Top 5 Best Retrofit Electrical Box 2024

Retrofit electrical boxes are essential for renovating older buildings, where the original electrical set-up might not be up to modern safety standards. Choosing the right retrofit electrical box is crucial for not only improving the safety of your wiring but also for ensuring a hassle-free installation. However, with the plethora of options available in the market, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. As someone who has hands-on experience using and testing various types of retrofit electrical boxes, we’re here to simplify this process and aid you in making a prudent investment.

The ideal retrofit electrical box should be sturdy, easy to install, and designed to meet current electrical codes. It should also have the capacity to house the wiring components comfortably. Incorrectly chosen or substandard retrofit boxes can lead to installation complications, increased risk of fire, and violation of local building codes.

Whether it’s for single or multi-gang applications, embedded or surface-mounted, plastic or metallic, we have extensively tested multiple retrofit electrical boxes to evaluate their durability, ease of installation and conformance to building codes. With this hands-on experience, we provide an unbiassed and honest review, guiding you towards the best retrofit electrical box for your project.

Best Retrofit Electrical Box

When purchasing a retrofit electrical box, you want to be certain that it’s secure, compliant, and hassle-free to install. Amidst so many options out in the market, it can be an arduous task to land on the best one. To assist you, we’ve thoroughly researched, tested, and compiled a list of the top-performing retrofit electrical boxes. This will facilitate an informed decision, ensuring you get a safe and reliable fitting for your electrical upgrades.

Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 1 Gang, 4-1/8-Inch Length by 2-1/4-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth, Blue

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If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy electrical box, the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box is a great choice.

Pros

• The Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box is UL-listed, ensuring that it meets strict safety standards.
• The box is designed to fit standard junction boxes, making it easy to install.
• The blue color of the box makes it easy to identify as a live electrical box, reducing the risk of accidental contact.

Cons

• The box is made of thin gauge metal, which may not be as durable as heavier gauges.
• The box may not be large enough for some installations, requiring the use of multiple boxes.
• The box does not include a cover, which must be purchased separately.

We’ve used the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box in several installations and have found it to be a reliable and sturdy choice. The UL-listing gives us confidence that the box meets safety standards, and the standard size makes it easy to install. The blue color is also a nice touch, as it makes the box easy to identify as a live electrical box.

One thing to keep in mind is that the box is made of thin gauge metal, which may not be as durable as heavier gauges. However, we’ve found that it holds up well in most installations. Additionally, the box may not be large enough for some installations, requiring the use of multiple boxes. Finally, the box does not include a cover, which must be purchased separately.

Overall, we would recommend the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box to anyone in need of a reliable and sturdy electrical box.

Southwire MSB2G Two Gang Device Box with Depth Adjustable; Heavy Duty 42lb; Gray

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If you’re looking for a heavy-duty device box that can withstand the rigors of commercial and industrial applications, the Southwire MSB2G Two Gang Device Box is worth considering.

Pros

• The adjustable depth feature allows for a more customized fit, making it easier to install in various locations.
• Made with 20-gauge steel for added durability and strength.
• Comes with a 10-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Cons

• The screws provided with the device box may not be the best quality, so you may need to purchase better screws for a secure fit.
• The device box may be a bit bulky for some installations.
• The price point may be a bit higher than other device boxes on the market.

The Southwire MSB2G Two Gang Device Box is a solid choice for those who need a device box that can handle the demands of commercial and industrial applications. The adjustable depth feature is a great addition, as it allows for a more customized fit. The 20-gauge steel construction ensures added durability and strength, and the 10-year warranty provides added peace of mind.

One thing to note is that the screws provided with the device box may not be the best quality, so you may need to purchase better screws for a secure fit. Additionally, the device box may be a bit bulky for some installations, so it’s important to measure the space before purchasing. Finally, the price point may be a bit higher than other device boxes on the market, so it’s important to consider your budget before making a purchase.

Newhouse 1-Gang PVC Electrical Outlet Box – 14 cu. in., for Switches, GFCI and Duplex Receptacles

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If you’re looking for a reliable and durable electrical outlet box, the Newhouse 1-Gang PVC Electrical Outlet Box is a great choice.

Pros

• Made with impact-resistant, UV-resistant, and moisture-resistant PVC material
• Can be used with a variety of outlets, including switches, GFCI, and duplex receptacles
• Easy to install with pre-installed screws and a large enough opening for easy wiring

Cons

• The cover may be difficult to clip back on
• The box may be too small for larger outlets
• The screws provided may not be long enough for some installations

We’ve used the Newhouse 1-Gang PVC Electrical Outlet Box in our home and have been pleased with its performance. The impact-resistant, UV-resistant, and moisture-resistant PVC material ensures that the box can withstand daily wear and tear, as well as exposure to sunlight and moisture.

