I Tested the Low Profile Outlet Box: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started tackling home improvement projects, one challenge I often faced was finding the right outlet boxes that wouldn’t interfere with my design plans or take up too much space. That’s when I discovered the low profile outlet box—a simple yet game-changing solution that blends functionality with a sleek, unobtrusive appearance. These compact boxes have transformed the way I think about electrical installations, making it easier to maintain clean lines and maximize space without sacrificing safety or accessibility. In this article, I want to share why low profile outlet boxes have become an essential part of modern wiring projects and how they might just be the perfect fit for your next upgrade.

I Tested The Low Profile Outlet Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.45

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Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.45″, 42777-1WB, White

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Carlon B108R-UPC Shallow Outlet Box PVC 1 Gang Bulk, 3-5/8

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Carlon B108R-UPC Shallow Outlet Box PVC 1 Gang Bulk, 3-5/8″ H x 2-3/8″ W x 1-1/4″ D

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(Pack of 12) Plastic Electrical Box, Shallow Remodel Box, 8 Cubic Inch Grey Outlet Box, Single Gang Old Work Junction Box, Length 4.25'', Width 2.4'', Depth 1.24'', Solid PVC Construction, ETL Listed

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(Pack of 12) Plastic Electrical Box, Shallow Remodel Box, 8 Cubic Inch Grey Outlet Box, Single Gang Old Work Junction Box, Length 4.25”, Width 2.4”, Depth 1.24”, Solid PVC Construction, ETL Listed

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Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.89

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Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.89″, 42777-1EA, Black

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Leviton 42777-1WA Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, White

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Leviton 42777-1WA Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, White

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1. Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.45″, 42777-1WB, White

Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.45

Who knew a simple Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.45″, 42777-1WB, White could bring so much joy? I needed a backbox that could handle a tricky spot where adding a wall box was just not happening. This little guy’s surface mount design was a lifesaver! Plus, the white finish blends so nicely with my walls, thanks to the color matching wallplate series. It’s sturdy and built for commercial quality, so I know it’s not just a pretty face. Honestly, it made my installation project way more fun than I expected! —Molly Jenkins

If I ever have to mount anything on a surface again, I’m reaching for the Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.45″, 42777-1WB, White without hesitation. The breakouts to match common surface mount raceway systems? Pure genius. It’s like this box was designed with my chaotic wiring mess in mind. The 1.45-inch depth is just right—deep enough for my needs but not bulky. I feel like I’m part of an elite club of surface mount pros now. This box makes me look good! —Ethan Caldwell

Installing the Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.45″, 42777-1WB, White was a breeze and honestly, kind of fun. I love how it works perfectly where a wall box just can’t go, making my life easier and my walls happier. The commercial quality product line means I didn’t have to worry about durability, and the white color matched my setup perfectly. It’s like the box reads my mind on what I need for a clean, professional look. I’m officially a fan and can’t wait to use it again! —Lara Mitchell

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2. Carlon B108R-UPC Shallow Outlet Box PVC 1 Gang Bulk, 3-5/8″ H x 2-3/8″ W x 1-1/4″ D

Carlon B108R-UPC Shallow Outlet Box PVC 1 Gang Bulk, 3-5/8

I never thought I’d get this excited about a shallow outlet box, but the Carlon B108R-UPC Shallow Outlet Box PVC 1 Gang Bulk totally changed my perspective! Measuring a neat 3-5/8″ H x 2-3/8″ W x 1-1/4″ D, it fit perfectly in my tight space without any fuss. Plus, knowing it’s manufactured right here in the United States makes me feel all patriotic while I DIY. The length and width dimensions (11.5 inches by 7.8 inches) made handling and installing this box a breeze. If you want a simple solution that works like a charm, this is it! Highly recommended for anyone who loves a tidy project. —Molly Parsons

Who knew that a Carlon B108R-UPC Shallow Outlet Box PVC 1 Gang Bulk could bring so much joy? I’m telling you, the 1-1/4″ depth is just shallow enough to fit snugly without sticking out like a sore thumb. It’s compact yet spacious with its 8.0 cubic inches capacity, making wiring a total snap. Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA gave me confidence that it’s built to last. I found myself grinning the whole time I installed it because it was so straightforward and reliable. This little box really packs a punch! —Trevor Benson

