Iberville 54151K Octagonal Ceiling Box
The Iberville 54151K Octagonal Ceiling Box is positioned as a cost-conscious, code-ready octagonal metal box optimized for general ceiling fixture and junction use; it balances stamped-steel durability with a competitive price that undercuts some premium brands while still accepting standard fixture screws and conduit. Compared with the other boxes on this list, Iberville offers a strong value proposition for contractors who need a metal octagonal solution without the premium cost of market-leader octagonal models, though it does not carry the specialized fan-mount features of Arlington or the retrofit convenience of Hubbell Raco.
Octagonal fit — fixture hug
Sturdy metal — rust-resist
Octagonal fit — fixture hug
Sturdy metal — rust-resist
Review Summary
"Users report the Iberville 54151K is solid, easy to mount and well-made for lighting applications; a few users noted minor fitment issues with certain fixtures."
Quick wiring — pros' favorite
Stamped steel construction for durability and reliable grounding.
Quick wiring — pros' favorite
Stamped steel construction for durability and reliable grounding.
Increased Safety & Security
Optimized Work Efficiency
Tech-Savvy Living
The Iberville 54151K Octagonal Ceiling Box is positioned as a cost-conscious, code-ready octagonal metal box optimized for general ceiling fixture and junction use; it balances stamped-steel durability with a competitive price that undercuts some premium brands while still accepting standard fixture screws and conduit. Compared with the other boxes on this list, Iberville offers a strong value proposition for contractors who need a metal octagonal solution without the premium cost of market-leader octagonal models, though it does not carry the specialized fan-mount features of Arlington or the retrofit convenience of Hubbell Raco.
Octagonal fit — fixture hug
Sturdy metal — rust-resist
Quick wiring — pros' favorite
Stamped steel construction for durability and reliable grounding.
Multiple 1/2" and 3/4" knockouts with integral mounting ears for straightforward installation.
Octagonal fit — fixture hug
Sturdy metal — rust-resist
Quick wiring — pros' favorite
Stamped steel construction for durability and reliable grounding.
Multiple 1/2" and 3/4" knockouts with integral mounting ears for straightforward installation.
Carlon B520A-UPC Round Ceiling Box
The Carlon B520A-UPC Round Ceiling Box is a non-metallic, corrosion-resistant option that excels for lightweight fixtures, damp locations, and jobs where cost and ease of handling matter most; its plastic construction makes it affordable and impervious to rust, a financial advantage over metal boxes in specific environments. While Carlon’s round design is less suitable for heavy ceiling fans than Arlington’s steel fan box or for high-load fixtures that prefer metal octagonal boxes like the Iberville or Thomas & Betts units, it remains a market-leading choice for economical residential ceiling lighting and simple retrofits.
Lightweight plastic — no buzz
Moisture-friendly — mold shy
Lightweight plastic — no buzz
Moisture-friendly — mold shy
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Carlon B520A-UPC's lightweight, nonmetal construction and easy installation for remodels, though some warn it's not ideal for heavy fixtures and can crack if over-tightened."
Snap-in clamps — install sprint
Non-metallic PVC resists corrosion and is suitable for damp locations.
Snap-in clamps — install sprint
Non-metallic PVC resists corrosion and is suitable for damp locations.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Carlon B520A-UPC Round Ceiling Box is a non-metallic, corrosion-resistant option that excels for lightweight fixtures, damp locations, and jobs where cost and ease of handling matter most; its plastic construction makes it affordable and impervious to rust, a financial advantage over metal boxes in specific environments. While Carlon’s round design is less suitable for heavy ceiling fans than Arlington’s steel fan box or for high-load fixtures that prefer metal octagonal boxes like the Iberville or Thomas & Betts units, it remains a market-leading choice for economical residential ceiling lighting and simple retrofits.
Lightweight plastic — no buzz
Moisture-friendly — mold shy
Snap-in clamps — install sprint
Non-metallic PVC resists corrosion and is suitable for damp locations.
6" round profile with built-in mounting ears fits most light fixtures and smoke detectors.
Lightweight plastic — no buzz
Moisture-friendly — mold shy
Snap-in clamps — install sprint
Non-metallic PVC resists corrosion and is suitable for damp locations.
6" round profile with built-in mounting ears fits most light fixtures and smoke detectors.
Arlington FBS415 Steel Fan Box
The Arlington FBS415 Steel Fan Box occupies the heavy-duty niche as a purpose-built fan-mount ceiling box, delivering superior load capacity, integrated hanger features, and robust steel construction needed for ceiling fans and heavier fixtures; it justifies a higher price with higher safety margins and simplified fan installations. Compared to the round or octagonal general-purpose boxes here, Arlington’s product is the technical leader for fan support—outclassing Carlon and many octagonal boxes on load rating—though it is a more specialized and premium-priced choice than the value-oriented Iberville.
Fan-rated muscle — breeze boss
Reinforced arms — wobble-free
Fan-rated muscle — breeze boss
Reinforced arms — wobble-free
Review Summary
"Installers praise the Arlington FBS415 for its robust steel construction and reliable fan support in retrofit installs; a small number mention tight hardware fit and the need for careful attachment to framing."
Concealed slots — neat finish
Heavy-gauge steel construction rated for ceiling fan support, typically up to 70 lbs.
Concealed slots — neat finish
Heavy-gauge steel construction rated for ceiling fan support, typically up to 70 lbs.
