Introduction: Meet the RGL 28 mm Surface Back Box (PBB02/BK)
The RGL 28 mm Surface Back Box, model PBB02/BK, is a compact black plastic enclosure purpose-built for surface‑mount installations of exit/egress buttons, access‑control plates and other small control devices. With overall dimensions of 90 × 90 × 28 mm and a design suited to standard 85×85 mm plates and common stainless‑steel button bezels, this box offers a low‑cost, lightweight solution when flush mounting isn’t possible.
Key features at a glance:
- Surface‑mount plastic back box in a black finish
- Shallow 28 mm mounting depth for standard push‑button devices
- Conduit/cable entry provision (rear/side as per manufacturer diagrams)
- Sized to accept standard ~85×85 mm plates
- Affordable accessory for access control and egress applications
Detailed specifications and benefits
The PBB02/BK is straightforward in both specification and purpose. Its measured details and the practical advantages those details bring are what make it useful on the job.
- Manufacturer:RGL
- Part number:PBB02/BK
- Type:Surface back box
- Material:Plastic (black finish)
- Colour:Black
- Dimensions:90 × 90 × 28 mm (H × W × D)
- Mounting depth:28 mm
- Plate compatibility:Fits standard ~85×85 mm plates / standard push‑button footprints
- Conduit entry:Yes — designed for rear/side entry locations as per installation diagrams
- Suggested retail price (RRP):£10.99 (typical)
- Low profile yet roomy for small devices:The 28 mm depth is enough to house standard push buttons and simple terminals without adding bulk.
- Neat surface cabling:Built‑in conduit/cable entry points allow installers to route cables tidily and terminate devices without needing major trimming or custom PIDs.
- Compatibility:Sized to accept common 85×85 mm plates and bezels, reducing the need for adapters.
- Cost effective:At a suggested price under £11 it is a budget‑friendly option for multi‑site rollouts or retrofit projects where many back boxes are required.
- Lightweight and easy to handle:Plastic construction keeps weight and handling time down, which is helpful on tall ladders and constrained access points.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The RGL PBB02/BK is designed with common, practical scenarios in mind. Below are typical applications and installation contexts where it is particularly well suited.
- When an access control plate or exit button must be added to a finished wall where chasing for a flush box is impractical, this surface back box provides a clean, functional mounting solution.
- Ideal for older buildings with solid walls (brick, block, concrete) where cutting in a flush pattress would be disruptive, costly or impossible.
- Small emergency exit buttons, call points and egress control devices typically fit well into the PBB02/BK footprint and depth.
- The box keeps wiring contained and protected, improving safety and the final appearance of the installation.
- For temporary systems, demonstrations, or proof‑of‑concept installations where minimal impact to the structure is required, the PBB02/BK provides a quick, removable mounting option.
- Reception desks, plant rooms, corridors and ancillary areas frequently require surface mounting of control devices — the RGL box provides a standardised solution that installers know how to work with quickly.
Installation guidance and safety notes
To get the best results from the RGL surface back box, follow common installation best practices:
- Isolate power before working on any electrical circuits and follow BS 7671 wiring regulations (UK) or the equivalent in your jurisdiction.
- Refer to manufacturer diagrams for recommended conduit entry points and any cut‑out patterns — the box allows rear/side entry as specified.
- Ensure the selected plate or bezel is compatible with the 85×85 mm footprint and the 28 mm mounting depth; some thicker plates or stacked terminals may require a deeper enclosure.
- If the device will be exposed to weather or moisture, confirm appropriate IP ratings or use a purpose‑built weatherproof enclosure rather than relying on this standard plastic back box.
- Confirm compliance marking and certification as required: the product listing does not supply specific CE/UKCA details, so installers should verify applicable standards for the final assembled installation.
Comparison with similar products on the market
Choosing the right back box often comes down to three factors: depth, material/robustness and installation environment. Here’s how the RGL PBB02/BK compares to common alternatives.
- Deeper boxes give more room for multiple cable entries, larger connectors or small PCBs — useful when space for wiring is tight. By contrast, the PBB02/BK’s 28 mm depth is ideal for single buttons and simple terminations but may not suit multi‑cable, multi‑component assemblies.
- Deeper boxes are slightly more visible and may project further from the wall; the PBB02/BK remains relatively low profile for a surface solution.
- Metal boxes (steel or aluminium) are more robust, provide better mechanical protection and may offer grounding capabilities. They’re preferred in high‑abuse or industrial environments. The RGL plastic box is lighter, non‑conductive and often less expensive — a good choice for offices, retail and most commercial areas where impact risk is low.
- Flush boxes installed within the wall give a neater finish and are preferred for aesthetic or high‑spec interiors. However, they require wall chasing or hollow partitions. The RGL surface box trades a flush finish for minimal installation time and lower disruption to existing surfaces.
- IP‑rated enclosures protect against ingress of water and dust and are needed outdoors or in washdown environments. The PBB02/BK has no specified IP rating on the listing — for outdoor or wet locations use a dedicated weatherproof enclosure.
Customer feedback and typical user impressions
While specific named customer reviews are not provided with the product listing, the RGL PBB02/BK tends to attract consistent, predictable feedback from installers and facility managers. Typical comments reported by professionals who use similar surface back boxes include:
- "Easy and quick to install"— installers often appreciate the simple mounting footprint and pre‑formed conduit entry points, which reduce on‑site cutting or modification.
- "Good value for money"— when deploying multiple devices across a site, the low unit cost is a recurring benefit compared with custom or metal enclosures.
- "Perfect for retrofit work"— in buildings where chasing walls is undesirable, a surface back box is the pragmatic solution.
These illustrative reactions reflect the common strengths and limitations of shallow plastic surface back boxes: fast installation, compatibility with standard plates, and affordability, balanced against less mechanical robustness and no inherent weatherproofing.
Conclusion: Why the RGL PBB02/BK is a solid choice
For installers, facilities managers and anyone needing a reliable, economical surface mount option for exit buttons or access‑control plates, the RGL 28 mm Surface Back Box (PBB02/BK) delivers clear practical benefits. Its compact 90×90×28 mm footprint and compatibility with 85×85 mm plates make it a direct, no‑fuss choice for retrofit and surface installations where depth requirements are modest.
While it isn’t intended to replace deeper, metal or IP‑rated enclosures in heavy‑duty or exposed environments, it fills a common niche: low‑cost, quick to fit and tidy cable management for indoor access control points. Installers should confirm device fit and any certification requirements for their specific projects, ensure safety through proper isolation and wiring practice and choose a different enclosure where additional depth or environmental protection is needed.
In short, when you need a compact, compatible and budget‑friendly surface back box for standard push‑button and plate installations, the RGL PBB02/BK is a practical, fit‑for‑purpose solution worth considering.
