Plastic or metal for surface mount?

[Marky Mark]

I need to add a couple ceiling fixtures as well as a few extra outlets along a wall over the workbench. The garage is finished, so I need to go with surface mount. Are the gray plastic boxes and pipes legal/safe for surface mount, or am I obligated to use the galvanized metal stuff? Plastic's much easier to work and paint, but I don't want to do something unsafe or something that might bite me in the rear with code/legality.

Thanks

Mark

 

[GShelton]

The pvc boxes are fine for surface mount. They are designed for exterior mainly, but there is no issue using it in doors.

 

[Rickcnc]

I used metal in my shop, although the electrician that wired it indicated most people in our area use plastic . He did mention one disadvantage with plastic was the pipe may sag if the shop gets really warm.

 

[pattenp]

I used metal in my shop, although the electrician that wired it indicated most people in our area use plastic . He did mention one disadvantage with plastic was the pipe may sag if the shop gets really warm.

PVC expands and contracts with temp changes. Be aware of how you fasten it to prevent bows when it does expand and contract.

 

[Falcon67]

I used metal boxes and MC cable.

 

[nwav8tor]

For the two outlet boxes I couldn't flush mount, I used surface mounted metal boxes and coverplates along with pvc conduit surface mounted running down from the attic to the first box and then across to the second box. The pvc conduit was inmstalled to protect the wiring since 12/2 romex was used rather than individual THHN wires...

 

[VHF]

There are also the systems designed for surface mount wiring, available in both metal and plastic. There is generally a base-plate that attaches to the wall, and then a cover that goes over. Can be expensive if doing a lot, but not a bad way to go to add a couple of lights or outlets.

 

[ddawg16]

Nice thing about PVC....real easy to work with and fish wires through....and you don't have to worry about the edges damaging your wire.

But EMT takes up slightly less space and as noted above, needs less support.

Personally.....I would use metal boxes with PVC pipe....IF I could not fish the wires in the ceiling and wall.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I kind of like the look of conduit wiring. It has a nice industrial look to it that helps add to the ambience of the garage. Plus it's much easier to reconfigure to a new arrangement if you need to move or add an outlet or other device.

 

[matt151617]

The PVC boxes are significantly more expensive than the metal ones. I was a PVC only guy up until I decided to put surface mount conduit on my cinder block basement walls. The EMT looks much nicer/more professional, and it's not much harder to cut with a hacksaw then PVC is.

To me, visible/on the walls PVC looks amateur and tacky, while EMT looks professional/industrial. PVC belongs either hidden or underground, not on walls.

 

[Marky Mark]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate it.

The wall outlets will be along the workbench in the "backsplash area, and there will be firred-out pegboard across there, so I think the PVC will be ok for that. Haven't decided on the ceiling conduit just yet. BTW, how well does the galv conduit take paint?

 

[Norcal]

Metal conduit & tubing takes paint quite well.

 

[VHF]

There are long power strips with outlets every few inches that are ideal for use over a workbench. These come in both plug-in and hardwire in a variety of lengths.

Of couse, there's nothing wrong with conduit and boxes whereever you want them!

 

[jeffmoss26]

I do a lot of low voltage wiring and use plastic wiremold in places where the walls can not be fished.
I've also had to use EMT and metal boxes in warehouse/production environments.

 

[Blk88GT]

EMT only for me. Plastic for outside.