Thomas & Betts 54171N-25 Ceiling Boxes

Clamps are built in. The 54171N-25 comes with non-metallic cable clamps (C-5 type) for NM sheathed cable, so you do not need separate NM connectors. There are two cable knockouts at each end for those entries.

The 54171N-25 is a 4 inch octagon drawn steel ceiling box with a 2-1/8 inch depth and 22.5 cubic inch volume, intended for use with non-metallic sheathed cable. For a fan-supporting opening, choose a box specifically built as a fan-rated or fixture support unit: the RACO 295-1 is a round fan-rated ceiling pan in 4 inch steel from THE INSIDER series, and the Pass & Seymour Reiker is a drop ceiling fan and fixture support box. Those are the parts to specify when a paddle fan is the load.

They are both 4 inch round-profile steel ceiling boxes, so the trim opening is comparable, but they are not the same part. The 54171N-25 is a 2-1/8 inch deep drawn octagon with 22.5 cubic inches of volume, non-metallic cable clamps, two cable knockouts at each end and one 1/2 inch conduit knockout each side. The RACO 295-1 is a fan-rated ceiling pan from THE INSIDER series, so verify box volume against your conductor count before treating one as a stand-in for the other.

Yes. Each side carries one 1/2 inch conduit knockout, so you can bring 1/2 inch EMT or flex in from either side while using the end knockouts and built-in clamps for NM cable.

It is drawn steel with a galvanized finish, so it is a metallic box. That means the box itself is part of the grounding path when bonded, which is what inspectors expect for metal fixture canopies. If you specifically want a non-metallic box, the Allied Moulded 9304 fiberglass or SB-CB Sliderbox polycarbonate ceiling boxes are the non-metallic route.

For NM cable work in wood framing, the 54171N-25 steel octagon with integral non-metallic clamps is the standard choice and gives 22.5 cubic inches of fill at 2-1/8 inches deep. Non-metallic alternatives make more sense when you want no bonding of the box or an adjustable mount: the Allied Moulded PC244OW FlexBox and SB-CB Sliderbox are ceiling fixture support boxes in that family. For fan loads neither the octagon nor a standard box applies; go to a fan-rated pan like the RACO 295-1.

The 54171N-25 is a galvanized steel drawn box. If the job calls for a non-conductive enclosure, the Allied Moulded 9304 is a fiberglass reinforced ceiling fixture support box, and the Allied Moulded SB-CB Sliderbox is a polycarbonate ceiling fixture support box. Both are plastic-bodied fixture support boxes rather than drawn steel.

The 54171N-25 mounts as a fixed 4 inch octagon box, 2-1/8 inch deep. When the fixture location has to be adjusted between framing members, the Allied Moulded SB-CB Sliderbox and the Allied Moulded PC244OW FlexBox are ceiling fixture support boxes built around that adjustment problem. Use the 54171N-25 where the outlet location is already set.

The 54171N-25 is a standard 4 inch octagon ceiling box with built-in non-metallic cable clamps, suited to general lighting outlets. Where the fixture itself needs a support-rated enclosure, the Allied Moulded 9304 fiberglass reinforced and PC244OW FlexBox are ceiling fixture support boxes, and the Pass & Seymour Reiker is a drop ceiling fan and fixture support box.

No. Thomas & Betts lists the 54171N-25 as not RoHS compliant, which matters if you are buying against a sustainability or procurement spec that requires it.