In-wall electrical boxes are essential fixtures for any home, providing a secure housing for electrical connections within your walls. These boxes are incredibly versatile, used for installing outlets, light switches, and many other electrical components throughout your house. That’s why, selecting the right one for your needs is vital. The best in-wall electrical box should be sturdy, easy to install, and provide ample space for your electrical connections. Placing electrical boxes must conform with housing regulations.
When evaluating in-wall electrical boxes, pay attention to characteristic features such as construction material, box depth, installation mechanism, and flexibility. The box material should be sturdy and fire-resistant, like polycarbonate or metal, while the depth should accommodate the number of wires or electrical connections you plan to run through it. Also, a box with multiple knockouts offers additional flexibility when it comes to installing wires and cables.
In addition, using the wrong electrical box can lead to problems such as overcrowding which can result in overheating and potential fire hazards. Subpar boxes may also not fit securely, causing your outlets or switches to sit unevenly – and possibly, not work correctly.
We have hands-on experience, having tested and studied a variety of electrical boxes to assist you in choosing the best one for your needs. Through this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to select the right in-wall electrical box for your home. By the end of our research, you’ll have a thorough understanding of what makes a quality in-wall electrical box, saving you time, money and stress in the long run.
Best In-Wall Electrical Box
Choosing the right in-wall electrical box is imperative for the functionality, safety, and aesthetics of your home’s electrical system. The box should be easy to install, secure, and provide plenty of room for your electrical connections. Given the abundance of options in the market, picking the right one can be quite a task. In this article, through our research and hands-on experience, we have compiled a list of the best in-wall electrical boxes that meet these criteria, thus making your decision-making process easier.
ONE-CK Single Outlet TV Cord Hider for Wall Mounted TVs – Recessed In-Wall Cable hider System for Power & Low Voltage – Matches Existing Outlets – Hide Wires With this Easy DIY Install Kit
If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to hide the unsightly cords and cables behind your wall-mounted TV, the ONE-CK Single Outlet TV Cord Hider is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The kit is easy to install, thanks to the included step-by-step instructions and template.
- The outlet cover is made of high-quality materials and matches most existing outlets.
- The cable management system is effective and keeps your cords and cables neatly hidden.
Cons
- The kit only includes one outlet cover, so you’ll need to purchase additional kits if you have multiple outlets to hide.
- The cable hole may be too small for some larger cables, requiring some careful maneuvering.
- The cover may not fit perfectly over all types of outlets, requiring some adjustments.
We’ve used the ONE-CK Single Outlet TV Cord Hider to hide the cords behind our wall-mounted TV, and we’re very pleased with the results. The installation process was straightforward and hassle-free, thanks to the included instructions and template. We were able to remove the old outlet cover, install the new one, and connect our cables in no time.
One of the things we really like about this kit is the quality of the materials used. The outlet cover is made of heavy-duty plastic and matches most existing outlets, so it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your decor. The cable management system is also very effective, with a cable hole that’s large enough to accommodate most cords and cables.
While the kit only includes one outlet cover, we found that this was sufficient for our needs. However, if you have multiple outlets to hide, you’ll need to purchase additional kits. Additionally, some users may find that the cable hole is too small for their larger cables, requiring some careful maneuvering. Finally, the cover may not fit perfectly over all types of outlets, requiring some adjustments.
Overall, we’re very happy with the ONE-CK Single Outlet TV Cord Hider and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an easy and effective way to hide their TV cords and cables.
Southwire Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box with Depth Adjustable; Heavy Duty 42lb; Gray
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty device box that can withstand harsh environments, the Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box is a great option.
Pros
- The depth adjustable feature allows for customization to fit different application needs.
- The extra thick, impact-resistant polymer construction provides added durability and protection against impact and corrosion.
- The one-piece, molded design with a gasket seal provides a weatherproof barrier to protect wiring and connections from moisture and other harsh elements.
Cons
- The device box is only suitable for one gang, which may limit its versatility for larger projects.
- The price point may be higher than other device boxes on the market.
- The device box is only available in gray, which may not match all project color schemes.
We’ve used the Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box in various projects and have found it to be a reliable and durable option. The depth adjustable feature is a great feature that allows for customization to fit different application needs. The extra thick, impact-resistant polymer construction provides added durability and protection against impact and corrosion. The one-piece, molded design with a gasket seal provides a weatherproof barrier to protect wiring and connections from moisture and other harsh elements.
One downside is that the device box is only suitable for one gang, which may limit its versatility for larger projects. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other device boxes on the market. Lastly, the device box is only available in gray, which may not match all project color schemes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty device box that can withstand harsh environments, the Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box is a great option to consider.
