Compared to plastic boxes, metal electrical boxes are very strong: It is virtually impossible to bend, warp, twist, or crush metal electrical or junction boxes.

The humble junction box might not be what you think of when you think of your home's electricity, and you might even wonder what it does. Do you even need one?

A suitably-sized plastic junction box is a good starting point, but it takes more than that to make a functional enclosure.

A suitably-sized plastic junction box is a good starting point, but it takes more than that to make a functional enclosure.

Placing a plastic pipe over a junction box does not provide the protection offered by a 50-cent cover plate. I don’t think a responsible electrician would have left the boxes uncovered.

Placing a plastic pipe over a junction box does not provide the protection offered by a 50-cent cover plate. I don't think a responsible electrician would have left the boxes uncovered.