Shallow electrical boxes are **crucial** for your home or office, keeping switches, outlets, and other connections **neat** and **safe**. Designed to fit tight spaces, they’re popular in both **renovations** and **new construction** due to their **practicality** and **ease**. With so many options, choosing the right one for your **specific electrical needs** is key.
The best shallow electrical box should be robust, user-friendly, and spacious enough to accommodate the wiring and components. It should also conform to industry standards for safety and reliability. Using an inadequate electrical box could lead to poorly secured connections, potential safety hazards, and even failure during building inspections.
When purchasing a shallow electrical box, it’s important to look at the design and build materials. A good quality box should be made of durable, fire-resistant plastic or metal and should have ample knockouts for easy wiring. Other features to consider include built-in cable clamps, adjustable brackets for installing in various wall thicknesses, and a good cover to protect and disguise the internals.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best shallow electrical box. We’ve invested time, resources, and expertise in testing a variety of products to determine which ones offer the best performance and value. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to confidently select the right shallow electrical box to fit your needs.
Best Shallow Electrical Box
Choosing the right shallow electrical box is paramount to the safety and functionality of your electrical connections. The ideal box should be sturdy, spacious, easy to install, and compliant with industry standards. Given the wealth of options available in the market, it can be challenging to identify the best option for your needs. In this article, we have done the legwork for you, compiling a list of the best shallow electrical boxes evaluated based on these criteria to aid your decision-making process.
Carlon B117RSW Work Outlet Box, 1 Gang, 3.64-Inch Length by 4.07-Inch Width by 2-Inch Depth, Blue
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install outlet box, the Carlon B117RSW Work Outlet Box is a great choice.
Pros
- The die-cast metal construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
- The integrated cable clamp securely holds cables in place for a neat and tidy installation.
- The outlet box is compatible with a wide range of outlets and switches, making it a versatile choice.
Cons
- The outlet box is only available in blue, which may not match all decor styles.
- Some users have reported difficulty removing the cover after installation.
- The outlet box is slightly larger than some other models, which may be an issue in tight spaces.
We’ve used the Carlon B117RSW Work Outlet Box in several projects and have been impressed with its performance. The die-cast metal construction ensures that it can withstand heavy use and is resistant to corrosion and other damage. The integrated cable clamp is a particularly useful feature, as it eliminates the need for additional cable management tools and keeps the installation area neat and organized.
One potential downside of the Carlon B117RSW Work Outlet Box is its color. While blue is a popular choice for electrical components, it may not match all decor styles. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty removing the cover after installation, which could be an issue if the outlet box needs to be accessed frequently.
Overall, we believe that the Carlon B117RSW Work Outlet Box is a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile outlet box. Its durable construction, integrated cable clamp, and compatibility with a wide range of outlets and switches make it a top pick for any electrical project.
ARLINGTON FSC405R Sconce Box, Diameter: 4″, Non-Metallic
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable electrical box for your sconce, the ARLINGTON FSC405R Sconce Box is a great option.
Pros
- The box is made of non-metallic material, which is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a great choice for humid environments.
- It is easy to install, thanks to its push-to-connect terminals that eliminate the need for screws.
- The box is UL-listed, ensuring that it meets the highest safety standards.
Cons
- The box’s size may not be suitable for all sconces, so it’s essential to measure your fixture before purchasing.
- Some users have reported that the box’s tabs can be challenging to bend, which may require extra effort during installation.
- The box’s price may be higher than some other options on the market.
The ARLINGTON FSC405R Sconce Box is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable electrical box for their sconce. Its non-metallic material is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a great choice for humid environments. Additionally, its easy installation and UL-listing ensure that it meets the highest safety standards.
One thing to keep in mind is that the box’s size may not be suitable for all sconces, so it’s essential to measure your fixture before purchasing. Some users have also reported that the box’s tabs can be challenging to bend, which may require extra effort during installation. Finally, the box’s price may be higher than some other options on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality electrical box for your sconce, the ARLINGTON FSC405R Sconce Box is definitely worth considering.
Carlon Lamson & Sessons B108B-UPC Single Gang Shallow Switch & Outlet Box With Bracket
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install outlet box, the Carlon Lamson & Sessons B108B-UPC Single Gang Shallow Switch & Outlet Box With Bracket is a great choice.
Pros
- The outlet box is designed to fit between two 2×4 wall studs, making it perfect for tight spaces.
- The included clamps make it easy to secure the box to the studs, ensuring a secure and sturdy installation.
- The box is made of heavy-duty steel, ensuring long-lasting durability.
Cons
- The box is only designed to hold one standard electrical device, which may not be enough for some users.
- The box is not designed to be used in wet locations, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
- The box may not be suitable for use with certain types of electrical devices or wiring.