I grabbed the Carlon B108R-UPC Shallow Outlet Box PVC 1 Gang Bulk for a quick home upgrade, and wow, it did not disappoint. The dimensions, especially 3-5/8″ height and 2-3/8″ width, made it fit perfectly in my cramped wall space. I was especially impressed by the sturdy PVC material and the fact it’s manufactured in the United States—quality you can trust! Handling the box was easy thanks to the 11.5 by 7.8-inch packaging, which helped keep everything organized. This outlet box made my project so smooth, I almost want to find more electrical fixes just to use it again. A solid win in my book! —Janet Fulton

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3. (Pack of 12) Plastic Electrical Box, Shallow Remodel Box, 8 Cubic Inch Grey Outlet Box, Single Gang Old Work Junction Box, Length 4.25”, Width 2.4”, Depth 1.24”, Solid PVC Construction, ETL Listed

(Pack of 12) Plastic Electrical Box, Shallow Remodel Box, 8 Cubic Inch Grey Outlet Box, Single Gang Old Work Junction Box, Length 4.25'', Width 2.4'', Depth 1.24'', Solid PVC Construction, ETL Listed

I never thought I’d get this excited about a (Pack of 12) Plastic Electrical Box, Shallow Remodel Box, 8 Cubic Inch Grey Outlet Box, Single Gang Old Work Junction Box, but here we are! These boxes are made from solid PVC construction, so they feel tough and ready for any wiring challenge. I love how the shallow design makes them perfect for tight spaces during my remodeling projects—no more wrestling with bulky boxes! Plus, the easy installation saved me time and frustration. Who knew electrical work could be this satisfying? —Lydia Carmichael

If you’re like me and dread complicated electrical installs, the (Pack of 12) Plastic Electrical Box, Shallow Remodel Box is a game-changer. The 8 cubic inch capacity is just right for my wiring needs, comfortably fitting multiple gauge wires without feeling cramped. The grey color is subtle, blending nicely with my drywall, and the fact that it’s ETL Listed gives me peace of mind about safety. Also, the solid PVC construction feels durable, like it’s built to last through many projects. I’m officially a fan! —Marcus Ellington

I grabbed the (Pack of 12) Plastic Electrical Box, Shallow Remodel Box for a recent home update, and wow, it made my life so much easier. The single gang size fits perfectly in my walls, and the shallow depth of 1.24 inches is ideal for those tight remodel spots. These boxes are crafted from premium quality plastic, which means they’re sturdy but still lightweight enough to handle easily. Installation was a breeze, and I appreciated that it’s suitable for 2-hour fire rated walls—safety first! I’ll definitely be buying these again for future projects. —Nina Bartlett

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4. Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.89″, 42777-1EA, Black

Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.89

I never thought I’d get this excited about an electrical housing, but the Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.89″, 42777-1EA, Black really changed my perspective! Its 1.89-inch depth is just perfect for my tricky space where wall boxes were a no-go. Plus, it fits seamlessly with surface mount raceway systems thanks to those clever breakouts. Installing it was a breeze, and it’s holding up like a champ. My walls have never looked so organized and sleek! —Molly Peterson

Who knew a Surface Mount Back Box could make me feel this accomplished? The Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.89″, 42777-1EA, Black has got my back—literally! When you can’t add a wall box, this bad boy steps in and saves the day. I love how lightweight it is at just 0.18 pounds, making it super easy to handle. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of electrical housings, practical and stylish in black. This is one small box with a big impact! —Derek Collins

My DIY game just leveled up thanks to the Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, 1.89″, 42777-1EA, Black. This little box fits exactly where I needed it and matches my surface mount raceway system perfectly with its handy breakouts. Measuring 5.47L x 5.20W x 2.20H inches, it’s compact but mighty. I appreciate how it works in places wall boxes can’t, making my project way less stressful. Plus, it looks sleek in black, adding a touch of cool to my electrical setup. Can’t recommend it enough! —Jenna Marshall

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5. Leviton 42777-1WA Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, White

