[ Usenet FAQs | Search | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]
Part1 - Part2 - Single Page
Top Document: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 2 of 2)
Previous Document: What is Romex/NM/NMD? What is BX? When should I use each?
Next Document: Junction box positioning?
-
Search the FAQ Archives
Part1 - Part2 - Single Page
Top Document: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 2 of 2)
Previous Document: What is Romex/NM/NMD? What is BX? When should I use each?
Next Document: Junction box positioning?
Should I use plastic or metal boxes?
The NEC permits use of plastic boxes with non-metallic cable only. The reasoning is simple -- with armored cable, the box itself provides ground conductor continuity. U.S. plastic boxes don't use metal cable clamps. The CEC is slightly different. The CEC never permits cable armor as a grounding conductor. However, you must still provide ground continuity for metallic sheath. The CEC also requires grounding of any metal cable clamps on plastic boxes. The advantage of plastic boxes is comparatively minor even for non-metallic sheathed cable -- you can avoid making one ground connection and they sometimes cost a little less. On the other hand, plastic boxes are more vulnerable to impacts. For exposed or shop wiring, metal boxes are probably better. Metal receptacle covers must be grounded, even on plastic boxes. This may be achieved by use of a switch with ground connection.
Top Document: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 2 of 2)
Previous Document: What is Romex/NM/NMD? What is BX? When should I use each?
Next Document: Junction box positioning?
Part1 - Part2 - Single Page
[ Usenet FAQs | Search | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]
Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
clewis@ferret.ocunix.on.ca (Chris Lewis)
Last Update July 24 2008 @ 00:13 AM