11 Types of Electrical Boxes and How to Choose One

Electrical boxes are critical components of your home’s electrical system that encase wire connections to protect them from short circuits. But for many DIYers, the wide variety of boxes is bewildering. There are plastic and metal boxes; “new work” and “old work” boxes; round, square, and octagonal boxes; and boxes with load ratings for ceiling fans and heavy light fixtures.

All of the most commonly used boxes for home wiring projects are available at home centers and large hardware stores, and it’s important to know the differences in order to buy the correct box for each job.

Here, we’ll break down the different types of electrical boxes you need to know to safely install the correct models around your home.