Bud Industries
Metal junction box is ideal for heavy duty service
This heavy-duty steel junction box is well suited for a variety of junction and pull box electrical applications. Made of sheet-metal steel, it has a screw-down cover, and it is available with or without knockouts. It is NEMA 1 rated.
We also have a metal junction box with a hinged cover.
Steel boxes have obvious advantages over plastic. They don’t melt, crack, or warp. Metal costs more than plastic, but it provides a strong and secure environment for wiring junctions.
Our boxes are made of sturdy, 16-gauge steel and range in size from 4 inches high x 4 inches wide x 3 inches deep up to 10 inches high x 8 inches wide x 6 inches deep. Typically, our customers use them in industrial and commercial applications. Usually, they mount them on the surface of a wall or post. The boxes have holes in the back for convenient wall mounting.
Our NEMA 1 steel junction boxes have a powder-coat finish to protect them from rust. In moist environments, a plastic enclosure may be a better choice, or any enclosure with a higher NEMA or IP rating that includes protection from liquids and dust. Bud offers many plastic enclosures that can be used as junction boxes, including our fiberglass-infused PIP Series boxes and PTQ Series enclosures.
In addition to being wall mounted, our steel junction boxes can be installed flush with drywall. If the wall is a fire wall, then realize that you are cutting a hole in its protection; follow NEC guidelines for box location and fireproofing. Most steel junction boxes may be assumed to have a 2-hour fire rating.
When electrical connections demand maximum protection and reliability, metal junction boxes are the proven choice for commercial and industrial environments. For over 90 years, Bud Industries has engineered durable metal electrical boxes that combine code compliance with real-world performance. Our NEMA 1 Metal Junction Box Series delivers the strength, grounding capability, and fire resistance that demanding applications require—backed by our industry-leading 5-day modification service and extensive distributor network for fast project turnaround.
Selecting the appropriate metal junction box starts with understanding your application requirements. Steel electrical boxes excel in environments where grounding is essential, physical impact is a concern, or fire resistance is mandated by code. Manufacturing facilities, commercial construction sites, and data centers routinely specify metal junction boxes for indoor electrical systems because of their superior durability and electromagnetic shielding properties. Bud’s NEMA 1 Metal Junction Box Series offers versatile configurations that comply with National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, making them ideal for protecting wire splices, circuit connections, and electrical devices.
The distinction between new work and old work electrical boxes centers on installation timing and mounting methods. New work electrical boxes are designed for installation during initial construction, before drywall or finished walls are in place. These boxes typically feature nailing flanges or brackets that attach directly to wall studs, providing solid structural support. Electricians install new work boxes when framing is exposed, allowing for straightforward positioning and secure mounting.
Old work electrical boxes, conversely, are engineered for retrofit installations in existing walls where framing access is limited. These boxes use adjustable clamps, wings, or expandable brackets that grip the back of the drywall or plaster to hold the box securely in place. Bud’s junction boxes adapt to both new work and old work applications, depending on mounting accessories and project specifications.
Metal electrical boxes meet National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. The NEC and most local electrical codes specifically require metal boxes in many commercial settings due to their inherent fire resistance, superior grounding reliability, and mechanical strength. Unlike non-metallic alternatives, code-compliant metal junction boxes enable a continuous grounding path.
Per NEC standard 250.110, all metal junction boxes must be grounded. Our boxes have an embossed hole in the bottom of the box and grounding screw for the ground wire. Typically, our customers use metal shielded electrical cable or metal conduit with metal boxes. If the conduit is grounded, then a ground wire is not necessary as the connection to the conduit provides an acceptable path to ground.
Failing to properly ground a metal electrical box creates serious safety hazards that can result in electric shock, equipment damage, and fire. Grounding provides a safe path for fault current to return to the electrical panel, immediately tripping breakers when problems occur. Without proper grounding, a metal junction box can become energized during fault conditions, turning the enclosure itself into a dangerous shock hazard for anyone who touches it.
Ungrounded electrical boxes also increase fire risk significantly. When fault current has no safe path to ground, it can arc across connections or heat up wiring insulation, potentially igniting surrounding materials. NEC Section 250.110 explicitly requires grounding of metal junction boxes to prevent these dangerous scenarios. The consequences of skipping this critical safety step include personal injury, equipment failure, code violations, and potential liability.
Bud Industries designs every metal electrical box with proper grounding provisions built in, ensuring installers can easily establish reliable ground connections. Our boxes feature integrated grounding screws for optimal electrical continuity.
During nine decades, Bud Industries has earned its reputation as a trusted manufacturer of junction boxes that combine durability with fast customization capabilities. Our extensive product line, rapid modification services, and knowledgeable technical support team ensure you get the right steel box solution for every application. Explore our complete NEMA 1 series or check real-time distributor stock availability through our website.
