Metal Vs Plastic Electrical Boxes | Avoid This Common DIY Mistake

Summary by Krater

A comparison of plastic versus metal electrical boxes for DIY home wiring, examining installation methods, code requirements, and safety considerations like grounding.

From the video

Answers: Should I use plastic or metal electrical boxes for DIY wiring?

• plastic electrical boxes
• metal electrical boxes
• electrical box installation
• grounding electrical boxes
• Romex wire installation

What it concludes

• Plastic electrical boxes are preferred by 68 percent of DIYers surveyed because they eliminate concerns about hot conductors shorting against the box.
• Metal electrical boxes require proper grounding with a pigtail or self-grounding tabs to prevent shock hazards if a hot conductor touches the metal surface.
• Metal boxes require mud rings matched to the wall surface depth, unlike plastic boxes that protrude past studs.
• You should not wrap metal boxes or standard switches with electrical tape when mounting.
• Using cable clamps on metal boxes is essential when running Romex through knockouts to prevent cutting the insulation and causing a short.