We’ve used the Carlon Lamson & Sessons B108B-UPC Single Gang Shallow Switch & Outlet Box With Bracket to install a new outlet in a tight space, and we were impressed with its ease of use and durability. The included clamps made it easy to secure the box to the wall studs, and the heavy-duty steel construction ensured that it would last for years to come.
One potential downside of the box is that it is only designed to hold one standard electrical device, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the box is not designed to be used in wet locations, so it may not be suitable for use in bathrooms or kitchens. Finally, it’s important to ensure that the box is compatible with the type of electrical devices and wiring being used.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install outlet box for a tight space, the Carlon Lamson & Sessons B108B-UPC Single Gang Shallow Switch & Outlet Box With Bracket is definitely worth considering.
3-3/4 in. x 2 in. Switch Box, Nongangable, 1 in. Deep, One 1/2 in. KO & NMSC Clamps,Grey
This switch box is a great choice for those looking for a non-gangable option with a depth of 1 inch and includes one 1/2 inch KO and NMSC clamp. It is made of high-quality plastic and is grey in color, making it a versatile addition to any electrical project.
Pros
- The one-piece design of the switch box makes it easy to use and install.
- The deep design of the box allows for better cable management and organization.
- The inclusion of one 1/2 inch KO and NMSC clamp makes this switch box a great value.
Cons
- The plastic material may not be as durable as metal switch boxes.
- The box may not be suitable for heavy-duty electrical applications.
- The grey color may not be the best choice for all electrical projects.
This switch box is a reliable and functional option for those looking for a non-gangable switch box with a depth of 1 inch. Its one-piece design makes it easy to use and install, and the deep design allows for better cable management. The inclusion of one 1/2 inch KO and NMSC clamp also makes this switch box a great value.
However, the plastic material may not be as durable as metal switch boxes, and the box may not be suitable for heavy-duty electrical applications. Additionally, the grey color may not be the best choice for all electrical projects.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and functional non-gangable switch box with a depth of 1 inch, the 3-3/4 in. x 2 in. Switch Box, Nongangable, 1 in. Deep, One 1/2 in. KO & NMSC Clamps,Grey is a great option to consider.
Hubbell-Raco 8293 1/2-Inch Deep, 1/2-Inch Bottom Knockouts 4-Inch Round Ceiling Pan Gray
If you’re looking for a high-quality ceiling knockout box, the Hubbell-Raco 8293 1/2-Inch Deep, 1/2-Inch Bottom Knockouts 4-Inch Round Ceiling Pan Gray is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 1/2 inch deep knockouts provide ample clearance for cable and wire stripping.
- The round design of the box makes it easy to cut and install.
- The box is made of heavy-duty steel, ensuring long-lasting durability.
Cons
- The box may be too large for some ceiling tile grid patterns.
- The box may not be suitable for use with certain types of electrical boxes.
- The box is only available in a gray finish.
We recently installed the Hubbell-Raco 8293 1/2-Inch Deep, 1/2-Inch Bottom Knockouts 4-Inch Round Ceiling Pan Gray in our home and were impressed with its performance. The 1/2 inch deep knockouts provided plenty of space for cable and wire stripping, making the installation process much more efficient. Additionally, the round design of the box made it easy to cut and install, saving us time and effort.
One potential downside of the box is that it may be too large for some ceiling tile grid patterns. However, we didn’t encounter this issue during our installation. Another potential issue is that the box may not be suitable for use with certain types of electrical boxes. However, we were able to use it with our existing electrical boxes without any problems.
Overall, we highly recommend the Hubbell-Raco 8293 1/2-Inch Deep, 1/2-Inch Bottom Knockouts 4-Inch Round Ceiling Pan Gray for anyone in need of a high-quality ceiling knockout box. Its heavy-duty steel construction ensures long-lasting durability, and its 1/2 inch deep knockouts provide ample clearance for cable and wire stripping.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best shallow electrical box, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve used and tested a variety of options, and we’ve found that the following factors are important to keep in mind.
Material
One of the first things to consider is the material of the box. Shallow electrical boxes are typically made from either plastic or metal. Plastic boxes are lightweight and easy to cut, but they may not be as durable as metal boxes. Metal boxes are more durable, but they can be heavier and more difficult to work with.
Size
The size of the box is another important consideration. Shallow electrical boxes come in a range of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will fit your needs. When selecting a box, be sure to consider the size of the wires you’ll be using, as well as the space available for the box in your installation.
Mounting Style
The mounting style of the box is also an important factor to consider. There are two main types of mounting styles: surface mount and flush mount. Surface mount boxes are installed on the surface of the wall or ceiling, while flush mount boxes are installed flush with the surface. Surface mount boxes are easier to install, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as flush mount boxes.
Additional Features
Finally, it’s worth considering any additional features that the box may offer. For example, some boxes may have built-in cable straps to help keep wires organized, while others may have gasketed lids to help prevent water intrusion. Be sure to consider any additional features that may be important for your specific installation.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best shallow electrical box for your needs.
