Should there be a junction box for each outlet?

Question

I want to install external outlets to my attic. The wiring will be in conduit. Is it better to have a junction box for each outlet as illustrated below as A, or is there a simple solution to avoid them for each outlet, as illustrated in B below?

Answer 1

Well, the outlet (receptacle) is in a junction box.

The way you avoid the extra junction box is to either bend the conduit up to the first box and then run it at the level of the boxes, (i.e. B) or bend U-shaped conduit to go from the outlet box down to the floor and up to the next outlet box (or the ceiling down to each outlet box - no difference, really.)

The junction box needs to be large enough for the job (box fill calculations must be done.) Tiny boxes won't be big enough to have wires going on from them and would limit you to case A. So don't use tiny boxes.

Answer 2

Use residential raceway and (if you want) boxes and outlets designed for it. This achieves your "B" in a way that looks attractive and doesn't need painting.

A couple of examples of US-type things, but similar ones exist everywhere:

Answer 3

You need a junction box or approved raceway for each outlet. Splices and connections need to be enclosed in a approved junction box or raceway. If you have junction boxes or raceways and outlet fittings in your "b" drawing, then that is OK. Pigtail the through run and connect to the outlets.