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Surface Boxes

A surface box mounts a switch or socket on the face of the wall, so no chasing into brick or plaster is needed. The Knightsbridge boxes here are 1 and 2 gang, 32mm deep polycarbonate, rated IP20 for indoor use, in white, grey, black, brushed chrome and polished chrome. A Connectix Cabling Systems back box, from a range with surface and dry-lining versions, is also listed.

Choosing Surface Boxes

Choose a surface box by the accessory it carries: the gang size, the plate style and the finish that should match it.

Size and depth

A 1G box such as the 1GSBW takes a single switch or socket, and a 2G box such as the 2GSBW takes a double socket or a two-gang plate. Each Knightsbridge box is 32mm deep, which gives room for the cable and terminals behind the accessory.

Matching the plate

Knightsbridge describes the boxes for its screwless and flat plate accessories, with the finish chosen to match the plate: the 1GSBBC and 2GSBBC in brushed chrome, the 1GSBPC and 2GSBPC in polished chrome, the 1GSBGY and 2GSBGY in grey, and the 2GSBBK in black.

Indoors or outdoors

The Knightsbridge surface boxes are rated IP20 for indoor use. For a damp or outdoor position, use a weatherproof box from the outdoor and IP-rated range instead.

ModelGangFinishDepth
Knightsbridge 1GSBW1GWhite32mm
Knightsbridge 1GSBGY1GGrey32mm
Knightsbridge 1GSBBC1GBrushed chrome32mm
Knightsbridge 2GSBW2GWhite32mm
Knightsbridge 2GSBBK2GBlack32mm
Knightsbridge 2GSBPC2GPolished chrome32mm

Cable entry and trunking

Plan where the cable enters before fixing the box, since a surface box sits on the wall and the cable has to reach it from the side, above or below. Connectix describes its surface mount back boxes as having knock outs for mini trunking adaptors, and the 008-001-007-05 comes from that range; check the part number, as the range also has dry-lining versions. The Knightsbridge descriptions do not mention knockouts.

Brands we stock in Surface Boxes

Connectix Cabling Systems, Knightsbridge and RGL Electronics.

Related categories

For boxes set into the wall see flush-mounted boxes, metal back boxes and the wider back boxes and pattress range; for outdoors see outdoor and IP-rated boxes. The plates that fit are in screwless and flat plate, within our wiring accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What is a surface box?

A surface box is a back box that fixes onto the face of a wall instead of being sunk into it. It houses the terminals behind a switch, socket or other accessory, and the cable reaches it along the wall surface, often in mini trunking or conduit. The range here includes white, grey, black and chrome surface boxes in single and double gang sizes.

When is a surface mounted back box used?

A surface mounted back box is used where a flush box cannot easily be sunk into the wall, such as solid brick or concrete, or where wiring should stay accessible. It also suits garages, workshops and plant rooms, and adding a socket to an existing circuit. Check that the box depth leaves room for the cable and terminals, and choose a weatherproof box for damp spots.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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