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
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy old work switch box, the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box is a great option.
Pros
- The patented self-aligning design of this box ensures a secure and accurate installation every time.
- The included clamps and mounting screws make it easy to install without additional purchases.
- The blue finish of this box makes it easy to spot in the wall, making troubleshooting and maintenance a breeze.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the included clamps are not long enough to secure the cable properly.
- The box may not be large enough to accommodate larger switches or outlets.
- The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
We’ve used the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box in several projects and have found it to be a reliable and sturdy option. The self-aligning design ensures that the box is installed correctly every time, and the included clamps and mounting screws make installation a breeze. Additionally, the blue finish makes it easy to spot in the wall, which is a nice touch.
While some users have reported issues with the included clamps not being long enough, we haven’t had any issues with this. However, it’s worth noting that the box may not be large enough to accommodate larger switches or outlets. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other options on the market, but we believe the quality justifies the cost.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy old work switch box, the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box is a great option to consider.
Arlington TVBU810-1 TV Box with Flange for Home Theater Installations, 8 x 10, White, 1-Pack
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy TV box for your home theater installation, the Arlington TVBU810-1 TV Box is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The included 10″ x 8″ white flange makes it easy to install the box between wall studs, and the box is designed to be easily cut with a utility knife to fit between standard 16″ on center wall studs.
- The box is made of heavy-duty 1/8″ thick high-impact polystyrene, which provides superior protection for your television during transport and installation.
- The Arlington TVBU810-1 TV Box is a great solution for protecting your TV during moves or storage, and it can also be used for home theater installations to keep wires and components organized.
Cons
- The box is not designed to be stackable, which may make it less convenient for some users.
- Some users may find the box to be larger than they expected, especially if they are using it for a smaller television.
- The box does not come with any additional mounting hardware, so users will need to provide their own if they plan to mount the TV to the wall.
Overall, we highly recommend the Arlington TVBU810-1 TV Box for anyone in need of a sturdy and reliable TV box for their home theater installation. Its heavy-duty construction and included flange make it a great value, and its ability to protect your TV during transport is an added bonus.
Legrand – OnQ 12 Inch Media Enclosure
If you’re looking for a cable management solution for your home theater system, the Legrand – OnQ 12 Inch Media Enclosure is a great option.
Pros
- The media enclosure is easy to install and use, with a reversible door that allows for a clean look on both sides.
- It offers convenient cable access through the top and side openings, making it easy to connect and disconnect devices.
- The media enclosure is made with high-quality materials and has a sleek, modern design that will complement any home theater setup.
Cons
- The media enclosure is a bit pricey compared to other cable management solutions on the market.
- It only has two AC outlets and two USB ports, which may not be enough for some users.
- The media enclosure is not as deep as some users may prefer, which can make it difficult to fit larger devices.
We’ve used the Legrand – OnQ 12 Inch Media Enclosure to manage the cables for our home theater system, and we’re very impressed with its performance. The installation process was quick and easy, and the reversible door is a great feature that allows us to customize the look of our setup.
The cable access through the top and side openings is also very convenient, as it makes it easy to connect and disconnect devices without having to open the door. The media enclosure is made with high-quality materials, and its sleek, modern design is a great addition to any home theater setup.
However, the media enclosure is a bit pricey compared to other cable management solutions on the market. Additionally, it only has two AC outlets and two USB ports, which may not be enough for some users. Finally, the media enclosure is not as deep as some users may prefer, which can make it difficult to fit larger devices.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality cable management solution for your home theater system, the Legrand – OnQ 12 Inch Media Enclosure is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best in-wall electrical box, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the electrical box are important factors to consider. The box should be large enough to accommodate the number of outlets or switches you plan to install, as well as any wiring necessary. Be sure to choose a box that is the appropriate size for your needs.
Material
In-wall electrical boxes are typically made from either plastic or metal. Plastic boxes are lightweight and easy to install, while metal boxes are more durable and offer better protection against electrical fires. Consider the level of protection you need and choose a box that meets your needs.
Type
There are several types of in-wall electrical boxes, including single-gang, double-gang, and triple-gang boxes. Single-gang boxes are suitable for installing one outlet or switch, while double- and triple-gang boxes can accommodate multiple outlets or switches. Choose the type of box that best fits your needs.
Installation
Consider the ease of installation when choosing an in-wall electrical box. Some boxes require additional hardware for installation, while others can be installed without any additional tools. Look for a box that is easy to install and fits your specific needs.
Price
In-wall electrical boxes come in a range of prices, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a purchase. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it’s important to balance cost with quality and safety. Look for a box that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best in-wall electrical box for your needs.
