What is the difference between old work and new work electrical boxes?

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.

Which NEC article covers requirements for device boxes?





Article 314 of the National Electrical Code covers the installation and use of all boxes and conduit bodies used as outlet, device, junction or pull boxes, depending on their use.

Are electrical boxes required?

Electrical codes generally require that all electrical devices, and the wiring connections to those devices, must be enclosed in an approved electrical box. Often known as a junction box, this metal or plastic box includes a cover to protect the wiring within and protect you from the wiring.

What is an electrical work box?

New Work Electrical Box



A new work box is an electrical box that attaches to wall studs while the wall system is still open, prior to installation of drywall. A new work box is for light switches, outlets, and other devices that install in walls.

What are the 4 types of electrical boxes?

Types of Electrical Boxes

  • Handy Box: Mounts on the surface of a wall. …
  • Junction Box: Wires connect only to each other, never to a switch, receptacle or fixture. …
  • New Work Box: Installed as part of a new construction project. …
  • Old Work Box: Also called a “remodeling box.” Installed on drywall after it has been hung.

What are electrical boxes called?





electrical junction box

An electrical junction box (also known as a “jbox”) is an enclosure housing electrical connections. Junction boxes protect the electrical connections from the weather, as well as protecting people from accidental electric shocks.

Which of the following is a general NEC requirement for installing boxes?

Terms in this set (15) The following is a general NEC requirement for installing boxes? The finished installation must be accessible for future maintenance and repair.

How does old work electrical box work?

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.

What is the difference between junction box and utility box?



The major difference between a junction box and a utility box is that a junction box would house the electrical connections while the utility boxes are used to install switches, fixtures, etc.

What is a standard electrical box?

Standard rectangular boxes, also known as “single-gang” or “one-gang” boxes, are typically used for single light fixture switches and outlet receptacles. They are generally 2 x 3 inches in size, with depths ranging from 1 1/2 inches to 3 1/2 inches.

How many types of electrical boxes are there?

Two-gang, three-gang, and four-gang boxes



These three types fit electrical outlets and electrical switches, but they’ve been oversized to hold up to four devices simultaneously. They can also be found in various old-work and new-work styles.

Where are junction boxes required?



You’ll need a junction box if you can’t make the connections inside an existing electrical box. You should install the box with the opening facing out from the wall so all the wires inside are accessible. Like any electrical box, it should be installed so that the edge of the opening is flush with the wall.

Where are boxes required NEC?

A box shall be installed at each outlet and switch point for concealed knob-and-tube wiring. Fittings and connectors shall be used only with the specific wiring methods for which they are designed and listed.

What is code for junction box?

Securing Cables



Article 334.30 states that cables coming out of the junction boxes should be secured within 12 inches of the box in all boxes equipped with cable clamps. These cable clamps are not to be removed. 314.17(C) states that cables must be secured to the receptacle box.

Can you extend electrical wire without junction box?

Short answer: NO. Long answer: All splices must be in a junction box, and the junction box must be accessible.

Can I put a junction box behind drywall?



Junction box covers must remain accessible; they cannot be covered with drywall or other surface material. A junction box is most often used where an electrical circuit branches off in two or more directions from a location where an outlet or fixture is not practical.

Does a junction box have to be attached to a stud?

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