BookmarkElectrical Box Terms
Lexicon of the electron
Understanding key terms is paramount in safely installing new electrical boxes that meet specific regulatory concerns.
AL/CU: 30A, 50A, or 60A electrical boxes can be used with either copper or aluminum wire. The designation can be found on the side of the box. Using receptacles that are not made for use with aluminum conductors may result in fire.
Clock Hanger: These are recessed electrical boxes with specialized fasteners that provide a place for hanging wall clocks.
CO/ALR: 15A or 20A receptacles are for lower amp circuits that are similar to AL/CU designated boxes. Receptacles without this designation must never be used with aluminum circuit conductors.
Fan Hanger: A single receptacle that allows for the hanging of a ceiling or wall fan.
Four-In-One or Quad: These are electrical outlet boxes that have four receptacles in a box that would usually fit only a duplex design.
Flanged Outlet: A receptacle intended for mounting on appliances or equipment so that other power needs can be met conveniently.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): A receptacle that will detect leakage current and will ground it on the load side of the device. The receptacle has a built-in breaker that discontinues the circuit so that dangerous shorts are interrupted. GFCI receptacles must conform to UL Standard 943 Class A requirements, and their use is required by the National Electric Code NFPA-70 in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
Interchangeable: A receptacle or combination of receptacles with a common mounting dimension that may be installed on a single or multiple-opening mounting strap.
Isolated Ground: These receptacles have an independent ground that does not share one in common with other receptacles.
Safety or tamper-resistant:
These are excellent receptacles to use in homes with small children. They are specially designed to fit the National Electric Code NFPA-70 for use in pediatric care areas.
Snap-In: A modular receptacle with factory-assembled spring clips that securely snap into a panel.
Surface-mounted: Any receptacle that mounts on a flat or plane surface. May also be referred to as a recessed electrical box or recessed electrical floor box
Surge-suppression: A receptacle with a built-in breaker that will protect circuits from damages that arise from electrical storms or other power anomalies. The circuitry will limit these voltage peaks to protect electronic equipment such as PCs and home theater equipment.
Weatherproof: A receptacle specially constructed so that exposure to weather will not interfere with its operation.
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