Increased Safety & Security
Optimized Work Efficiency
The Arlington FBS415 Steel Fan Box occupies the heavy-duty niche as a purpose-built fan-mount ceiling box, delivering superior load capacity, integrated hanger features, and robust steel construction needed for ceiling fans and heavier fixtures; it justifies a higher price with higher safety margins and simplified fan installations. Compared to the round or octagonal general-purpose boxes here, Arlington’s product is the technical leader for fan support—outclassing Carlon and many octagonal boxes on load rating—though it is a more specialized and premium-priced choice than the value-oriented Iberville.
Fan-rated muscle — breeze boss
Reinforced arms — wobble-free
Concealed slots — neat finish
Heavy-gauge steel construction rated for ceiling fan support, typically up to 70 lbs.
Adjustable mounting straps simplify alignment with joists and ensure a secure mount.
Fan-rated muscle — breeze boss
Reinforced arms — wobble-free
Concealed slots — neat finish
Heavy-gauge steel construction rated for ceiling fan support, typically up to 70 lbs.
Adjustable mounting straps simplify alignment with joists and ensure a secure mount.
Thomas & Betts 54171-K Octagonal Outlet Box
The Thomas & Betts 54171-K Octagonal Outlet Box is a market-recognized octagonal metal box prized for consistent build quality, broad code acceptance, and contractor familiarity, making it a go-to for commercial and residential ceiling junctions. It typically commands a premium over budget octagonal alternatives because of brand trust and slightly enhanced fit-and-finish, offering a technical and perceived-quality advantage over lower-cost options like the Iberville while remaining a more general-purpose choice than Arlington’s fan-specific box or Hubbell Raco’s specialized pan designs.
Universal mount — fits most
Locking tabs — stay put
Universal mount — fits most
Locking tabs — stay put
Review Summary
"The Thomas & Betts 54171-K is frequently cited as a durable, correctly sized octagonal outlet box with good knockout placement, while a few reviewers wished for more mounting options."
Galvanized sheen — age-proof
Galvanized steel body for corrosion resistance and dependable grounding.
Galvanized sheen — age-proof
Galvanized steel body for corrosion resistance and dependable grounding.
Increased Safety & Security
Optimized Work Efficiency
Tech-Savvy Living
The Thomas & Betts 54171-K Octagonal Outlet Box is a market-recognized octagonal metal box prized for consistent build quality, broad code acceptance, and contractor familiarity, making it a go-to for commercial and residential ceiling junctions. It typically commands a premium over budget octagonal alternatives because of brand trust and slightly enhanced fit-and-finish, offering a technical and perceived-quality advantage over lower-cost options like the Iberville while remaining a more general-purpose choice than Arlington’s fan-specific box or Hubbell Raco’s specialized pan designs.
Universal mount — fits most
Locking tabs — stay put
Galvanized sheen — age-proof
Galvanized steel body for corrosion resistance and dependable grounding.
Spacious interior and multiple knockouts to accommodate several conductors and connectors.
Universal mount — fits most
Locking tabs — stay put
Galvanized sheen — age-proof
Galvanized steel body for corrosion resistance and dependable grounding.
Spacious interior and multiple knockouts to accommodate several conductors and connectors.
Hubbell Raco 295 Round Ceiling Pan Box
The Hubbell Raco 295 Round Ceiling Pan Box is a robust, versatile round pan designed for both new construction and retrofit ceiling installations, notable for its mounting flexibility, multiple knockout arrangements, and heavy-gauge construction that supports a wide range of fixtures. It sits between the non-metallic economy of Carlon and the fan-specific strength of Arlington—offering a premium, easy-to-install round solution that often justifies its higher cost through faster alignment and greater long-term durability in varied ceiling applications.
Deep pan — roomy guts
Cable-friendly — tidy routes
Deep pan — roomy guts
Cable-friendly — tidy routes
Review Summary
"Customers consistently rate the Hubbell Raco 295 highly for its heavy-duty build and simple installation for ceiling fixtures; complaints are rare and mostly about price or accessory compatibility."
Clamp-ready — speedy hookup
Low-profile steel pan design suited to shallow ceiling cavities and retrofit installs.
Clamp-ready — speedy hookup
Low-profile steel pan design suited to shallow ceiling cavities and retrofit installs.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Optimized Work Efficiency
The Hubbell Raco 295 Round Ceiling Pan Box is a robust, versatile round pan designed for both new construction and retrofit ceiling installations, notable for its mounting flexibility, multiple knockout arrangements, and heavy-gauge construction that supports a wide range of fixtures. It sits between the non-metallic economy of Carlon and the fan-specific strength of Arlington—offering a premium, easy-to-install round solution that often justifies its higher cost through faster alignment and greater long-term durability in varied ceiling applications.
Deep pan — roomy guts
Cable-friendly — tidy routes
Clamp-ready — speedy hookup
Low-profile steel pan design suited to shallow ceiling cavities and retrofit installs.
Integrated mounting tabs and multiple knockouts accept fixture screws and conduit connections.
Deep pan — roomy guts
Cable-friendly — tidy routes
Clamp-ready — speedy hookup
Low-profile steel pan design suited to shallow ceiling cavities and retrofit installs.
Integrated mounting tabs and multiple knockouts accept fixture screws and conduit connections.