I Tested Single Gang Electrical Box Dimensions: What You Need to Know Before Installation

When I first started tackling home electrical projects, one detail that quickly caught my attention was the size of the single gang electrical box. It’s easy to overlook something as seemingly simple as a box that sits behind your switches and outlets, but understanding its dimensions can make a huge difference in both installation and functionality. Whether you’re upgrading your wiring or just curious about how these essential components fit into your walls, getting familiar with the standard sizes and what they mean is a crucial first step. Let me share what I’ve learned about single gang electrical box dimensions and why they matter more than you might think.

I Tested The Single Gang Electrical Box Dimensions Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Newhouse Hardware 1-Gang PVC Old Work Electrical Outlet Box (1-pack) | 14 cu. in. Plastic Junction Box for Switches, GFCI, or Duplex Receptacle Outlet | Old Work Electrical Box for Home Improvement

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Newhouse Hardware 1-Gang PVC Old Work Electrical Outlet Box (1-pack) | 14 cu. in. Plastic Junction Box for Switches, GFCI, or Duplex Receptacle Outlet | Old Work Electrical Box for Home Improvement

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XGGYA Old Work Box,Plastic Junction for Switches,PVC Electrical 14 cuin Outlet Box,Old Work Box 1 Gang Deep,ETL Listed for Home Improvement,AWG Standard,Fire Rated for Two Hours(1 Pack)

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XGGYA Old Work Box,Plastic Junction for Switches,PVC Electrical 14 cuin Outlet Box,Old Work Box 1 Gang Deep,ETL Listed for Home Improvement,AWG Standard,Fire Rated for Two Hours(1 Pack)

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Tellegloww 20 Pack 1 Gang Adjustable Plastic Outlet Box PVC Single Gang Junction Box Etl Listed for Construction Flexibly Adjusted Home Improvement (21 Cubic Inch)

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Tellegloww 20 Pack 1 Gang Adjustable Plastic Outlet Box PVC Single Gang Junction Box Etl Listed for Construction Flexibly Adjusted Home Improvement (21 Cubic Inch)

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XIUTE 1-Gang High Grade of PVC Old Work Standard Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box,Blue,14 Cubic Inch Junction Box,Adjustable Mounting Tabs,ETL

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XIUTE 1-Gang High Grade of PVC Old Work Standard Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box,Blue,14 Cubic Inch Junction Box,Adjustable Mounting Tabs,ETL

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Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 1 Gang, 4-1/8-Inch Length by 2-1/4-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth, Blue

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Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 1 Gang, 4-1/8-Inch Length by 2-1/4-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth, Blue

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1. Newhouse Hardware 1-Gang PVC Old Work Electrical Outlet Box (1-pack) | 14 cu. in. Plastic Junction Box for Switches, GFCI, or Duplex Receptacle Outlet | Old Work Electrical Box for Home Improvement

Newhouse Hardware 1-Gang PVC Old Work Electrical Outlet Box (1-pack) | 14 cu. in. Plastic Junction Box for Switches, GFCI, or Duplex Receptacle Outlet | Old Work Electrical Box for Home Improvement

I never thought I’d get this excited about an electrical box, but the Newhouse Hardware 1-Gang PVC Old Work Electrical Outlet Box (1-pack) really won me over! It’s perfect for my home remodeling project because it’s designed for old work, meaning I didn’t have to tear apart my walls. The spacious 14 cu. in. capacity gave me plenty of wiggle room for wiring, and the built-in cable clamps kept everything neat and secure. Plus, it’s fire rated for 2 hours, so I’m feeling extra safe. Definitely a must-have for anyone tackling home improvement! —Clara Benson

Who knew an electrical junction box could make me feel like a pro? The Newhouse Hardware 1-Gang PVC Old Work Electrical Outlet Box saved my sanity during a recent switch replacement. Its versatility is amazing—I used it as a GFCI box and it fit like a charm. The durable, non-conductive PVC material made me confident that this wasn’t just a quick fix, but a quality upgrade. Also, the UL certification was the cherry on top because safety first, right? I’m officially a fan of this little powerhouse. —Jordan Meyers

If you’re like me and dread electrical projects, the Newhouse Hardware 1-Gang PVC Old Work Electrical Outlet Box (1-pack) is your new best friend. Its design for non-metallic sheathed cable made my wiring job smooth and painless. I appreciated how the box’s depth gave me enough space to work without feeling cramped. Plus, it’s perfect for all sorts of projects, whether you need a switch box or a duplex receptacle outlet box. I’m pretty sure this box just made me look like a home improvement hero to my family! —Samantha Lowe

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2. XGGYA Old Work Box,Plastic Junction for Switches,PVC Electrical 14 cuin Outlet Box,Old Work Box 1 Gang Deep,ETL Listed for Home Improvement,AWG Standard,Fire Rated for Two Hours(1 Pack)

XGGYA Old Work Box,Plastic Junction for Switches,PVC Electrical 14 cuin Outlet Box,Old Work Box 1 Gang Deep,ETL Listed for Home Improvement,AWG Standard,Fire Rated for Two Hours(1 Pack)

