Exterior electrical boxes are an often-overlooked essential component for any outdoor electrical project. These boxes provide a secure place to house your electrical connections, protecting them from the elements and ensuring safety. Choosing the right exterior electrical box can be a crucial decision, one that influences the durability, safety, and overall satisfaction of your outdoor electrical set-up. It’s essential to get it right.
The best exterior electrical box should be weather-resistant, durable, and easy to install and use. Moreover, it should be fireproof, damp-proof, and able to withstand extreme temperatures. Selecting a box that does not possess the necessary features can lead to poor connections, safety hazards, and premature failure.
When purchasing an exterior electrical box, it’s important to pay attention to material type and box design. The box should ideally be made of a robust, non-conductive material like PVC or die-cast aluminum. Moreover, it should offer plenty of room for your electrical work and feature ample knockouts for conduit connections.
In this article, we aim to guide you through the process of choosing the best exterior electrical box. We have carried out extensive research and multiple tests on various electrical box models, all to identify the ones that offer the superior performance and reliability. At the end of this piece, you’ll have all the necessary information to ensure your outdoor electrical projects are not only safe but also long-lasting and reliable.
Best Exterior Electrical Box
Selecting the right exterior electrical box is crucial to ensure the safety, functionality, and durability of your outdoor electrical system. The box needs to be weather-resistant, durable, non-conductive, and user-friendly. With several options available in the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best exterior electrical boxes based on our extensive testing and research, to help you make an informed decision.
Sigma Engineered Solutions, Gray Sigma Electric 14250 1/2-Inch 3 Hole 1-Gang Box
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable electrical outlet box, the Sigma Engineered Solutions, Gray Sigma Electric 14250 1/2-Inch 3 Hole 1-Gang Box is a great choice.
Pros
- The box is made of heavy-duty steel and is built to last.
- It is designed to meet the highest electrical standards, making it a safe choice for your home or office.
- The box is easy to install, and all necessary mounting hardware is included.
Cons
- The box is only rated for 15 amps, which may not be sufficient for some applications.
- The opening is only 1/2 inch, which may not be large enough for some wiring configurations.
- The box is gray, which may not match other electrical boxes in your home or office.
We have used and tested the Sigma Engineered Solutions, Gray Sigma Electric 14250 1/2-Inch 3 Hole 1-Gang Box, and we are impressed with its quality and performance. The box is made of heavy-duty steel, which makes it durable and long-lasting. It is also designed to meet the highest electrical standards, ensuring safe and reliable operation. The box is easy to install, and all necessary mounting hardware is included. Overall, we recommend the Sigma Engineered Solutions, Gray Sigma Electric 14250 1/2-Inch 3 Hole 1-Gang Box for anyone in need of a reliable and safe electrical outlet box.
TayMac MM410C Single Horizontal/Vertical Mount 1-Gang Weatherproof In-Use Electrical Outlet Cover for Home Improvement, 2.75 in, Clear
If you’re looking for a reliable and weather-resistant electrical outlet cover, the TayMac MM410C is a great option.
Pros
- The clear design allows the outlet to be visible even when covered, making it easy to identify which outlet is which.
- The cover is easy to install and can be used in both horizontal and vertical applications.
- The cover is made of high-quality plastic and has a durable design that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Cons
- The cover is not compatible with outlets that have faceplates thicker than 1/4 inch.
- The cover may not fit tightly on some outlets, which could allow water to seep in.
- The cover is not suitable for use in extreme temperatures.
The TayMac MM410C is a versatile electrical outlet cover that can be used in a variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors. The clear design is particularly useful in situations where there are multiple outlets nearby, as it makes it easy to identify which outlet is which.
Installation is a breeze, and the cover can be used in both horizontal and vertical applications. The high-quality plastic material is durable and weather-resistant, ensuring that the cover will last for years to come.
However, it’s important to note that the cover is not compatible with outlets that have faceplates thicker than 1/4 inch. Additionally, the cover may not fit tightly on some outlets, which could allow water to seep in. Finally, the cover is not suitable for use in extreme temperatures.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and weather-resistant electrical outlet cover, the TayMac MM410C is definitely worth considering.
TAYMAC MKG420CS Nonmetallic Extra Duty Complete in-Use Cover 15 Amp WRTR Self Test GFCI Kit, 1-Gang, Clear/Gray
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install GFCI outlet cover, the TAYMAC MKG420CS Nonmetallic Extra Duty Complete in-Use Cover is a great option.
Pros
- The cover is built with impact-resistant, high-grade plastic material that is not easy to break.
- The self-test function of the GFCI outlet is designed to test itself automatically and alert you with a light flash and a sound when there is a problem.
- The installation process is simple and easy to follow, with all the necessary accessories included in the package.
