Best Double Gang Wall Box Options for Modern Remodeling
If you need a reliable double gang wall box, these five options cover retrofit, new-work, and open-wall installations. The best pick depends on your project type: old-work remodels benefit from retrofit designs; new-construction needs open-wall capacity; and compact spaces require efficient, flame-rated boxes. The following selections balance build-quality, wiring space, and ease of installation for common home electrical upgrades.
Selected Products At A Glance
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| SmarToggle Two Gang Retrofit Wall Box | Remodels and smart upgrades | Stud or no-stud compatibility with secure 1-1/2″ toggles |
| 2-Gang PVC Old Work Retrofit Box (Blue) | Old-work installations | 25 cu in capacity, easy retrofit design |
| RACO 680 2-Device Deep Box | Two devices in one location | 2-1/8″ depth, surface-mount friendly |
| CycevSun Double Gang New Work Box | New construction open-wall | 32 cu in, fire-rated, UL listed |
| MAKERELE 2-Gang Old Work Box | Remodels with fire protection | 26 cu in, ETL-listed, 2-hour fire rating |
SmarToggle Two Gang Retrofit Wall Box
The SmarToggle Two Gang Retrofit Wall Box is designed for stud or no-stud installations, making it ideal for remodels and multi-device smart upgrades. The 1-1/2″ snap toggles deliver a flush fit, reducing the risk of misalignment during final wiring. With seven wiring ports and a 3/4″ knockout, this box accommodates complex wiring layouts without crowding the internal space. Best for homeowners upgrading to smart switches or combining outlets with smart devices in retrofit projects. A potential limitation is the deeper toggle depth, which may require careful wall access for some back-in-box devices.
2-Gang PVC Old Work Retrofit Box
This 2-gang PVC old-work box offers a 25 cubic inch capacity, making it suitable for switching and outlet combinations in retrofit projects. It features a non-conductive shell that eliminates grounding requirements for the box itself, simplifying installation. The box includes an adjustable flange and live hinges for easier alignment and access to wires. Best for budget-conscious remodels where non-metallic construction and straightforward retrofits are priorities. A caveat is that the non-metallic design may be less rigid than metal counterparts in high-vibration environments.
RACO 680 2-Device Deep Box
The RACO 680 offers two-device capacity with a depth of 2-1/8 inches, making it a solid choice for exposed-work or surface-mounted installations where deeper boxes are needed. Its drawn construction supports efficient wire routing in denser setups. Best for electricians or DIYers needing reliable depth for ganging two devices in a single wall location. A limitation is that its depth may require careful planning when retrofitting into thin walls or tight cavities.
CycevSun Double Gang New Work Box
The CycevSun box is built for new construction with a generous 32 cubic inches of capacity. It is UL listed and fire-rated, addressing safety codes for open-wall installations. This box is best for new builds or major renovations where multiple devices, outlets, and dimmers may be installed. Choosing this option helps ensure sufficient wiring space and compliance with fire-rating requirements. The 2-hour fire rating is a clear advantage in open-wall layouts, though total install time can be longer than retrofit boxes in simple projects.
MAKERELE 2-Gang Old Work Box
The MAKERELE 2-Gang Old Work Box emphasizes safety with ETL listing and a 2-hour fire rating. It’s designed for removal and retrofits, featuring built-in wire clamps and positioning pieces to simplify initial installation. With a 26 cubic inch capacity and a shallow mounting footprint, it suits remodel projects that require a reliable, code-compliant box without upgrading surrounding studs. Best for home renovators prioritizing safety certification and fire protection. A possible limitation is that the included hardware differs by project, so verify compatibility with your device screws.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
What installation type do you need? Retrofit/Old-Work boxes are designed to fit into existing walls without new studs, while New-Work boxes accommodate open-wall framing in new constructions. If you expect dense wiring, seek higher cubic inch capacity and multiple knockouts. For exposed-work or surface mounting, consider deeper boxes or designed-for-surface options.
- Capacity matters: Look for cubic inch (cu in) ratings that fit your devices, including outlets, switches, and dimmers. Higher values reduce crowding and simplify wiring.
- Material choice: Plastic (non-metallic) boxes are easier to install and don’t require grounding for the box itself, while metal boxes offer robust rigidity and are often preferred in metal studs or areas with high mounting loads.
- Fire rating and safety: Fire-rated boxes provide additional protection in certain installations and may be required by code for specific rooms or configurations.
- Depth and fit: Deeper boxes help with multiple conductors but can be harder to fit in shallow walls. Measure wall depth and consider existing conduit layouts.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the box supports the number of devices (two devices in a double gang) and accommodates your switch/outlet configurations (GFCI, dimmers, smart switches).
FAQ
- What is a double gang wall box used for? It houses two electrical devices (such as switches or outlets) in the same wall opening, saving space and coordinating configurations in one location.
- Which double gang box is best for retrofit projects? For retrofit work, options like the SmarToggle Retrofit Wall Box and the 2-Gang Old Work PVC Box are designed for stud or no-stud installation and easier retrofits.
- How do I choose the right cubic inches? Compare device requirements and wiring space; larger cu in ratings accommodate more conductors and larger devices, reducing crowding and heat.
- Are fire-rated boxes necessary? They can be required by code in certain areas or for open-wall installations, offering added protection against fire spread.
- Is metal preferred over plastic? Metal boxes can offer more rigidity and are common in high-stress or exposed applications; plastic boxes are easier to install in many remodels and don’t require box grounding.
- Can I mix different brands in a single box? Generally, it’s best to match devices and boxes to ensure fit, ballast, and mounting compatibility; consult product specs and local codes if mixing brands.