Electrical Boxes

Electrical boxes are used to connect electrical components throughout your home safely. Aside from protecting against fire and electric shock, an electrical junction box makes it possible to seamlessly connect outlets and fixtures in a room without needing several long cords to do the job. At American Electrics, we have boxes specifically for outdoor, ceiling, wall, and floor applications.

Consider your intended use and installation location when choosing between metal or plastic electrical boxes. Metal electrical boxes are necessary if you pair the box with a metal conduit. Plastic materials, such as polycarbonate, are advantageous because they’re non-conductive. That means connections won’t short if wires come in contact with the box. Both aluminum and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) boxes can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. Floor boxes are designed for installing outlets flush with the floor instead of along baseboards or in corners. When you need an electrical box for a light fixture, look for a fan-rated box that can also support a ceiling fan. 

Different Types of Electrical Boxes

While there are many different types of electrical boxes on the market, they all serve the same basic purpose: to provide a safe and secure connection point for wires. The main types of electrical boxes include:

Outdoor electrical boxes are weatherproof enclosures that house connections for outdoor lights, sprinklers, and other devices. They must be made of corrosion-resistant aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. 

Ceiling electrical boxes: These specialize in holding light fixtures securely in place while providing access to wiring should repairs or replacements be necessary. They come with or without fans and can be round, square or octagonal. 

Wall electrical boxes: Wall-mounted outlets, switches, and thermostats require wall electrical boxes. Depending on how much wiring space you need, they come in shallow and deep varieties. They can also be single or double-ganged, depending on how many devices need to be connected. 

Floor electrical boxes: These enclosures sit flush with the floor and provide easy access to outlets that might otherwise be difficult to reach. They come in metal and plastic varieties and can accommodate any type of flooring surface, including carpeting. 

No matter what type of electrical box you need, American Electrics has you covered. We carry metal electrical boxes, plastic electrical boxes, aluminum electrical boxes, PVC electrical boxes, and more. With so many options available, we make it easy to find the perfect fit for your next project — whether you’re a professional electrician or a DIYer just starting. Still, have questions? Our friendly and knowledgeable associates are always happy to help, so stop by your local store today!