Electrical Boxes: Junction Box, Outlet Box, Single Gang, 2 Gang
Electrical Boxes vary in size, material, number of gangs, and shape and are designed for specific uses like junctions, outlets, and switch or fixture boxes for wiring in wall or ceiling.
Use this guide to determine the best electrical box choice for your application.
Types of Electrical Box Material: Metal & Non-metallic
Types of Electrical Boxes: Outlet, Junction, Switch, Fan, Single & Multi Gang
Each type of electrical box is designed for a specific use. Below are the most common electrical boxes, like the outlet box, junction box, light switch box, and
fan box, as well as different gang boxes, from single gang and 2 gang, up to 3 gang, 4 gang, and beyond. Some electrical boxes are designed to be wall boxes,
ceiling boxes, floor boxes, and masonry boxes for installation within brick walls and structures.
Electrical Box Covers and Wall Plates
Keep your electrical wall boxes, including outlets, junctions, and light switches, covered and safely hidden from sight. Multiple colors and styles of box covers,
switch plates, and outlet covers are available.
Planning Electrical Outlet Box, Light Switch Box, or Ceiling Box Installation
When installing new electrical outlet, junction, fixture, or switch boxes in a room, remember these helpful tips:
- Always remember to disconnect power to the area you are working on before beginning any
electrical work.
- Plan where larger pieces of furniture will be placed so the electrical boxes for outlets,
switches, or fixtures will not be covered.
- Identify where large electrical power requirements (appliances, electronics, etc.) will be
placed so electrical outlets can be planned accordingly with the right 2 gang, 3 gang, or larger gang boxes to accommodate the right number and type of outlets, etc.
- Allow for at least one electrical box per wall, if not more.
- Use a stud finder to find the stud nearest your desired electrical box location. The
electrical box will be mounted on the side of the stud.
- Electrical outlets are typically installed 12 inches from the floor to the bottom of the
outlet box.
- The standard height for light switch box installation is 48 inches from the floor to the
bottom of the switch box.
- Plan one ceiling box for each light fixture.
- Plan one fan box to mount each ceiling fan, centrally located as needed.
- Plan for electrical boxes near cable outlets, and keep junction boxes at an acessible or
expandable location.
- Identify your needs for light switches, fixtures, cable, telephone, and other auxilary jacks
in combination with electrical outlets (e.g., fiber optic, ethernet, satellite television systems, etc.).
- See NEC® (National Electric Code®) 314 for requirements for electrical box installation, box
fill limitations and box grounding.
- Obtain any required permits from the building inspector for your area.
Shop All Wiring Devices
Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician or consult the NEC® for safety. All
licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.