Why does a metal box cost so much?!?!?

[jaylectricity]

I'm trying to get a simple wire trough and I'm looking at over $200. I mean, it's a metal box. And it will take a few weeks to get it. I've found it on some online sites I've used, I can get it faster, but it's over $300.

 

[jaylectricity]

And yes, I understand it's NEMA 3r and I need that. I just don't understand why I can get a meter socket for cheaper than that.

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

Simple answer; Because they can.

Im in an area where all you can get is Eaton, and boy do they like their product.

I spent $170 ea plus shipping and tax, for a coupe of these.



It’s a piece of plastic with a lug.

 

[Little Bill]

You're paying for the brand. That's a Hoffman box. They are well made with heavy steel. Can even get custom ones made.

 

[AC\DC]

ya its funny,. Same thing with hot tub disconnects and GFCI breakers. I can get a GFCI breaker cheaper in an enclosure than by its self. same With meter mains 200 amp.

 

[hillbilly1]

I gave $160 for a 8x8x48 3R earlier this year. Is that hinged? Hoffman brand is probably why it’s so expensive.

 

[AC\DC]

Shop around. I switched supply houses because they were ripping me off. now when I ocas call them there are really nice and give breaks that they never gave before lol

 

[Eddie702]

Hoffman is top of the line they always cost more. There is probably something else available for less $$$$

 

[jaylectricity]

Hoffman is top of the line they always cost more. There is probably something else available for less $$$$

Yeah, I'm seeing some other products. What I need is a lockable trough. This trough has a padlock clasp kit (for extra money) that I can buy.

So that's where I'm at.

I just need a trough so I can splice some wires to go in to two different meter sockets. Light company and inspector said I could do it if the trough was lockable.

So if anybody is bored and has any ideas, I'm all ears.

 

[farmantenna]

maybe you'll get better quote from a David Quickey

 

[jaylectricity]

Shop around. I switched supply houses because they were ripping me off. now when I ocas call them there are really nice and give breaks that they never gave before lol

My guys aren't ripping me off, but when they have to go outside their stock I find that they don't get good deals from other companies.

I get good prices on nearly everything I buy from there.

And I'll always ask if they can get something for me just to see. Then I'll find what I need online.

I've gotten a few things from Gordon Electric Supply, they're out in Michigan or Illinois or something.

 

[ptonsparky]

I needed a round PVC box cover. $2.98 IIRC, vs .98 for a metal. Which one did i buy?

 

[jaylectricity]

I needed a round PVC box cover. $2.98 IIRC, vs .98 for a metal. Which one did i buy?

The plastic one so you didn't have to figure out a way to bond the metal one?

 

[jaylectricity]

I mean, you could drill and tap the metal plate for a 10-32 green ground screw.

 

[jaggedben]

Supply and demand, seems like. It's an 8x8. I'm not getting much better for an 8x8x36. Also steel prices went up during the pandemic and haven't really settled back down that much.

 

[ptonsparky]

I mean, you could drill and tap the metal plate for a 10-32 green ground screw.

I have self threaders and a bit.

I also have 10/32 nuts, am retired, with time to spare

 

[jaylectricity]

I have self threaders and a bit.

I also have 10/32 nuts, am retired, with time to spare

I have the drill bits that drill the hole then tap 32 thread holes for each of the common electrical sizes and they are the best. Solve so many problems.

 

[letgomywago]

Shop around. I switched supply houses because they were ripping me off. now when I ocas call them there are really nice and give breaks that they never gave before lol

Gotta have a couple. Otherwise your "price breaks" slowly are chipped away. Same with insurance.

 

[qcroanoke]

I mean, you could drill and tap the metal plate for a 10-32 green ground screw.

Or don't.

 

[scrubbin]

Capital Electric $185.55 + shipping

Hoffman A8836RT 8" x 8" x 36" Wiring Trough, NEMA Type-3R, Steel | Capital Electric Supply

Screw-Cover Wiring Trough, Type 3R is used for protecting wire and cable distribution, junctions and terminations in outdoor applications that may be exposed to wet conditions. A Padlock Hasp Kit can be installed for increased security.

www.capitalelectricsupply.com