PVC Canister Floor Boxes: What They Are, How They’re Used, and Why They Matter

Floor boxes are an increasingly common feature in modern construction. They bring power and communication directly to the center of a room, reducing the need for extension cords or wall-only outlets. While many floor boxes are made of metal, another type often specified in residential and commercial construction is the PVC canister floor box.

PVC canister floor boxes are designed for installations where the electrical outlet needs to be set in a concrete slab. Their construction, installation, and benefits make them ideal for slab-on-grade homes as well as commercial buildings.

What Is a PVC Canister Floor Box?

A PVC canister floor box is a plastic cylinder, or “canister,” that is installed before a concrete slab is poured. Once the concrete is set, the canister remains embedded, with a portion left accessible above the surface. After the final flooring is installed, the canister is trimmed flush with the floor and fitted with a cover and receptacle.

Example: Lew Electric FBKIT Canister Box

Shown above is the Lew Electric FBKIT canister box, a PVC floor box designed for concrete slab installations.

Where Are They Used?

PVC canister floor boxes are used in both residential and commercial applications:

• Residential: Often in slab-on-grade homes where outlets are needed in the middle of a room.
• Commercial: In offices, retail spaces, and other buildings where wiring comes up through a concrete slab.

How They Are Installed

1. The canister is placed before the concrete pour.
2. The slab is poured, with the canister left partially exposed.
3. After flooring is finished, the canister is trimmed flush.
4. A leveling ring is glued on with PVC cement. Before the glue sets, the ring can be adjusted to ensure the cover sits level with the floor.
5. The chosen cover plate is attached to complete the installation.

Why Sometimes Preferred Over Metallic Boxes

PVC canister floor boxes are:

• Resistant to corrosion compared to metal.
• Lightweight and easier to handle.
• More cost-effective.
• Naturally insulating, adding a layer of electrical safety.

Different Types

PVC canister floor boxes come in different configurations:

• Power only: Designed to hold electrical receptacles.
• Power with communication: Includes partitions to safely separate high-voltage and low-voltage wiring.

Wiring Through Hubs and Conduits

Wiring enters PVC canister floor boxes through conduit hubs of varying sizes. This allows flexibility in running electrical wiring or data cables as needed. If both power and communication are installed in the same box, a partition is required to separate them for safety and compliance.

Conclusion

PVC canister floor boxes provide a reliable, cost-effective solution for in-slab electrical access. They are ideal for both residential slab homes and commercial buildings, offering durability, flexibility, and clean aesthetics. With adjustable leveling rings and a variety of cover finishes, they ensure power and communication are available exactly where needed—flush with the finished floor.