8 Types of Electrical Mounting Blocks and Their Features

 Most homes and buildings today rely on electrical mounting blocks to keep wiring both safe and organised. These blocks play a major role in making sure switches, outlets and other electrical gear are all placed securely on walls and ceilings. Surface mounting blocks are especially handy because they let you mount hardware directly to the surface without the need to make holes. This makes installation much quicker and easier, and it also helps protect the wires from getting damaged. Mounting blocks mean you can fit power points, light switches and security systems anywhere in your home in a safe manner.

Types of Mounting Blocks

source: jhbuilders.com

Standard Rectangular

A standard rectangular mounting block is the most common type you’ll come across. This type of solution is used to fit power points and light switches to walls and ceilings. Its shape makes it easy to work with and fit with most standard wall plates. These electrical surface mounting blocks give you plenty of space for wiring and are quite versatile, too.

Round Pan

With round pan mounting blocks, you get a circular shape and a solution mostly used for light fixtures and ceiling outlets. They’re a good choice when you want a clean, neat finish for overhead lighting. Their shape helps the fixture sit flat against the ceiling, and the block itself keeps the wiring safe and secure.

Square

A square mounting block is similar to a standard rectangular one except that it has a square base. Square electrical wall boxes are used to house a wide range of electrical accessories, and are especially useful when you need a bit more wiring space. Square blocks are often used for surface mounting in sheds and garages or in areas where you don’t want to or can't cut into a wall.

Octagon

Octagon electrical mounting blocks are, as you'd expect, shaped like an octagon and are mainly used for mounting light fixtures. They have clipped or beveled corners, which help them fit round light fittings with ease.

Ceiling-Fan

Ceiling-fan mounting blocks are designed to handle the extra weight and movement of ceiling fans. They’re made to be extra strong, and thus, more often than not, they are made of metal. These wall boxes are a must if you’re installing a ceiling fan, as they keep the fixture secure and safe from wobbling or falling.

Outdoor

Outdoor mounting blocks are made to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. They come sealed tight to keep out rain and dust, and they’re made from materials that won’t rust or break down in the sun. These electrical wall boxes are commonly used for outdoor lights, security cameras and hardware that needs to be safe from the elements.

Junction Box

A junction box is used to connect wires and cables together. They’re bigger than regular mounting blocks and give you plenty of room for splices and connections. These wall boxes are useful for keeping wiring safe and organised, especially in larger installations or where multiple cables meet.

Extender

Extender mounting blocks are used when you need to position a fixture or outlet away from a wall. They are used in places where the wall isn’t flat or when you need extra space for wiring. Extender wall boxes are a simple solution for tricky installations as they can help you get an organised space for your wiring without installing a complete wall box.

What Matters in a Mounting Block

Material

First and foremost, you should take into consideration the material of the mounting block. Most mounting blocks are made from plastic or metal. Plastic is light and easy to work with, while metal is stronger and better for more demanding applications, like those of outdoor blocks, which are made from weatherproof plastic or coated metal.

IP Rating

The IP rating of a mounting block is important because it tells you how well it's protected against dust and water. This is especially important for outdoor applications and in wet areas. A higher IP rating means better protection, which is usually an IP65 rating, which helps keep a wall box dust-tight and can handle water jets, too.

Gangs

The number of gangs refers to the number of devices or switches the block can hold. A single-gang block holds one switch or outlet, while a multi-gang block can hold two or more. Choosing the right number of gangs is important in order to fit all your electrical accessories in one place.

Vents

Some mounting blocks have vents to help keep the wiring cool. This is especially useful for high-powered devices or in hot environments, as vents can help reduce moisture buildup inside the block, which helps prevent damage to the wiring.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of electrical mounting block is important for any wiring job, as this simple but essential part of any building’s wiring system can help your installation last longer and keep your home safe.