have built-in cable clamps and the cable must be stapled within 12 in. of the box.
Can I replace metal electrical box with plastic?
Homeowners can replace their metal electrical box with plastic if non-metallic cables come in and out of the box. However, the downside of plastic electrical boxes is that they distort or crack under stress, and PVC can melt due to overheating.
How wide is a light box?
Each fixture will be replacing a light box. Meaning it is a simple chrome plated box about 30" wide with a plastic diffuser and sat on top of a mirror.
What are the ears on a work box?
The ears on an old-work box (or the molly-like metal flanges on some) are pretty small contact points behind 1/2" drywall (or even 5/8"). It might be strong enough, but you don't want a lighting fixture with glass shades tumbling on Junior, Rover or Grandma.
Can you use an old fan brace box?
You can use an old work fan brace box. If you know the direction of your joists, you may not even have to get up in the attic.
Can you move a fixture to a structural member?
The best options in your situation, would be to move the fixture location to allow you to fasten the box to a structural member, or add a structural member to mount the box to.
How much weight can a rough in box hold?
Conventional metal or plastic rough-in boxes aren't supposed to hold any more than 50 pounds, and most fans exert more force than that. Consequently, to hang one you need a support system consisting of a metal box attached to blocking or metal rods that you can secure to the ceiling joists.
What is a ceiling junction box?
Ceiling Junction Boxes. In most cases, an electrician installs a rough-in electrical box before hanging any type of ceiling fixture. It can be made of metal or plastic, it's usually round and it attaches to a ceiling joist with screws or nails. If the fixture weighs less than about 5 pounds, it's possible to substitute a remodeling box, ...
What is the purpose of a remodeling box?
The purpose of a remodeling box, as its name implies, is to facilitate wiring on existing walls and ceilings.
What is the purpose of protective boxes?
The National Electrical Code requires protective boxes for every electrical connection in a residential or commercial building , and those boxes often serve double-duty by supporting an electrical fixture.
Can electric boxes be used to support a ceiling fan?
They aren't made for supporting much weight, however, and shouldn't be used to support a ceiling fan.
What is a plastic junction box?
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. When plastic doesn't make sense, the standard alternative is a metal box.
How far apart do you staple wires in a junction box?
Many do not, though, and require the wire to be stapled in place within eight inches of the box.
What happens if you replace a metal box with a plastic box?
If you replace an old metal box with a new plastic box in this type of system, you break the ground connection.
What is a new construction box called?
Boxes for new construction are called "new work.". There are also special boxes for remodeling work, called "old work.". These have little ears that flip out to grab the backside of the drywall when the box is screwed in place. Metal boxes also come in old work types, but they aren't always as easy to use.
Is plastic cheaper than metal?
Plastic is cheaper than metal. Both are pretty cheap, but plastic wins in most cases. The fact that plastic boxes usually don't need clamps also saves you a little bit more.
Do metal boxes need a separate clamp?
By contrast, many metal boxes require a separate cable clamp that is secured to the cable and then to the box. There's nothing wrong with a separate clamp ; it's just easier and a bit quicker to use the plastic tabs.
Do metal boxes need a ground connection?
That is, they don't need a ground connection to the box itself. By contrast, metal boxes, which are conductive, must be grounded to the circuit grounding system, usually with a short wire called a pigtail that connects the box to the circuit's ground wire (s). Featured Video.
How many pounds are in Hubble boxes?
Hubble shows octagonal boxes with brackets with 50 lb. ratings.
What is the weak link in a 50lb box?
The weak link would be the 8-32 box/cover screws. As the 50lb rating is usually assigned to fixture boxes and fixture mounting straps that use 8-32's, that's what I would go by, and offer to the inspector.
Do 4 squares need a weight rating?
I did see it. My statement still stands. I seems that 4 squares are not considered to be ceiling boxes by the manufacturer and thus no need for a fixture weight rating.
Does 1900 box have weight rating?
A standard 1900 box with or without ears is not going to have a weight rating. Not sure why you'd want to use a square box and mud ring over around box anyway but you need to look into boxes for fan use that have least the 50 pound rating, you can also look into pancake boxes and those by Arlington that are made to go directly on the joist and have the box volume up beside it. if you have a wonky ceiling detail where you need a 2-inch ring or something, I would check with Arlington first.#N#I'm not sure but something like a caddy TSB 16 or 24 bracket it's not going to work either, I've only ever seen those installed for vertical box applications, I do not believe they have a weight rating
How much weight is a ceiling luminaire box?
luminaire ceiling boxes are supposed to be rated for 50 lbs. so you should be good to go..
Can you hang cinder blocks from a box?
No, someone suggested hanging 3 or 4 cinder blocks from the box to test the strength. The suggestion was moderated out.
How much does a remodel can weigh?
Remodel cans are a fixed, light weight of 1-2 pounds, and not the same thing as an old work box which someone might attach anything to, like a chandelier or a fan.
Who makes old work ceiling boxes?
got my answer: the "old work" ceiling boxes you buy at Lowes are made by "Cantex" and are rated for fixtures up to 6# per the Cantex website.
Can I install a box in the ceiling?
For boxes in the ceiling supporting any weight, I would only install ones that were attached to the joists.
Can a ceiling light box hold weight?
I agree the box will hold weight but the ceiling might not. Dont overdo it. These boxes might actually be best for things like vanity lights and sconces. The box will hold the weight fine but you dont have to worry about the wall pulling away from the studs.
