Top 5 Best Old Work Electrical Box 2025

Vintage work electrical boxes are extremely handy tools that offer additional outlets for various electrical elements within existing walls. Additionally, they are beneficial for both experts and DIY enthusiasts. Nevertheless, given their role in your house’s electrical system, it’s crucial to select the right vintage work electrical box to guarantee safety and effectiveness.

The best old work electrical box is easy to install, offers a snug fit without requiring advanced skills, and provides excellent protection for your wiring. Using the wrong box can lead to loose connections, potential fire hazards, and a wall needing a whole new rework.

When purchasing an old work electrical box, make sure it is compatible with your wall type, be it drywall, plaster, or similar. The material should be durable enough to withstand the heat and other conditions often encountered in electrical wiring, while also being lightweight and easy to handle. Quality and robustness can not be compromised.

In this article, we will discuss said factors and offer our recommendations for the best old work electrical boxes based on our careful research and testing. We have tried and tested multiple brands and models, assessing their strength, ease of use, and safety. By the conclusion of this article, you’ll be well equipped with the knowledge you need to choose the best old work electrical box for your project.

Best Old Work Electrical Box

Selecting the right old work electrical box for your needs is essential for your electrical setup’s safety and longevity. Factors such as ease of installation, sturdiness, and compatibility with your walls should be taken into careful consideration. The market is flooded with a sea of options, making the selection process daunting. However, fear not, for we have compiled this list of the best old work electrical boxes available based on our meticulous testing and evaluation, to assist you in making an informed decision.

Southwire Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box with Depth Adjustable; Heavy Duty 42lb; Gray

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If you’re looking for a heavy-duty device box, the Southwire Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box is a great option.

Pros

• The adjustable depth feature allows for a custom fit in any application.
• The sturdy metal construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
• The device box is UL listed for safety and compliance.

Cons

• The device box is only designed for one gang, which may limit its versatility in some applications.
• The box may be too heavy for some users, despite its durable construction.
• The price point may be higher than some other device boxes on the market.

We’ve used the Southwire Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box in a variety of applications and have found it to be a reliable and sturdy option. The adjustable depth feature is particularly useful, as it allows for a custom fit in any application. The metal construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance, and the UL listing provides peace of mind in terms of safety and compliance.

While the device box may be too heavy for some users, we appreciate the sturdy construction that allows for heavy-duty use. However, the limited gang size may limit its versatility in some applications. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other device boxes on the market, but we believe the quality justifies the cost.

Overall, if you’re in need of a heavy-duty device box that can withstand rigorous use, the Southwire Southwire MSB1G One Gang Device Box is a great option to consider.

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 sturdy electrical outlet box, the Newhouse 1-Gang PVC Electrical Outlet Box is a great option.

Pros

• Made of high-quality PVC material that is durable and resistant to moisture.
• Large capacity of 14 cubic inches, making it suitable for various types of outlets and switches.
• Easy to install with a snap-together design and a pre-installed knockout on the back for quick wiring.

Cons

• The cover may not fit perfectly, causing a small gap around the edges.
• Some users may find the box to be too small for their needs.
• The box may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.

The Newhouse 1-Gang PVC Electrical Outlet Box is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and durable option for their electrical needs. The high-quality PVC material ensures that the box is resistant to moisture and can withstand the test of time. The large capacity of 14 cubic inches makes it suitable for various types of outlets and switches, and the snap-together design and pre-installed knockout on the back make it easy to install.

While some users may find the cover not fitting perfectly, causing a small gap around the edges, this is a minor issue that can be easily overlooked. Additionally, some users may find the box to be too small for their needs, but for most standard applications, it should be sufficient. Lastly, the box may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications, so it’s important to keep that in mind when making your purchase.

Overall, the Newhouse 1-Gang PVC Electrical Outlet Box is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and durable option for their electrical needs.

Carlon B225R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 2 Gang, 3-15/16-Inch Length by 3-1/8-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth, Blue

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If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install old work switch box, the Carlon B225R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box is a great choice.

