An electrical box is the heart of the electrical components of any home. It houses important wires and switches and makes accessing these switches easy and convenient. The electrical box also protects electrical wires and switches from outside elements, from short-circuiting, and from other issues that can be fire hazards. There’s fire, the type of box used is important and should be up to code according to local building codes and standards. Because of the importance of the electrical box, it is advised to have a knowledgeable and affordable electrician handle the installation or repairs as necessary. But is a metal box or plastic box the right way to go?

Metal

Up until now, metal has been the go-to material used for electrical boxes. Metal boxes are generally made of steel, aluminum, or cast iron. They are strong, fireproof, and able to withstand high pressure without crushing or bending. They also provide security for wires going in and out. Some building codes require metal box installation because of their superiority and durability. It is mandatory to use metal boxes when metal cables or conduits run in and out of the box. But with the development of high-quality plastic that is both easy to work with and less expensive, many homeowners wonder if it would be better to switch to plastic. An affordable electrician can help you make that switch.

Plastic

Plastic electrical boxes are made of PVC or fiberglass. In addition to being less expensive, plastic electrical boxes don’t have to be grounded. Plastic does not conduct electricity like metal when touched by a moving wire, which is why grounding is not necessary. Because installation without grounding is less time-consuming, many electricians are making the switch to installing plastic electrical boxes instead of metal. Plastic boxes are also lightweight and easy to install. Plastic boxes can replace metal boxes if non-metallic wires come in and out of the box. However, the downside to plastic is that it can crack or warp faster than metal under pressure. It can also melt from overheating.

Speak to an affordable electrician to decide what type of electrical box may be the right fit for you and your home. Give our affordable electrician at Turner Electric a call today.