Plastic Electrical Boxes for rework

[MikeF2316]

Back when I bought my house 20+ years ago, I bought a few blue plastic electrical boxes like the attached picture. I just used my last one, I can't find them anywhere now. Are they still available or is there some reason I shouldn't have been using them?

 

[reader2580]

They sell those at all the big box stores unless there is something special about it I can't tell from the picture. I bought several of those style in recent months.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Every hardware and home improvement store around here carries them. Even some local Walmart stores here have a few in stock.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

those are called "old work" boxes. I use them all the time. Theyre still made and allowed.

What store did u shop at?

 

[teamextreme]

If you can't find those, you must be looking in grocery stores. They're the second most common electrical box sold and are available at EVERY hardware store in the country.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I just realized that OP is in canada so maybe CEC doesnt allow them anymore?

 

[The Cobbler]

I don't see plastic boxes in Canada anymore. all metal .

 

[prostreetamx]

I really like those boxes and have used a lot over the years. The only issue I have is they are not Decora friendly since the yoke sits on top of the flange so the plate doesn't fit flush with the wall and good luck with dimmers. I have trimmed the yokes but I found it easier for switches to not use this box. I just side screw a normal box to the stud after I cut off all the outside tabs.

 

[awdblazer]

have you tried a electrica supply place?

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

There is a glass reinforced plastic or fiberglass version I like a little better ( they are tan ), in just that is a little more rigid, and not quite so "fluid" or flexible.

 

[tfi racing]

I don't see plastic boxes in Canada anymore. all metal .

Canada does extend outside of Ontario.Plastic boxes are the most popular type used in BC residential work.

 

[nh_yota]

I've used those boxes for years and now I'm finding that they don't work well for newer TR receptacles because of the force required to unplug something. I have some that are pulling out of the wall because the tabs have worked their way through the drywall.

 

[rlitman]

There is a glass reinforced plastic or fiberglass version I like a little better ( they are tan ), in just that is a little more rigid, and not quite so "fluid" or flexible.

I like the glass reinforced plastic ones more too. Around here they're blue, but a lighter blue than the plain plastic boxes.

 

[The Cobbler]

Canada does extend outside of Ontario.Plastic boxes are the most popular type used in BC residential work.

I didn't mean to imply that.
I meant that I don't see plastic boxes in my area anymore . apologies

 

[Marctrees]

These two SPECIFIC styles, previously seen by myself at Lowes, and numerous other retail outlets, solve many of the complications in the thread above. Marc

https://www.northcoastelectric.com/822561/Product/7010-8

https://www.northcoastelectric.com/839051/Product/9331-ESK

Notice this third style is VERY similar, BUT -- the ears that sit on wall are a little thicker, being plastic and not steel, so can cause plates not snugging up to wall w some devices and some plates.

https://www.northcoastelectric.com/822541/Product/E-16-8

 

[Marctrees]

Also, one can use a steel "gangable" box, and these sheet metal ears, sold seperately.

VERY widely available, least in US.

But, the various non steel ones above are much more convenient, but only for "Romex" - NMB cable.

The steel method below is more for like retrofit in older homes using BX "AC" armored cable, etc. Marc

http://inspectapedia.com/electric/Old_Work_Box_Clipss.jpg

 

[rlitman]

...
I meant that I don't see plastic boxes in my area anymore . apologies

Being that this is the internet, and we need to come up with the most outlandish explanations possible, I have to ask if you have suddenly gotten colorblind to that shade of blue. Can you read this post?

 

[rlitman]

Also, one can use a steel "gangable" box, and these sheet metal ears, sold seperately.

VERY widely available, least in US. Marc

http://inspectapedia.com/electric/Old_Work_Box_Clipss.jpg

If we're talking about gangable boxes, you could also buy an old-work steel box, and use the ears on that. Those have wide clamping plates on the sides. You can transpose one side, and gang it with the shell of another gangable box of the same size to make it wider too.

 

[JRC3]

Also, one can use a steel "gangable" box, and these sheet metal ears, sold seperately.

Back in when I was 20 (1990) that was all we had. They always worked as they should...Especially in lath and plaster.

From time to time I still use those metal clips to secure an old double or triple plastic box that has worked loose. Usually because it contains an outlet like above a kitchen counter.


Another beauty of what I call a "remodeler's box" (the plastic ones with the screws) is when a customer hasn't picked out specific lighting like in a bathroom. I can leave the wires long and loose and then finish the wall, then come back and cut the box holes once the lighting is chosen.

 

[tab2]

I only see those metal ones with tabs (madison bars) in commercial work here for old working stuff in. Is there a more robust version of the plastic ones for residential? The two corners that don't have the flip up tabs don't sit very tight to the wall and bothers me.

Any tips?

 

[dw1]

There is a glass reinforced plastic or fiberglass version I like a little better ( they are tan ), in just that is a little more rigid, and not quite so "fluid" or flexible.

and have the metal wings instead of plastic that hold the box in the wall, a much better box IMO.

 

[MikeF2316]

Here's my last one. Note in the bottom right a ground screw, which I don't see in the online pictures.

those are called "old work" boxes. I use them all the time. Theyre still made and allowed.

What store did u shop at?

have you tried a electrica supply place?

Only shopped the "big box" stores so far. I wanted to see if they were available in Canada before hitting an electrical supply place. Or to see if there was a good reason to not use them.

Also, one can use a steel "gangable" box, and these sheet metal ears, sold seperately.

VERY widely available, least in US.

I've used this type, but I don't like the fact that the ears don't sit up against the inside of the box, they always spring back a little, and get a little too close to the brass screws for my liking.


Thanks for all the replies all!

 

[Marctrees]

Tab2 - Go to links in post #15. Marc