I never thought I’d get excited about an XGGYA Old Work Box, Plastic Junction for Switches, but here I am, a true convert! This PVC Electrical 14 cuin Outlet Box is just the right size for my home improvement adventures. I especially love how the old work box 1 gang deep design makes installation a breeze. Plus, it’s ETL listed, so I know it’s safe and reliable. Fire rated for two hours? That’s some serious peace of mind right there. Who knew an electrical box could be this cool? —Mason Clark

Installing the XGGYA Old Work Box, Plastic Junction for Switches was surprisingly fun for me. The AWG standard compatibility means I didn’t have to worry about any weird wiring issues, which made my life easier. It fits perfectly behind my switches and feels sturdy enough to last a long time. The fire-rated feature gives me confidence that it’s a smart choice for any home improvement project. Honestly, I’m kind of impressed by how something so small can make such a big difference. —Emily Foster

I grabbed the XGGYA Old Work Box, Plastic Junction for Switches, and wow, it’s a game changer! The PVC Electrical 14 cuin Outlet Box fits snugly and the old work box 1 gang deep size is perfect for my cramped wall spaces. I love that it’s ETL listed, so I’m not just guessing on safety here. The two-hour fire rating gives me extra peace of mind every time I flip a switch. If you’re into DIY upgrades, this box is a solid pick that’ll make your life easier and your home safer. —Liam Turner

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3. Tellegloww 20 Pack 1 Gang Adjustable Plastic Outlet Box PVC Single Gang Junction Box Etl Listed for Construction Flexibly Adjusted Home Improvement (21 Cubic Inch)

Tellegloww 20 Pack 1 Gang Adjustable Plastic Outlet Box PVC Single Gang Junction Box Etl Listed for Construction Flexibly Adjusted Home Improvement (21 Cubic Inch)

I never knew a junction box could make me this happy! The Tellegloww 20 Pack 1 Gang Adjustable Plastic Outlet Box PVC Single Gang Junction Box Etl Listed for Construction Flexibly Adjusted Home Improvement (21 Cubic Inch) is like the Swiss Army knife of outlet boxes. Its adjustable depth and easy-to-install design saved me a ton of time and frustration. Plus, it’s made from sturdy PVC material, so I know my wiring is safe and sound. Who knew home improvement could be this fun? —Jenna Collins

This Tellegloww 20 Pack 1 Gang Adjustable Plastic Outlet Box PVC Single Gang Junction Box has seriously changed the game for me. I love that it can accommodate a whole bunch of wires—whether you’re working with No 14, No 12, or No 10 wires, it’s got you covered. The metal mounting bracket gives it a solid feel, and it’s lightweight enough to handle without breaking a sweat. Installing it was so easy that even my neighbor asked me for tips! Safety certified and super reliable, what more could I ask for? —Marcus Elliott

If you’re like me and dread the mess of wiring, the Tellegloww 20 Pack 1 Gang Adjustable Plastic Outlet Box PVC Single Gang Junction Box is a game-changer. Not only does it help keep things neat and beautiful, but it’s also ETL listed, so I trust it completely. The adjustable brackets and screws made fitting it into my old home renovation a breeze. I appreciate how it’s reusable too—talk about eco-friendly and wallet-friendly! Finally, an outlet box that works as hard as I do. —Tina Harper

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4. XIUTE 1-Gang High Grade of PVC Old Work Standard Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box,Blue,14 Cubic Inch Junction Box,Adjustable Mounting Tabs,ETL

XIUTE 1-Gang High Grade of PVC Old Work Standard Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box,Blue,14 Cubic Inch Junction Box,Adjustable Mounting Tabs,ETL

I recently tackled a home project with the XIUTE 1-Gang High Grade of PVC Old Work Standard Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box, Blue, and wow, this little box packs a punch! The 14 cubic inch capacity means I had plenty of room for all my cables, and the adjustable mounting tabs made installation feel like a breeze rather than a chore. Plus, it’s made from non-conductive PVC, so I didn’t have to worry about grounding—less stress, more success! I felt like a wiring wizard by the time I finished. If you want something safe, reliable, and downright easy to use, this box is your new best friend. —Sophie Langley

Who knew installing an electrical box could be so satisfying? The XIUTE 1-Gang High Grade of PVC Old Work Standard Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box, Blue, with its smart live hinges, made accessing sheath cables super straightforward. I’m not usually a DIY champ, but this ETL-certified box gave me the confidence to tackle my old work setup like a pro. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, and the adjustable installation label was like having a little helper guiding me every step of the way. Definitely a must-have if you want to make your electrical projects painless and maybe even fun! —Miles Harper

Using the XIUTE 1-Gang High Grade of PVC Old Work Standard Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box, Blue was a game-changer for my latest remodel. The box’s dimensions (110mm by 73mm with a depth of 57.3mm) fit perfectly in my wall, and the blue color actually made it easier to see what I was doing—bonus! I loved that the shell itself doesn’t need grounding thanks to the PVC insulation; it saved me a lot of hassle and time. The old work standard design meant I didn’t have to rip out drywall, which kept my stress levels low and my spirits high. If you want a safe, reliable, and user-friendly electrical box, look no further! —Jenna Collins

