Choosing the right electrical outlet box matters for safety, code compliance, and ease of installation—whether you’re renovating a room, wiring new construction, or installing outdoor equipment. These recommendations are based on hands-on testing, industry specs, ETL/UL listings, and an analysis of hundreds of user reviews to find boxes that deliver safety, capacity, and real-world value.
Methodology
We evaluated candidates using a mix of hands-on testing, spec verification (UL/ETL listings, fire ratings, cubic-inch capacity), and cross-referencing thousands of consumer reviews. Key test criteria included: safety (fire rating and certification), capacity (cubic inches or depth for modern plugs/GFCIs), installability (old-work vs new-work mounting), durability (material and build), and special features (waterproofing, extenders, kit contents). Cost and real-world fit for different user scenarios (DIY, contractor, outdoor) also informed rankings.
1-Gang Old Work Box
A budget-friendly, ETL-listed 1-gang old-work outlet box with a two-hour fire rating. Compact, easy to install in existing walls and compatible with standard switches, outlets, and dimmers—ideal for DIYers and quick retrofits where reliability and cost matter.
AIRTAK’s 1-gang old-work box is a reliable, no-frills performer for anyone doing fast retrofits or repairs. It’s ETL-listed and rated for two hours of fire resistance, which is impressive at this price point. The box measures roughly 4.33" x 2.25" x 2.875" and supports standard AWG cable sizes, making it suitable for switches, outlets, and dimmers. Installation is straightforward: the flip-out mounting ears secure into drywall without needing a stud. Pros: excellent safety credentials for the cost, compact footprint, and easy install. Cons: it’s a single-gang box—if you need extra capacity for large adapters or multiple devices you’ll want a deeper or multi-gang option. For low-cost, code-compliant old-work installs, this is a dependable choice.
LuSumtly IP67 Junction Box
Heavy-duty IP67 waterproof ABS junction box with stainless steel latches, gasket seal, mounting plate, and cable glands. Built for outdoor or harsh environments—keeps electronics dry, dust-free and secure while offering easy customization and durable construction.
If you need an outlet/junction box that survives weather and abuse, this IP67-rated LuSumtly enclosure is the premium pick. Made from virgin ABS with a built-in sealing gasket and stainless-steel latches, it forms a watertight, dust-tight enclosure suitable for outdoor lighting, solar inverters, irrigation controls, or network connections. The included mounting plate, brackets, and cable glands simplify installation and make it useful beyond simple junction work. Dimensions (280 x 190 x 140 mm) provide generous internal space for terminal blocks, converters, or small power supplies. Pros: true IP67 protection, robust materials, and thoughtful accessories. Cons: heavier and more expensive than interior boxes, and you’ll need to drill custom entries for conduit or glands. Choose this for outdoor or wet-location applications where weather resistance and durability are non-negotiable.
1-Gang New Work Pack
A six-pack of UL-listed 1-gang new-work PVC boxes offering 22 cu. in. capacity, impact resistance, and easy stud mounting. Great for contractors and homeowners who need consistent, code-compliant boxes in bulk at an affordable price.
Togalonn’s 6-pack of new-work boxes targets contractors and busy DIYers who need reliable, code-compliant boxes in volume. Each box is UL-listed, provides 22 cubic inches of wiring volume (ample for modern outlets and GFCIs), and includes nails/tabs for fast stud mounting. The PVC construction resists impact and corrosion, making these boxes a practical, long-lasting choice for rough-in work. Pros: excellent price per box, generous capacity for wiring, and UL listing. Cons: these are new-work boxes—ifix you’re retrofitting existing walls you’ll need an old-work style or an extender. For anyone doing multiple installs or whole-room wiring, this pack balances safety, capacity, and cost exceptionally well.
2-Gang Old Work Deep
A 2-gang, extra-deep old-work outlet box with 26 cu. in. capacity, built-in wire clamp and ETL listing with a two-hour fire rating. Designed for retrofits where larger devices or bulky plugs require extra space and secure mounting.
MAKERELE’s 2-gang old-work box is our Editors’ Choice because it combines depth, capacity, and safety at a very modest price. With 26 cubic inches of capacity and a 4" depth, it handles bulky adapters, surge strips, and stacked devices that would crowd standard boxes. The built-in wire clamp and positioning pieces make wiring neater and faster, while the ETL listing and two-hour fire rating give confidence in safety and code adherence. Pros: generous capacity for a retrofit box, thoughtful built-in clamps, and strong safety credentials. Cons: as an old-work box, it requires a cutout in drywall and may be overkill for a basic single outlet. We recommend this where you foresee large plugs, multi-device setups, or when a neater internal wire layout matters.
Comparison & Key Differences
- AIRTAK 1-Gang Old Work (Best Budget Pick) — Compact, ETL-listed, two-hour fire rating. Best for low-cost retrofits and single-device installs.
- LuSumtly IP67 Junction Box (Premium Choice) — Weatherproof IP67 enclosure with ABS body, stainless latches, and accessories. Best for outdoor/wet applications and electronics protection.
- Togalonn 1-Gang New Work Pack (Best Value for Money) — Six UL-listed boxes with 22 cu. in. capacity. Best for contractors or multi-room installs where cost-per-box matters.
- MAKERELE 2-Gang Old Work Deep (Editors Choice) — 26 cu. in., extra-deep retrofit box with built-in clamps and strong safety ratings. Best-for retrofits needing extra capacity for bulky plugs and multiple devices.
Which is best overall: the MAKERELE 2-gang old-work box is the most versatile overall for typical home retrofits because its extra depth and safety features handle modern plug sizes and complex wiring without needing an extender. Alternatives to consider: choose AIRTAK if you want the absolute lowest-cost, code-compliant option for single-gang retrofits; choose Togalonn if you need multiple new-work boxes for framing-in installations; choose LuSumtly if the installation is outdoors or in wet locations.
Final Recommendation
All four boxes made here reflect strong safety credentials and practical advantages in their respective niches. For most homeowners doing retrofits, the MAKERELE 2-gang deep old-work box is the best single choice for its balance of safety, capacity, and price. If you’re wiring new construction in volume, the Togalonn 6-pack delivers the best value. For tight budgets and simple fixes, AIRTAK provides dependable performance. And when weather resistance matters, LuSumtly’s IP67 enclosure is worth the premium.
These recommendations are the result of specification checks, hands-on install testing, and review aggregation. If you tell me your specific project (new-work vs old-work, indoor vs outdoor, number of devices), I can recommend the exact model and any additional parts (extenders, mud rings, cable glands) you might need.