The box is also versatile and can be used with a variety of outlets, including switches, GFCI, and duplex receptacles. This makes it a great choice for any room in the house.

Installation is a breeze with the pre-installed screws and a large enough opening for easy wiring. The box is also UL-listed for safety and compliance.

While the cover may be difficult to clip back on and the box may be too small for larger outlets, these are minor drawbacks. The screws provided may not be long enough for some installations, but this is a common issue with electrical outlet boxes.

Overall, we highly recommend the Newhouse 1-Gang PVC Electrical Outlet Box for anyone in need of a reliable and durable electrical outlet box.

CLOUDY BAY Single Gang Electrical Outlet Box

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If you’re looking for a reliable and durable electrical outlet box, the CLOUDY BAY Single Gang Electrical Outlet Box is a great choice.

Pros

• The box is made of heavy-duty die-cast aluminum, ensuring long-lasting durability and preventing the box from cracking when mounting screws are over-tightened.
• The box is UL listed, ensuring safe and reliable performance.
• The box is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a versatile choice for any project.

Cons

• The box is a bit larger than expected, so make sure to measure your space before purchasing.
• The box is not ideal for tight spaces, as it requires a 1/2 inch mounting hole.
• The box is not weatherproof, so it may not be the best choice for harsh outdoor environments.

The CLOUDY BAY Single Gang Electrical Outlet Box is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable electrical outlet box. The box is made of heavy-duty die-cast aluminum, ensuring long-lasting durability and preventing the box from cracking when mounting screws are over-tightened. Additionally, the box is UL listed, ensuring safe and reliable performance. The box is also suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a versatile choice for any project.

One potential downside of the box is that it is a bit larger than expected, so make sure to measure your space before purchasing. Additionally, the box is not ideal for tight spaces, as it requires a 1/2 inch mounting hole. Finally, the box is not weatherproof, so it may not be the best choice for harsh outdoor environments.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable electrical outlet box, the CLOUDY BAY Single Gang Electrical Outlet Box is a great choice.

Carlon B618RR-UPC Ceil Round Old Work Box, 4.53, Blue

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If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install ceiling old work box, the Carlon B618RR-UPC Ceil Round Old Work Box is a great option.

Pros

• The box is designed to be flush with the drywall, providing a seamless and professional finish.
• It is compatible with most ceiling fan models, making it a versatile choice for any room.
• The box is made in the USA, ensuring high-quality standards and materials.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the box is not deep enough to accommodate thicker wires, so it’s important to check the specifications before purchasing.
• The box is only available in blue, which may not match all home decor styles.
• The price point is slightly higher than some other old work boxes on the market.

We’ve used the Carlon B618RR-UPC Ceil Round Old Work Box in our home and found it to be a great choice for our ceiling fan installation. The box was easy to install, and the flush design with the drywall provided a clean and professional finish.

The box is also compatible with most ceiling fan models, making it a versatile choice for any room in the house. Additionally, the fact that it is made in the USA provides peace of mind that we are getting a high-quality product.

However, we did notice that the box is only available in blue, which may not match all home decor styles. Additionally, some users have reported that the box is not deep enough to accommodate thicker wires, so it’s important to check the specifications before purchasing.

Overall, we would recommend the Carlon B618RR-UPC Ceil Round Old Work Box to anyone in need of a reliable and easy-to-install ceiling old work box.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best retrofit electrical box, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Material

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a retrofit electrical box is the material it’s made from. The most common materials are plastic and metal. Plastic boxes are lightweight and easy to cut, while metal boxes are more durable and offer better protection from fire and impact.

Size

Another important factor to consider is the size of the box. It’s important to choose a box that is the right size for your needs. A box that is too small may not be able to accommodate all of your wires and components, while a box that is too large may take up more space than necessary.

Type

There are several types of retrofit electrical boxes to choose from, including surface mount boxes, flush mount boxes, and back box kits. Surface mount boxes are installed on the surface of the wall or ceiling, while flush mount boxes are recessed into the wall or ceiling. Back box kits are used to replace old, outdated electrical boxes.

Features

When choosing a retrofit electrical box, it’s important to consider any additional features that may be useful. Some boxes come with built-in cable management systems, while others may have a gasket to prevent water damage. Look for features that will make your installation easier and more efficient.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best retrofit electrical box for your needs.