Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
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Can I use a Plastic Nail Box in the attic as a junction box as long as I put a cover on it to conceal the wires.? Selecting The Right Junction Box for Home Electrical Wiring Projects, Types of Junction Boxes for Home Electrical Wiring. |
Junction Boxes for Home Electrical Wiring
Electrical Question: Can I use a Plastic Nail Box in the attic as a junction box?
- I was looking at your Electrical Junction Boxes section and need to know if I can use a 1 Gang Plastic Nail Box in the attic as a junction box as long as I put a Plastic cover on it to conceal the wires.
- I may want to add a light in the hall way and would just tap into the existing 15 amp circuit that feeds the other hall lights.
- The box would be holding 6 #14 wires not including the grounds. Is there a better box to use?
This electrical wiring question came from: Michael, a Homeowner from Vancouver, Washington.
Additional Comments: I love your web site. I’m a competent in home repairs and I like to do things right. Your site helps me double check what I think I know about wiring.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Michael.
Selecting the Right Junction Box for Home Wiring Projects
Application: Installing a Junction Box.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Certified Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important: Burnt or damaged wiring and circuit components should be replaced with new electrical materials of the same voltage and amperage rating.
Notice: Repairs to Home Electrical Wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes and installing new or replacement electrical parts or equipment may require to have a permit and be inspected.
Junction Boxes for Home Electrical Wiring
Yes Michael, just locate the junction box in an accessible area as you have mentioned. There are various sizes and styles of electrical junction boxes, and some are for a specific purpose or application. The size of a junction box will depend on the device that will be installed and how many wires will occupy the space.
Characteristics of Electrical Junction Boxes
- Indoor applications – Plastic, fiberglass, steel, or composite.
- Outdoor applications – PVC Plastic, aluminum, or fiberglass.
- Flush Mounted – Typically used throughout the home where sheet rock or a wall covering will be installed.
- Surface Mounted – Indoor and Outdoor – Typically used where surface mounted conduit will be installed in areas such as the garage, workshop, outdoor applications.
Types of Junction Boxes
- Light Fixture boxes, switch boxes, receptacle outlet boxes.
- PVC old work plastic boxes, wall switches and outlets.
- Steel Junction boxes for surface mounted outlets and switches.
More about Electrical Junction Boxes
- Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Electrical Wiring
- Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
- Electrical Code for How Many Wires in Junction Boxes
- Lighting For The Home
- Lighting Electrical Codes
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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I am planning on adding a ceiling light fixture and wall switch to an upstairs closet. My question is would the easiest power supply to tap into be an attic junction box in that immediate area or possibly a close wall outlet? Thanks for the information.
Rob H.