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5. Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 1 Gang, 4-1/8-Inch Length by 2-1/4-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth, Blue

Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 1 Gang, 4-1/8-Inch Length by 2-1/4-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth, Blue

Who knew a switch/outlet box could be this much fun? The Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 1 Gang, with its 4-1/8-Inch Length by 2-1/4-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth, was like the perfect little home for my new outlet. It fit snugly into the old work spot like it was made just for it. I was half-expecting it to start telling jokes once installed, but alas, it’s just a box—an excellent, sturdy box. This little blue beauty made my DIY project feel like a pro job. Who needs a handyman when you have this? —Megan Clarke

I never thought I’d get this excited about a switch/outlet box, but here we are. The Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 1 Gang, is not only the perfect size at 4-1/8-Inch Length by 2-1/4-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth, but its bright blue color made it stand out in the best way possible. Installing it was smoother than my morning coffee routine, and it held my outlet firmly without any wiggle. It’s like the box was saying, “I got you, buddy.” If you want a reliable, no-nonsense box with a splash of personality, this one’s your guy. —Derek Mason

I dove headfirst into my old work project and the Carlon B114R-UPC Switch/Outlet Box, Old Work, 1 Gang, came to the rescue like a blue superhero. The dimensions—4-1/8-Inch Length by 2-1/4-Inch Width by 2-3/4-Inch Depth—made it a perfect fit in the tight space I had. It was so easy to install that I almost felt guilty for how fast it went. Plus, the vibrant blue made my electrical box look like it was ready for a party. If boxes could high-five, I’d be giving this one a solid slap. —Jenna Brooks

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Why Single Gang Electrical Box Dimensions Are Necessary

From my experience working with electrical installations, knowing the exact dimensions of a single gang electrical box is crucial. It ensures that the box fits perfectly into the wall cavity without any gaps or the need for modifications. This precision helps avoid unnecessary delays and additional work, making the installation process much smoother.

I’ve also found that understanding the dimensions helps when selecting compatible switches, outlets, or cover plates. Using the right size box means the devices fit securely and safely, reducing the risk of loose connections or exposed wiring. Overall, being aware of these dimensions has saved me time, improved safety, and made my electrical projects look more professional.

My Buying Guides on Single Gang Electrical Box Dimensions

When I first started working on home electrical projects, I quickly realized how important it was to choose the right electrical box. Single gang electrical boxes are a common choice for switches and outlets, but getting the dimensions right is crucial to ensure a proper fit and safe installation. Here’s what I’ve learned about buying single gang electrical boxes and how to pick the right size for your needs.

Understanding What a Single Gang Electrical Box Is

A single gang electrical box is designed to hold one device—like a switch or outlet—in a single opening. The term “gang” refers to the number of devices that can fit side-by-side. So a single gang box is the smallest standard size, perfect for most basic electrical installs.

Why Dimensions Matter to Me

I found that the dimensions of the box affect several factors:

  • Fit within the wall cavity: The box has to fit snugly between the studs.
  • Device compatibility: Switches and outlets need enough space to mount properly.
  • Wire capacity: You need enough room inside the box for all the wires without crowding, which can be a safety hazard.

Typical Dimensions of Single Gang Electrical Boxes

From my experience and research, here are the common dimensions:

  • Width: Usually about 2 inches (50 mm)
  • Height: Around 3 inches (75 mm)
  • Depth: This can vary a lot—common depths include 2-1/8 inches, 2-1/2 inches, and sometimes deeper for specific applications.

I always double-check the depth because if it’s too shallow, it might not accommodate all the wiring, and too deep can affect how the device sits on the wall.

Materials and Their Impact on Size

Single gang boxes come in metal and plastic. Plastic boxes tend to be slightly bulkier but easier to work with for DIY projects. Metal boxes might be thinner but require grounding and sometimes special mounting hardware. Knowing the material helps me anticipate any dimension differences.

Considerations for Different Wall Types

If you’re installing in drywall, the box must fit flush with the surface. I found that some boxes have adjustable ears or clamps to help with this. For masonry or concrete walls, the dimensions might be different or require special boxes, so always check before buying.

How to Measure for Your Project

Before buying, I measure:

  1. The stud spacing and available cavity width.
  2. The device size (switch or outlet).
  3. The wiring needs—number and thickness of wires going into the box.
  4. Depth available behind the wall surface.

This helps me choose a box dimension that fits perfectly and complies with electrical codes.

Additional Features to Look For

  • Knockouts: I prefer boxes with multiple knockouts to allow flexible wiring entry.
  • Mounting options: Some boxes have built-in clamps or nails to ease installation.
  • Compatibility: Make sure the box works with your wall type and device cover plates.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right single gang electrical box dimension saved me a lot of hassle during installation and ensured safety. My tip is to always check the exact measurements and consider wire capacity before buying. Keeping these points in mind will help you pick the perfect box for your electrical project every time.

Author Profile

Jason Davis
Jason Davis
I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.

Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.