Best Electrical Boxes for Metal Studs: Durable Metal Framing Solutions
Choosing the right electrical boxes for metal studs is essential for safe, durable wiring in metal-framed walls. This guide spotlights five top-rated options that balance rugged construction, versatile knockouts, and easy mounting with wood or metal studs. Each selection is evaluated for depth, knockout availability, and mounting brackets to help you plan renovations or new builds. The summary table below offers a quick at-a-glance comparison, followed by detailed product sections with installation considerations and key features.
| Product | Brand | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Qlvily 8 Pack 4×2 Inch Metal Electrical Box | Qlvily | Seven 1/2″ knockouts; TS side-mount bracket; Iron construction |
| Hubbell-Raco 8235 2-1/8-Inch Deep Box | Hubbell | 1/2″ & 3/4″ side knockouts; TS bracket; Welded |
| Yaocom 8 Pcs 1-7/8-Inch Deep Box | Yaocom | 1-7/8″ depth; cULus tested; Galvanized steel |
| Hubbell-Raco 685 2-Device Box | RACO | 2-1/8″ deep; 1/2″ & 3/4″ side knockouts; TS bracket |
| OHLECTRIC 4” Welded Octagon Box | OHLECTRIC | 1-1/2″ deep; three side and three bottom 1/2″ knockouts; side bracket |
Qlvily 8 Pack 4×2 Inch Metal Electrical Box
Qlvily’s eight-pack 4×2 inch metal electrical boxes offer versatile mounting for metal or wood stud walls. Designed with seven 1/2-inch knockouts, they accommodate a range of conduit configurations and appliance wiring. The TS side-mount bracket enables quick, flush installation, while the iron construction provides durability and rust resistance in busy job sites. Suitable for junctions and outlets in both new construction and renovations, these welded boxes deliver dependable support without sacrificing accessibility.
Hubbell-Raco 8235 2-1/8-Inch Deep Box
The Hubbell-Raco 8235 is a 4-inch square, 2-1/8-inch deep metal box designed for both wood and metal studs. It features a TS-style bracket for flush mounting and quick installation, with welded construction that enhances durability. The box provides 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch side knockouts to support diverse wiring configurations and conduit arrangements, making it a versatile choice for multi-device installations in tight spaces.
Yaocom 8 Pcs 1-7/8-Inch Deep Metal Wall Box
Yaocom delivers a package of eight 1-7/8-inch deep metal wall boxes with 4×2 handy box dimensions and welded wood/metal stud brackets. They include 1/2-inch end knockouts and are constructed from galvanized steel for rust resistance and long-term use. The boxes are UL/cULus tested, providing reliable performance for receptacles, switches, and other devices across renovation and new construction projects, particularly when space is tight on metal studs.
Hubbell-Raco 685 2-Device Box
The Hubbell-Raco 685 is a 2-device, 4-inch square switch box with a 2-1/8-inch depth. It includes 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch side knockouts and utilizes a TS side-mount bracket. Drawn steel construction and a set-back design minimize the need for plaster rings, simplifying installation in finished walls and ensuring a clean, flush appearance for multiple devices in metal stud framing.
Yaocom 4 Pcs 1-7/8-Inch Deep Metal Wall Box
Yaocom’s four-pack of 1-7/8-inch deep metal wall boxes provides economical multiple-box coverage for renovations or large projects. Each box uses a welded wood/metal stud bracket and includes 1/2-inch end knockouts. The galvanized steel construction enhances rust resistance and durability for switches, outlets, and devices in wood or metal stud walls, offering a practical balance of quantity and quality for extensive installations.
DE Supply T4 Galvanized Mounting Bracket
Note: The DE Supply option is a mounting bracket rather than a standalone box, but it’s included here as a compatible support accessory when mounting 4″ and 4-11/16″ boxes to 2-1/2″ and 3-1/2″ stud depths. It helps ensure stable installation in wood or metal studs, complementing the selection of metal boxes listed above.
OHLECTRIC 4-Inch Welded Octagon Box
OHLECTRIC’s 4-inch welded octagon box is designed for lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles, offering a 1-1/2-inch depth with three 1/2-inch knockouts on both sides and bottom. The included side bracket supports mounting to studs while a fire-rated design adds a safety layer for boxes used in lighting circuits. This option suits projects requiring an octagonal form factor and reliable, mountable support for fixtures on metal stud walls.
Buying Guide
Key considerations help determine the best box for metal studs and specific electrical needs:
- Depth and space: Deeper boxes (e.g., 2-1/8 inch) provide space for multiple conductors or dual devices, while shallow options save wall space in tight installations.
- Knockouts and layout: Number and position of knockouts (side vs end) determine conduit routing and device arrangement. For mixed wiring or future expansion, seven 1/2-inch knockouts (as seen in some Qlvily models) offer flexibility.
- Brackets and mounting: TS (tee) side-mount brackets facilitate flush mounting to studs, reducing plaster ring needs and ensuring stable support in drywall or plaster.
- Material and finish: Galvanized steel and iron constructions resist rust in humid environments, while welded or drawn steel adds durability for busy job sites.
- Device compatibility: Choose square boxes for outlets and switches, octagonal boxes for lighting fixtures, and ensure the box depth accommodates the intended devices without crowding wires.
- Code and safety: Look for UL/cULus testing on metal boxes and fire-rated designs when required by local codes or safety standards for a given application.
- Project scale: For renovations or large builds, boxes with ample knockouts and consistent bracket design simplify installation and reduce material gaps.
| Product | Depth | Knockouts | Bracket | Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qlvily 8 Pack 4×2 Inch Metal Electrical Box | Not stated | Seven 1/2″ knockouts | TS side-mount | Iron | General outlets and junctions in metal/wood studs |
| Hubbell-Raco 8235 2-1/8-Inch Deep Box | 2-1/8″ | 1/2″ and 3/4″ side | TS bracket | Welded steel | Multi-device applications in tight spaces |
| Yaocom 8 Pcs 1-7/8-Inch Deep Box | 1-7/8″ | End knockouts 1/2″ | Welded | Galvanized steel | Multiple outlets/switches in renovations |
| Hubbell-Raco 685 2-Device Box | 2-1/8″ | 1/2″ and 3/4″ side | TS bracket | Drawn steel | Two-device installations in walls |
| OHLECTRIC 4-Inch Welded Octagon Box | 1-1/2″ | Three side and three bottom 1/2″ knockouts | Side bracket | Galvanized steel | Lighting fixtures and octagonal installations |