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Back Boxes

Knightsbridge back boxes for mounting switches, sockets and plates flush or on the surface. The range runs galvanised steel boxes from a shallow 16mm depth up to 47mm, including a slim architrave box, in single, double and triple gang, alongside white dry lining boxes for plasterboard and pattress boxes with an earth terminal. Metal clad and surface mount options suit garages, workshops and commercial walls.

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Back boxes for mounting switches and sockets

Back boxes are the wall boxes that hold a switch, socket or plate in place, fitted either flush into the wall or on the surface. Getting the right box behind the plate is what makes a clean, secure finish possible, so the box is chosen to suit the wall type, the plate and the depth the accessory needs.

Steel boxes for solid walls

Galvanised steel boxes run from a shallow depth up to deeper sizes for sockets and dimmers that need more room behind the plate, in single and double gang. A slim architrave box suits narrow door frames and tight runs. The steel build is the usual choice for solid masonry walls where the box is set into a chased recess, and metal clad and surface mount options suit garages, workshops and commercial walls.

Dry lining boxes for plasterboard

White dry lining boxes are made for plasterboard and stud walls, clamping to the board with lugs rather than needing a fixing into solid masonry behind. Pattress boxes with an earth terminal give a surface-mounted option where chasing into the wall is not practical. Choosing the right box for the wall makes fitting far simpler.

Choosing the right depth

Match the gang count to the plate, then check the depth. Shallow boxes suit simple switches, while sockets, dimmers and units with bulkier rear bodies need a deeper box so the wiring is not crushed when the plate is screwed home. Confirm the box depth against the accessory before fitting.

Fitting and delivery

Boxes house mains wiring, so the accessories they carry should be fitted by a qualified electrician. Free UK delivery over £99, worldwide shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What depth back box do I need?
Depth depends on what sits in front. Shallow 16mm and 25mm steel boxes suit thin switch plates, while 35mm and 47mm give more room behind sockets, dimmers and modules with bulkier rear bodies. Check the minimum depth stated for your plate before choosing.

What is the difference between a steel box and a dry lining box?
Galvanised steel boxes are recessed into solid masonry walls and chased in. Dry lining boxes clip into a cut-out in plasterboard and grip the back of the board with adjustable lugs, so you do not need a fixing behind. Both are stocked in single and double gang.

Do these boxes have an earth terminal?
The galvanised steel boxes and the white pattress boxes listed with an earth terminal include a fixed earth point for the circuit protective conductor. Plastic dry lining and surface boxes do not, so the earth is made off at the plate instead.

Can I surface mount a box instead of chasing the wall?
Yes. The white, black, chrome and brushed chrome surface mount boxes and the metal clad pattresses sit proud of the wall, which avoids cutting into masonry. They are a common choice for garages, utility rooms and rendered walls.

Who should fit a back box?
Mounting an empty box is straightforward, but anything connected to mains wiring should be installed by a qualified electrician. Delivery is £14.99 in the UK and free over £99.

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