Pull Box - Electrical Conduit Access and Pull Guide

A pull box is an electrical box placed in a conduit run to provide access for pulling, splicing, or changing direction of conductors.

What It Is

Pull boxes are installed when a conduit run is too long, has too many bends, or needs an accessible point where conductors can be pulled without damaging the wire. They reduce pulling tension and give electricians room to work on larger or more complex conduit systems.

Some pull boxes are used only for pulling and not for splicing, while others serve as accessible junction points if the box size and code rules allow it. Box size is based on conductor size, conduit size, and the number and direction of raceways entering the enclosure.

Types

Common types include indoor steel pull boxes, weatherproof outdoor boxes, hinged trough-style boxes, and large screw-cover enclosures for commercial and utility applications. The right type depends on location, conduit arrangement, and whether splices are allowed.

Where It Is Used

Pull boxes are used in long conduit runs, underground conduit transitions, service and feeder routing, and equipment connections where conductors need a straight or staged pull. In residential work they are less common than junction boxes but still appear with larger services, detached structures, and exterior runs.

How to Identify One

A pull box is usually a square or rectangular metal enclosure with a removable cover and multiple conduit entries. Unlike a standard device box, it is typically larger and does not hold a switch or receptacle.

Replacement

Replace a pull box when it is rusted through, damaged, undersized for the conductors, missing a proper cover, or no longer weather-tight in an exterior location. Because conductor fill and bending space are code issues, replacement should not be guessed at by box shape alone.

Pull Box — FAQ

What is the difference between a pull box and a junction box?

A junction box is generally used to contain wire splices or device connections. A pull box is primarily intended to make conductor pulls easier, though some installations also allow splices if code sizing rules are met.

Why would an electrician install a pull box?

It reduces the difficulty of pulling conductors through long or bend-heavy conduit runs. That helps prevent wire insulation damage and makes future maintenance possible.

Can I cover a pull box behind drywall?

No. Electrical pull boxes must remain accessible. Hiding one behind finished surfaces creates a code and service problem.

When does a pull box need replacement?

Replace it when the enclosure is corroded, crushed, no longer properly covered, or too small for the conductors and raceways now serving it. Exterior boxes also need replacement when water intrusion becomes a problem.