There is nothing in the NEC that says you cannot use old work boxes.

Can you use old work box for new work?

It is mechanically possible to install a standard new-work box in an existing wall by: Cutting hole in drywall adjacent to a stud. Placing plastic box in the hole up against the stud.

What is the difference between an old work box and a new work box?





New work boxes, designed to be installed just after the wall is framed but before the surfaces are finished with drywall. They attach to studs. Old work (also called retrofit) boxes, designed to be installed after the walls are finished and are used during remodeling projects. They attach to drywall or plaster.

Can you screw in an old work box?

Screws shall not be permitted to pass through the box unless exposed threads in the box are protected using approved means to avoid abrasion of conductor insulation. If so, is there a better way to support old work boxes than just relying on the drywall tabs?

Can you use old work box in ceiling?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And the way it works is unlike. The new work box which is attached directly to the stud. This is actually going to be hanging on the drywall.

Can you use metal boxes in residential?

Metal boxes’ strength comes in handy when mounting especially heavy items like ceiling fans. Metal boxes can also be used with Romex or NM wiring if desired, though special precautions must be taken to ensure proper grounding.

How much weight can an old electrical box hold?





50 pounds

The 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.

Why is it called old work box?

The term old work (sometimes old construction or retrofit) refers to walls that are already covered up, making it impossible to access the studs. Thus, old work electrical boxes attach directly to the wallboard.

How do you use an old electrical box?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The box and feather the opening with the edge of the utility knife until the box fits snug to install run wires into the box and position it in the hole.

How do you install an old electrical box in a ceiling?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It's made for either 16 inch on center or 24 inch on center joists. You keep turning it until it gets really tight up against the joists you see those little points on it those. Points will actually

What is a remodel electrical box?

Remodeling boxes, also called old-work boxes, are electrical boxes designed to be installed after drywall has been hung. For example, you would install a remodeling box if you need an additional outlet for a home office or theater.

Is it OK to use metal outlet boxes?

Metal boxes are fireproof, strong, do not melt, warp, crack, crush, or bend, and provide excellent security for various electrical wiring applications. Local building codes in several places require using metal electrical boxes due to their durability, superior performance, and longer life.

Why are there no plastic electrical boxes?



Though PVC can melt when overheated, it does not conduct electricity like metal does. Use plastic boxes when: There are non-metallic (NM) cables leading in or out of the box. Metal-sheathed wiring relies on bonding with the metal electric box for grounding and should not be used in plastic boxes.

How do you install an old work metal electrical box?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: They would just go up against the sides top and bottom of the box if it was a fully enclosed. Device. Box put that into the hole. Into the opening. Snap it in tight.

How much weight will an old work box support?

Suitable for fixture support up to 50 lbs. With the the old work version(B618R), it states.

Do electrical boxes have to be mounted to studs?

They don’t need to be fastened to a stud, so you can install them anywhere.

What is a 1900 box?



A 1900 Electrical Box is defined as a standard 4 inches (4”) square electrical switch box which is the combination of a gas and electrical box. It is the most commonly used box when a simple switch box is not big enough.

Why is a 4 square box called a 1900 box?

This electrical box is usually called a 1900 Box because that was the original part number from Bossert almost a hundred years ago. It is the most common box used when a simple SwitchBox is not large enough.

What is a 2100 electrical box?

Top Definition



This electrical box is slightly larger than the standard 1900 or 4″ box. Called a 5″ box because of its 4-11/16″ size, it is used for a wide variety of applications where heaver cables are needed or bulky wiring devices require a higher volume box.