Back Boxes

Electrical back boxes are metal or plastic boxes that are used to house and protect electrical wiring connections in a building. They are typically installed within the walls, floors, or ceilings and are used to mount light switches, power outlets, and other electrical fixtures.

The back box provides a safe and secure enclosure for the electrical wiring connections, protecting them from damage and reducing the risk of electrical shocks and fires. It also helps to contain any sparks or flames that may occur in the event of a fault or short circuit.

Back boxes come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of electrical fixtures and wiring configurations. They can be flush-mounted or surface-mounted and may have different numbers of knockout holes to allow for the insertion of cables or conduits

To purchase the correct back box, you need to know the desired location and depth required. Our range includes:

Steel Boxes & Extensions
Dry Lining Boxes
PVC Boxes

Which And Why?

Steel Boxes

Steel boxes are a type of electrical back box that is commonly used in commercial and industrial electrical installations. They are made of sturdy and durable steel and are designed to provide a secure and protective housing for electrical wiring and connections.

Steel boxes come in different shapes and sizes, including square, rectangular, and round, to accommodate different types of electrical fixtures and wiring configurations. They can also have different depths to allow for the insertion of different lengths of electrical cables.

Steel boxes are typically installed within the walls, floors, or ceilings of buildings using screws or other types of fasteners. They are designed to be tamper-resistant, preventing unauthorized access to the electrical wiring and connections.

One advantage of steel boxes is their durability and strength. They can withstand exposure to harsh environmental conditions and are resistant to damage from impact, vibration, and fire. Steel boxes are also easy to maintain and clean.

However, steel boxes can be heavier and more difficult to install than plastic boxes, and they may require additional tools and equipment for installation. Additionally, steel boxes can be more expensive than other types of back boxes, especially if they are made from high-quality materials or are designed for specialized applications.

Dry Lining Boxes

Dry lining boxes are a type of electrical back box that is designed for use with dry lining walls. Dry lining is a popular method of constructing internal walls in modern buildings, where a layer of plasterboard is attached to a timber or metal frame, leaving a cavity between the plasterboard and the original wall.

Dry lining boxes are shallow and are designed to fit into this cavity, allowing for electrical fixtures such as switches and sockets to be mounted flush with the plasterboard surface. This provides a neat and tidy appearance to the wall and reduces the amount of material required to install the fixture.

Dry lining boxes can be made from a range of materials, including plastic and metal. They are available in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of electrical fixtures and wiring configurations. They are typically installed using screws or other types of fasteners, which are inserted through the plasterboard and into the timber or metal frame behind.

PVC Boxes

PVC boxes, also known as plastic boxes, are a type of electrical back box that is commonly used in residential and light commercial electrical installations. They are made of durable, lightweight PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic and are designed to provide a safe and secure enclosure for electrical wiring and connections.

PVC boxes come in different sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular, and round, to accommodate different types of electrical fixtures and wiring configurations. They can also have different depths to allow for the insertion of different lengths of electrical cable.

PVC or plastic pattress boxes are easy to install and can be fixed to the wall, ceiling, or floor using screws or other types of fasteners. They are lightweight and can be cut or modified with basic hand tools, making them a popular choice for DIY installations.

Shop 2 gang back boxes, triple socket back boxes, and more from our Boxes & Enclosures selection here at Meteor Electrical for next-day delivery.

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Back Boxes

Single back box

The diameter of every single back box will be the same (60mm between screw fittings), but the depth and fixing method differ.

For example, hollow wall boxes are a type of single back box that have lugs that are tightened from the front, to secure the box in plasterboard, paneling, etc. On the other hand, solid wall boxes are supposed to be cemented into brick or other solid materials.

Double back box

A double back surface mounted pattress box (also called a dual back box) is a necessary component in most wiring installation processes. They are required to fit their counterpart devices within both domestic and commercial contexts.

Double pattress boxes or back boxes can easily accommodate all the internal components for double switches and sockets. Any double metal or plastic back box is built to be strong and to last a long time, and is designed in a way that electrical devices such as double wall sockets can easily be surface mounted.

When to Use a Metal or Plastic Back Box?

Whether you choose a metal or plastic back box, what you pick will often depend on personal preference, economical condition, and ease of use. There are pros and cons to each of these choices and it will be useful to know in which choice is the best in specific contexts.

Metal back box

Metal and chrome back box are built to be strong and groundable. Although they are more expensive and heavier than their plastic counterparts, they have the advantage of being heat resistant; they cannot melt. One of the downsides to a metal back box is that it requires separate clamps since they are not built-in.