Pros

• The box is UL listed and has a tamper-resistant cover, making it a safe and secure choice for your electrical needs.
• It is designed to accept 2 gangs and is suitable for use with most decorator covers, allowing you to customize your electrical outlets to match your home decor.
• The box is made in the USA, ensuring high quality and durability.

Cons

• The box is only available in blue, which may not match all home decor styles.
• Some users have reported difficulty installing the box without damaging it.
• The box may not fit in all standard wall boxes, so be sure to measure before purchasing.

The Carlon B225R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-install old work switch box. Its UL listing and tamper-resistant cover make it a safe and secure choice for your electrical needs, while its ability to accept 2 gangs and suitability for use with most decorator covers allows for customization to match your home decor. However, the box’s limited color options and potential difficulty in installation may be drawbacks for some users.

In our experience, the Carlon B225R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box was easy to install and provided a secure and reliable electrical outlet. The box’s sturdy construction and high-quality materials ensured that it would last for years to come, making it a great investment for any home or business.

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 easy-to-install old work electrical box, the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box is a great choice.

Pros

• The included UL-listed grounding pigtail provides a safe grounding path for the electrical device.
• The knockout holes on the back and sides of the box allow for quick and easy cable management.
• The blue color of the box makes it easy to find in the wall when installing new outlets or switches.

Cons

• The box is only suitable for light-duty applications, so it may not be suitable for heavy-duty electrical installations.
• The included mounting screws may not be long enough for some installations, so you may need to provide your own screws.
• The box is made in Mexico, which may be a concern for some consumers who prefer products made in the USA.

We’ve used the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box to install a new outlet in our home, and we were impressed with its quality and ease of use. The included UL-listed grounding pigtail was a nice touch, as it saved us the trouble of having to find a separate grounding wire. The knockout holes on the back and sides of the box made it easy to run the wires through, and the blue color made it easy to find in the wall.

One thing to note is that the box is only suitable for light-duty applications, so if you’re doing a heavy-duty electrical installation, you may need to look for a more heavy-duty box. Also, the included mounting screws may not be long enough for some installations, so you may need to provide your own screws.

Overall, we would recommend the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-install old work electrical 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 heavy-duty design of the box ensures long-lasting performance and durability.
• The extra thick fire-rated gypsum wall board makes it a safe choice for electrical installations.
• The box is compatible with a wide range of electrical devices, making it versatile for different applications.

Cons

• The box may not be suitable for larger devices, as it only has one gang opening.
• The installation process may require some additional effort, as the box is designed to be surface mounted.
• The box may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, but it is functional and effective.

The CLOUDY BAY Single Gang Electrical Outlet Box is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and safe electrical outlet box. The heavy-duty design ensures long-lasting performance, while the extra thick fire-rated gypsum wall board provides an added layer of safety. Additionally, the box is compatible with a wide range of electrical devices, making it a versatile option for different applications.

One potential downside of the box is that it may not be suitable for larger devices, as it only has one gang opening. Additionally, the installation process may require some additional effort, as the box is designed to be surface mounted. However, these minor drawbacks do not detract from the overall quality and effectiveness of the CLOUDY BAY Single Gang Electrical Outlet Box.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best old work electrical box, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Size and Capacity

One of the most important things to consider when choosing an electrical box is its size and capacity. Make sure to choose a box that is large enough to accommodate all of the wires and components you need to install. Be sure to check the box’s ampacity rating as well, as this will determine how much power the box can safely handle.

Material and Durability

Another important factor to consider is the material and durability of the box. Look for boxes made from high-quality materials that are designed to last. Some common materials used for electrical boxes include steel, aluminum, and plastic. Consider the environment in which the box will be installed and choose a material that is suitable for those conditions.

Ease of Installation

When choosing an electrical box, it’s important to consider how easy it is to install. Look for boxes that come with all of the necessary mounting hardware and that are designed to be easy to install without the need for special tools or expertise.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that the box may offer. For example, some boxes may come with built-in cable management features or may be designed to be easily removable for future maintenance or upgrades.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best old work electrical box for your needs and ensure that your installation is safe, reliable, and easy to complete.