Unless you’re using armored (BX, or metal-sheathed) wire, you can use either type box, your preference really. If you use BX, you need to use a metal junction box.

What type of electrical box should be used in an unfinished basement?

Metal boxes should be used: When metal-sheathed cable or metal conduit is running in or out of the box. For interior exposed application such as in an unfinished basement or mudroom where there’s no drywall.

How many outlets can be on a 20 amp circuit in a basement?





Up to 10 outlets can safely run on a 20-amp circuit. A circuit should not run at more than 80% of its load capacity. On a 20-amp circuit, this is 16 amps. The rule-of-thumb is one outlet for every 1.5 amps of the 80% maximum.

What size outlet box do I need?

Table of Electrical Box Sizes vs Number of Wires Allowed

NEC Table 314.16 (A) Metal Electrical Boxes for Devices
4 x 2 1/2 x 2 1/8″ Device Box 18 6
4 x 1 1/4″ square 18 8
4 x 2 1/4″ square 21 9
4 x 2 1/4″ square 30.3 13

Does outlet box have to be on a stud?

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

How do you run an outlet in an unfinished basement?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The cam lighting is super easy you can use the nail that they provide you on those extension arms or just the drywall screw like I did here.

Can you use plastic electrical boxes in basement?





Typically, electrical boxes are recessed in walls. But areas such as unfinished basements and mudrooms may not have a complete wall system that allows for the box to be enclosed by drywall. A typical installation in these cases involves attaching the exposed box directly to a masonry wall.

Can I run two refrigerators on the same circuit?

If your circuit capacity and codes allow you to plug two appliances into one outlet, you may still want to reconsider. Doing so can cause your refrigerators to run less efficiently. Drawing too much power can make your breaker trip.

Can you put lights and outlets on the same circuit?

Yes, you can. The average home uses an indoor distribution board that houses the breakers of the majority of circuits in the home. A circuit controlled by a 15A circuit breaker (which a lot of contractors use for general lighting) can also accommodate outlets.

How far can you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?

After these distances, the circuit will go over the recommended 3% voltage drop. You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit. That number drops to 50 feet if you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit.

Does an electrical junction box need to be secured?



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.

Do you have to mount junction 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. This rule is demonstrated nicely by wall switches, receptacles, and standard light fixtures, all of which require a junction box to mount the device and house the wiring connections.

What are shallow electrical boxes used for?

They are usually used in shallow basement walls or things like that. They come in remodel and new construction varieties. They would be perfect if they came in draft tight models but I haven’t see any like that.

Will a GFCI fit in a shallow box?



If your box isn’t deep enough, you won’t be able to fit the GFCI into the box. You may also discover you have a shallow electrical box when adding other devices such as fan controls or programmable timer switches.

What is the difference between junction box and utility box?

A utility box can also be called an electrical box and it would be composed of switches, electrical sockets, and also fixtures. 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 the minimum depth of an outlet box?

Outlet boxes that do not enclose devices or utilization equipment shall have a minimum internal depth of 12.7 mm (1/2 in.).

Should electrical box be flush with drywall?

When you install an electrical box, make sure it is flush with the surface of this drywall strip; this will ensure the boxes are at the proper depth when the walls are finished.

How do I choose a junction box?



If you’re looking for boxes that provide more room for wiring, then round or octagon boxes are perfect for your installation. You can use larger units as junction boxes where needed. If you’re working on a surface-mounted installation that includes a metal conduit, then a round box made of metal is preferred.

What are the different 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.

Can you use a switch box for an outlet?

Handy boxes (also known as utility boxes) are typically used to install electrical outlets or switches on exposed surfaces. Intended for indoor use, handy boxes are available in one- and two-gang configurations. Some have a mounting bracket for attaching the box to a wall or a ceiling framing member.

Can I use an outlet as a junction box?

Yes. For code-compliance purposes: Each 14 gauge wire is 2 cubic inches, each 12 gauge 2.25. All of the ground wires count as a largest wire.