Tronic Twin Deep Switch Box for Surface-Mounted Wiring

Our review

This Tronic twin deep switch box is a pattress box, the enclosure that sits on the surface of a wall and holds wiring devices such as switches. It is made for situations where installing into the wall itself is impossible or undesirable, so instead of chasing and chiselling plaster to bury cables and back boxes, you mount the box directly on the wall. That tends to mean less labour and less mess, which is why surface mounting is common in rented rooms, concrete or stone walls, and retrofit work where you would rather not damage the finish.
It suits anyone planning a surface wiring run: a homeowner adding a switch point without opening up the wall, an electrician working in a building where chasing is not allowed, or someone tidying up exposed wiring in a utility area. The twin format means it is intended for two wiring devices side by side, and the deep body gives more room behind those devices for wiring, which matters when several cables converge at one point.
Before buying, check the box matches the devices you plan to fit, since the fixing centres and the size of the front opening need to line up with your switch plates. Also confirm the depth suits the number of cables you will terminate, and think about whether you want surface mounting at all, because a shallower box or a flush back box may look neater where the wall can be chased. Compare mounting method, number of gangs and depth against other pattress boxes before deciding. It is available on Sokonia.