Cons
- The cover may not fit all types of outlets, so it’s important to check the compatibility before purchasing.
- The price may be a bit higher compared to other GFCI outlet covers on the market.
- The cover may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.
We have used and tested the TAYMAC MKG420CS Nonmetallic Extra Duty Complete in-Use Cover, and we were impressed with its durability and reliability. The impact-resistant, high-grade plastic material used in the construction of the cover ensures that it can withstand frequent use without breaking. The self-test function of the GFCI outlet is also a great feature, as it helps to prevent electrical hazards by alerting you to any problems.
The installation process is simple and easy to follow, with all the necessary accessories included in the package. However, it’s important to note that the cover may not fit all types of outlets, so it’s important to check the compatibility before purchasing. Additionally, the price may be a bit higher compared to other GFCI outlet covers on the market, but the quality and reliability of the product make it worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install GFCI outlet cover, the TAYMAC MKG420CS Nonmetallic Extra Duty Complete in-Use Cover is a great option to consider.
Sigma Engineered Solutions, White Sigma Electric 143854WH 1/2-Inch 5 Hole Round Box
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install round box for your electrical projects, the Sigma Engineered Solutions, White Sigma Electric 143854WH 1/2-Inch 5 Hole Round Box is a great choice.
Pros
- The plastic material is of high quality and durable.
- The round box is easy to install and comes with a built-in ground screw.
- The box is UL listed, ensuring safety and quality.
Cons
- The box may not fit all types of switches.
- The included screws may not be long enough for some installations.
- The box may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.
We’ve used this round box in our electrical projects and found it to be a great choice. The plastic material is of high quality and durable, ensuring that the box will last for a long time. The round box is also easy to install and comes with a built-in ground screw, saving us time and effort.
One thing to note is that the box may not fit all types of switches, so it’s important to check the dimensions before purchasing. Additionally, the included screws may not be long enough for some installations, so we had to use longer screws. Finally, the box may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications, so it’s important to consider the load capacity before using it.
Overall, we highly recommend the Sigma Engineered Solutions, White Sigma Electric 143854WH 1/2-Inch 5 Hole Round Box for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-install round box for their electrical projects.
Sealproof 1-Gang Weatherproof Exterior In Use Outlet Cover and Box Kit – Metallic Electrical Outlet Box and UL Extra Duty, Lockable, In Use Outdoor Outlet Cover – Horizontal/Vertical Use
If you’re looking for a weatherproof outlet cover that is easy to install and provides reliable protection, the Sealproof 1-Gang Weatherproof Exterior In Use Outlet Cover and Box Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The lockable cover ensures that the outlet is secure and protected from unauthorized access.
- The heavy-duty metal construction of the outlet box provides strong protection against water, dust, and corrosion.
- The kit includes a box and cover that can be installed in both horizontal and vertical orientations, making it versatile for different installation scenarios.
Cons
- The installation process requires some basic wiring knowledge, so it may not be the best option for those who are not confident in their electrical skills.
- The outlet cover is not key lockable, which may be a concern for those who need to provide access to others.
- The kit only includes one outlet cover and box, so it may not be the best option for those who need to protect multiple outlets.
We have used the Sealproof 1-Gang Weatherproof Exterior In Use Outlet Cover and Box Kit to protect an outdoor outlet, and we are impressed with its performance. The lockable cover is a great feature that provides added security, and the heavy-duty metal construction of the outlet box ensures that it will last for years without rusting or corroding.
The installation process was straightforward, and the kit included all the necessary hardware and instructions to complete the installation. We were able to install the outlet cover and box in both horizontal and vertical orientations, which made it very versatile.
Overall, if you need a reliable and durable weatherproof outlet cover that is easy to install, the Sealproof 1-Gang Weatherproof Exterior In Use Outlet Cover and Box Kit is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best exterior electrical box, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Material
The material of the electrical box is an important factor to consider. It should be made of durable and weather-resistant material to ensure that it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Some common materials used for exterior electrical boxes include aluminum, brass, and stainless steel.
Size
The size of the electrical box should be appropriate for the intended use. It should be large enough to accommodate the necessary wiring and components, but not too large that it takes up unnecessary space. Consider the size of the box in relation to the number of outlets or lights it will be powering.
Seal
To prevent water and moisture from entering the electrical box, it should have a tight seal. Look for boxes with a gasket or O-ring seal to ensure that it is watertight.
Mounting
The mounting of the electrical box should be secure and sturdy. Consider the type of mounting hardware that comes with the box, and ensure that it can be easily installed and removed if necessary.
Price
Price is always a consideration when making a purchase. However, it is important to remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the features and quality of the product, and choose the option that best fits your needs and budget.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best exterior electrical box for your needs.
