OE
Quote
Professional Guide

Best Plasterboard Back Boxes for Dry Lining: 2025 Expert Review

OA

Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

If you live in a modern home or a renovated Victorian conversion in Leeds, chances are you have partition walls made of studs and plasterboard. Installing sockets here is different from solid brick; you need reliable dry lining boxes (often called pattress boxes) that grip the board securely.

A common frustration I see is cheap back boxes with flimsy lugs that snap or lose tension, leaving your socket loose and dangerous. This isn't just an annoyance; loose connections can cause arcing and fire hazards, which is why choosing the right box is critical for safety.

In this review, I'm looking at deep 47mm back boxes. I always recommend 47mm depth where the wall cavity allows, as it gives you ample room for wiring and is essential if you plan to install dimmer switches or USB sockets later on.

Live in Leeds?

Need sockets moved or a full rewire?

Get a reliable, safety-first quote from OR Electrics.

Contact Us

Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Fast-Fix / Tool-Free Installation"

The Theory

"Push the box in and the lugs automatically lock into place."

The Reality

Whilst the lugs are spring-loaded, you still need to ensure the plasterboard is sound. In older Leeds properties with damp-affected board, 'fast-fix' can damaging the wall. Always cut the hole precisely—too big and the lugs have nothing to grab.

The Spec: "Flame Retardant Plastic"

The Theory

"Prevents fire from spreading in the event of a fault."

The Reality

This is a non-negotiable safety feature. Never buy cheap, unbranded boxes from marketplaces that don't carry the UKCA or CE mark. If a connection overheats, you want the box to contain it, not fuel it.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Evoges 1 Gang Dry Lining Back Box 47mm | Deep Electrical Wall Box for Plasterboard | Fast-Fit Design (1)

Budget Pick
Evoges 1 Gang Dry Lining Back Box 47mm | Deep Electrical Wall Box for Plasterboard | Fast-Fit Design (1)

EVOGES

This single 1-gang box is perfect for small repair jobs or adding a single spur. The 47mm depth is excellent, offering plenty of space for cables, which makes the final fix much easier than struggling with shallow 35mm boxes.

Price£4.99 (at time of writing)
Size1 Gang (Single)
Depth47mm
ComplianceUKCA Certified
The Good
  • Deep 47mm profile allows for easy cable management
  • Sturdy yellow lugs provide decent grip on standard 12.5mm plasterboard
  • Ideal for single socket additions or repairs
The Bad
  • Cost-per-unit is higher when buying singles
  • Requires 47mm wall cavity depth (check your studwork first)

Installer Tip:

Before cutting the hole, check for studs using a magnet or stud finder. If you hit a stud halfway through cutting, this box won't fit. You need a clear void behind the plasterboard for the full 47mm depth.

Priced at £4.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Evoges 2 Gang Dry Lining Back Box 47mm | Deep Electrical Wall Box for Plasterboard | Fast-Fit Design (5)

Quality Pick
Evoges 2 Gang Dry Lining Back Box 47mm | Deep Electrical Wall Box for Plasterboard | Fast-Fit Design (5)

EVOGES

In modern homes, single sockets are rarely enough. This 2-gang option is my go-to for upgrades. The 47mm depth helps accommodate the bulkier backs of USB sockets or smart switches, which are becoming standard in Leeds renovations.

Price£8.99 (at time of writing)
Size2 Gang (Double)
Depth47mm
FeaturesFast-Fix Lugs
The Good
  • 2-gang size is standard for modern living requirements
  • Excellent value if purchasing multiple units
  • Deep back allows for flat-plate accessories installation
The Bad
  • Requires a larger cut-out; mistakes are harder to patch
  • Not suitable for shallow partition walls

Installer Tip:

When installing a double box, level is critical. Unlike brick where you can adjust the screw slightly, plasterboard boxes are unforgiving. Use a small spirit level on the box edge before fully tightening the lugs.

Priced at £8.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Evoges 1 Gang Dry Lining Back Box 47mm | Deep Electrical Wall Box for Plasterboard | Fast-Fit Design (5)

Problem-solving
Evoges 1 Gang Dry Lining Back Box 47mm | Deep Electrical Wall Box for Plasterboard | Fast-Fit Design (5)

EVOGES

This multipack is the problem-solver for larger projects, like a bedroom rewire or a kitchen extension. Having spares to hand is essential, and buying in a pack prevents job stoppages. The consistent quality across the batch makes installation rhythm much smoother.

Price£8.49 (at time of writing)
QuantityPack of 5
Depth47mm
MaterialFlame-retardant plastic
The Good
  • Best value for money for larger projects
  • Ensures you have spares if a lug snaps (rare, but happens)
  • Consistent depth across all sockets in a room
The Bad
  • Might be surplus to requirements for a single DIY repair
  • Storage space needed if not used immediately

Installer Tip:

If you are fishing cables through walls, knock out the cable entry point *before* you put the box in the wall, but don't remove the others to maintain the fire integrity of the enclosure.

Priced at £8.49 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a 47mm deep back box instead of 35mm?
I always favour 47mm boxes if the wall depth allows. Modern wiring (using 2.5mm twin and earth) can be stiff, and forcing it into a shallow 35mm box can damage the insulation. Also, if you ever upgrade to USB sockets or smart dimmers, they have bulky backs that simply won't fit in a 35mm box. It's about future-proofing.
Can I use these boxes on lath and plaster walls?
It is difficult. Lath and plaster (common in older Leeds terraces) often crumbles when you cut it. These boxes rely on the 'lugs' gripping the back of the board. With lath, the grip is often uneven. In those cases, I often recommend cutting a larger section out, fitting a timber noggin, and patching with modern plasterboard for a secure fixing.
What if the plasterboard back box feels loose?
Do not ignore it. A loose box means the socket moves when you unplug devices, which tugs on the live wires behind. This can loosen the terminal screws and cause arcing (fire risk). If the plasterboard has crumbled away preventing the lugs from gripping, the section of wall needs cutting out and repairing professionally.
Do I need a professional to fit a back box?
If you are replacing a like-for-like box, a competent DIYer can do it, provided they safely isolate the circuit. However, cutting into walls where you don't know the cable zones is risky. For new installations or larger rewiring jobs, Part P of the Building Regulations applies, and it's best to hire a qualified electrician like us at OR Electrics.
Are these boxes fire rated?
These Evoges boxes are made from flame-retardant plastic and are UKCA certified, which is the standard we look for. However, 'fire rated' in construction often refers to maintaining the fire barrier of the wall itself. If you are installing back boxes in an HMO ceiling or a dedicated fire wall, you may need additional intumescent pads (putty pads) inside the box to stop fire spreading through the socket holes.

Need Professional Full House Rewiring?

Our team at OR Electrics specialises in Full House Rewiring across Leeds.

Get a free quote for professional installation.

View Our Full House Rewiring Service