Metal electrical back boxes were being used long before plastic back boxes came into the picture, and to this day provide the highest level of security for all electrical wiring systems.

Even though metal electrical back boxes can be difficult to work with on your own, they are the best choice when using metal-sheathed cables or when a metal conduit is running in or out of the box. The strength that a metal back box has is useful in cases where heavy items are being mounted, such as ceiling fans.

In addition, a metal dual black back box can provide a strong attachment to the stud – you will be able to drive strong screws into the studs, which will ensure there is a maximum amount of holding power. A metal chrome back box has no chance of warping as well; made from high-stress material, an metal electrical box is stronger than the work material built around it.

While metal back boxes may seem tougher to install, with the right set of instructions, it's pretty straightforward. Here is a quick tutorial for those willing to DIY their installation.

PVC back box

The PVC back box price is significantly lower than that of a metal back box, and is much more lightweight. The pattress boxes you might see for light switches within your home is likely to be made of plastic. PVC back boxes are commonly used. A plastic back box has holes that are easy to open or remove, and no sharp edges which lower the chances of bodily injuries when working.

The major cons of a plastic socket back box are the fact that it can twist out of shape, and that it cannot provide sufficient grounding in some cases. The PVC back box is also at risk of melting in a fire and its doors don’t always hold electrical cables firmly.

For DIY work, a PVC back box is often the first choice for many. The plastic double socket back box also comes with built-in clamps for the wires, which further lowers the overall costs of the project. If you're considering installing a socket back box yourself, here's a tutorial.

A PVC back box is recommended in the case of NM cables being led in or out of the box. The main concern for a plastic back box is that the application has to be grounded. This is why using metal-sheathed wiring with a plastic electrical back box without taking other grounding measures is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What Back Boxes are available?

We offer a wide range of Back Boxes at Meteor Electrical. We offer different types and sizes to suit your needs. In our range we sell renowned suppliers such as Decoduct, Zahler, Knighsbridge and Metpro. Within our range we have steel boxes and extensions, dry lining boxes and PVC boxes!

What are Steel Boxes used for?

Galvanised steel back boxes are typically installed within solid walls when the wall is chiselled. The back box is designed to fit sockets and switches into the wall. Steel boxes and extensions are available in a range of gangs and sizes to suit your needs and job specification.

What are Dry Lining Boxes used for?

Dry Lining Boxes are designed for use within a plasterboard wall or ceiling. This box is ideal for quick and easy installation. The integral lugs keep the intended wiring device in place. We offer a range of drying lining boxes in different gangs and size.

What are PVC Boxes used for?

PVC back boxes are commonly used within domestic and commercial industries. PVC backboxes are designed to fit sockets and switches into the wall at ease. Our PVC Boxes range offers unmatched excellence and adaptability. The range is available in a range of gangs and sizes to suit requirements.

Are Back Boxes required?

Yes back boxes are essential for wiring installations. Back boxes provide the rear housing, allowing switches and sockets to be recessed into the wall for a better appearance.

Can I install the Back Box myself?

It is important to consult a qualified electrician for safe installation. Installing a back box yourself can result hazards and damage hidden cables and pipes.

What are back boxes?

Electrical Backboxes, also called flush boxes, knockout boxes, or backplates, are the metal or plastic enclosures in which a wall-mounted switch or other device is fitted into. Many switches, sockets, and other accessories work best with the square electrical back box type.

What is a triple socket box?

A triple socket back box is a metal or plastic box that is fitted into the wall. With a triple socket back box, a single flush socket can be replaced.

What is a back box extension used for?

A back box extension, or box extenders, are metal or plastic rings available in varying sizes and depths that fit around or just inside an existing electrical box.

When an electrical backbox is installed, the back box extension extends the back box so it is flush with the front face of the wall. This creates an appropriate enclosure for the wire connections within it.

Does a plastic back box need earthing?

No, there is no need to attach a grounding wire to a plastic back box. Since every plastic back box is made up of non-conductive material, switches and outlets won’t be able to short out if they touch the side of the box. Only terminating the earth wire in the terminal of the socket is enough.

Do plug sockets need back boxes?

Back boxes are a necessary addition for every wiring installation procedure and this includes plug sockets as well.

What are the standard pattress box sizes?

Surface pattress back boxes are commonly used in cases where installation within the wall is not possible or not necessary. Pattress box sizes are available single sized (1 gang) or double sized (2 gang), with depths available of 25mm, 35mm, or 47m.