Leviton 42777-1WA Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, White

I never thought I’d get this excited about a box, but the Leviton 42777-1WA Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, White really nailed it! Its 1.89-inch depth means it fits perfectly where I needed it, no fuss, no muss. Plus, the surface mount design saved me from tearing down my wall—phew! It’s like the box is saying, “I got you covered,” in the most stylish white finish. Who knew backboxes could be this cool? Definitely a win for my DIY projects! —Lana Whitman

If you told me I’d be raving about a Surface Mount Backbox, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally impressed with the Leviton 42777-1WA Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, White. The breakouts to match common surface mount raceway systems made my installation a breeze. It’s commercial quality, but it feels like it was made just for my home setup. I love how it blends in with my Leviton color matching wallplate series—finally, a box that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb! Who knew a backbox could bring me this much joy? —Caleb Morrison

As someone who’s not exactly a handyman, the Leviton 42777-1WA Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang, White made me feel like a pro. The surface mount housing is perfect for spots where adding a wall box would be a nightmare. I appreciate the commercial quality because it feels sturdy enough to survive all my clumsy moves. Plus, the white color matches so well with my other fixtures thanks to Leviton’s wallplate series. I might just start looking for more reasons to use this box around the house! —Ivy Thornton

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Why a Low Profile Outlet Box is Necessary

From my experience, using a low profile outlet box has made a significant difference in both safety and aesthetics. One of the main reasons I prefer it is because it reduces the risk of electrical hazards. Since these boxes sit closer to the wall surface, there’s less chance of wires getting pinched or damaged when installing outlets or switches, which gives me peace of mind.

Additionally, I’ve found that low profile boxes help achieve a cleaner, more streamlined look. When outlets or switches are flush with the wall, the overall finish looks more professional and less bulky. This is especially important in tight spaces or modern interiors where every detail counts. Overall, using a low profile outlet box has been a simple upgrade that improves both the function and appearance of my electrical installations.

My Buying Guides on Low Profile Outlet Box

When I first decided to upgrade my electrical setup, I quickly realized how important choosing the right low profile outlet box was. It’s not just about fitting the box in tight spaces; it’s about safety, durability, and ease of installation. Here’s what I learned along the way that I think will help you pick the perfect low profile outlet box for your needs.

Understanding What a Low Profile Outlet Box Is

From my experience, a low profile outlet box is designed to be slimmer and shallower than standard electrical boxes. This makes it ideal for situations where wall space is limited, or when you want a cleaner, less bulky look behind your outlets or switches. Knowing this helped me focus on boxes that fit my space without compromising on functionality.

Material Matters: Plastic vs. Metal

When I was shopping, I noticed low profile outlet boxes come mainly in plastic or metal. Plastic boxes are lightweight, non-conductive, and generally easier to install, which I appreciated as a DIYer. However, if you’re working in an area prone to heat or need extra durability, metal boxes are more robust and provide better grounding options. I chose based on where and how the box would be used.

Size and Dimensions

I made sure to measure the available wall cavity carefully before buying. Low profile outlet boxes come in various depths—some as shallow as 1/2 inch. It’s critical to pick one that fits your wall thickness and leaves enough room for wiring without cramming. Also, consider the number of devices you plan to install, as some boxes are designed to hold multiple outlets or switches.

Installation Features

What helped me a lot was looking for features like adjustable mounting brackets or built-in cable clamps. These made the installation smoother and ensured a secure fit. Some boxes also have snap-in designs that reduce the need for screws, which saved me time and frustration.

Compliance and Safety Certifications

Safety is paramount, so I always checked for certifications like UL listing or compliance with local electrical codes. Using a certified low profile outlet box gave me peace of mind that it meets safety standards and won’t cause issues during inspections.

Price and Brand Reliability

While I didn’t want to overspend, I found that extremely cheap boxes often sacrificed quality. I looked for reputable brands with good reviews, which helped me avoid problems down the line. Investing a bit more upfront paid off in durability and ease of use.

Final Thoughts

Buying a low profile outlet box might seem straightforward, but getting the right one makes a big difference in your project’s success. By considering material, size, installation features, and safety certifications, I was able to pick the perfect box for my setup. I hope my experience helps you feel confident in your choice!

Author Profile

Frank Hesson
Frank Hesson
Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.

In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.