Introduction: Meet the RGL Shrouded Surface Back Box (PBBSHR-BK)
The RGL Shrouded Surface Back Box 90×90×40 mm in black (model PBBSHR-BK) is a purpose-built enclosure for surface-mounted exit and access control buttons. Designed to accept standard 85×85 mm stainless‑steel plates and RGL dome/push buttons, the shrouded back box provides a neat, finished installation while protecting the mounted button and concealing wiring. Its 40 mm internal depth with a recessed shroud (which projects to approximately 50 mm) makes it an ideal solution where a recessed wall mounting isn’t possible or where surface conduit/cable entry is required.
- Shrouded design:recessed hood protects the button and hides wiring for a tidy appearance.
- Compatibility:fits standard 85×85 mm plates and RGL stainless‑steel button plates.
- Surface mounting:allows conduit/cable entry for straightforward installations on solid surfaces.
- Compact dimensions:90 × 90 × 40 mm internal depth, with the shroud projecting ~50 mm.
- Material and finish:moulded plastic construction in black (PBBSHR‑BK); also available in white and green variants).
- Commercially appropriate:intended for exit/access control button installations and compliant wiring practices when installed by qualified personnel.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The RGL PBBSHR-BK is engineered with practical site requirements in mind. The box measures 90 × 90 mm externally with an internal depth of 40 mm, giving enough room for standard button switches and wiring terminations while keeping the overall footprint small. The shroud projects to roughly 50 mm from the mounting surface, forming a hood that both protects the actuator from accidental knocks and prevents direct exposure of cable entry points.
Technical highlights and benefits:
- Internal depth (40 mm):Sufficient clearance for most low-voltage exit and access control pushbuttons and their wiring. This depth balances compactness with internal working space.
- Shroud projection (~50 mm):Creates a recess for the plate and button so that the actuator remains protected and visually integrated with the plate face.
- Compatibility with 85×85 mm plates:The PBBSHR-BK is tailored for the commonly used 85×85 mm stainless‑steel plates, making it a direct replacement or upgrade option in many installations.
- Moulded plastic construction:Lightweight, durable and cost-effective. The black finish provides a discreet, professional appearance suited to many commercial environments. Alternative colours (white, green) allow better visual integration where needed.
- Surface conduit/cable entry:Designed to accept surface conduit entry, simplifying retrofits and installations where in-wall wiring is impractical or unavailable.
- Neat installation and concealed wiring:The shrouded hood hides cable entries and terminal blocks from view, improving aesthetics and reducing tampering risk.
From an installer’s perspective, the PBBSHR-BK’s form factor speeds up jobs where surface mounting is required — avoiding chasing walls for recessed boxes and enabling standardised mounting for a range of buttons and plates. For end users, the result is a clean, resilient interface for exit switches and access controls.
The PBBSHR-BK is particularly well suited to scenarios where surface mounting is preferred or necessary. Typical use cases include:
- Retrofit access control upgrades:When upgrading a building’s access control system, walls may not be readily available for recessed backboxes. The shrouded surface box lets installers mount standard 85×85 mm plates quickly while maintaining a factory-like appearance.
- Commercial doors and exit points:In shops, offices, clinics and warehouses where exit buttons require protection from accidental activation, the shroud reduces exposure while keeping the control accessible.
- Utility rooms and service corridors:Areas where conduit runs are surface-mounted are an ideal match — the PBBSHR-BK accepts surface conduit entries without compromising appearance.
- Temporary or semi-permanent installations:Events, pop-up locations or temporary access control points benefit from surface-mounted solutions that are easy to install and remove.
- Environments requiring colour-coding:With white and green variants available, the series supports installations where colour differentiation is needed for safety or workflow reasons.
In short, the PBBSHR-BK shines in any situation demanding a compact, robust, and aesthetically tidy surface-mounted solution for exit and access control buttons.
When choosing a back box for access control or exit button applications, buyers commonly weigh recessed vs surface options and consider compatibility, build quality, and installation time. Compared to alternative surface back boxes, the RGL shrouded box stands out for a few reasons:
- Shrouded hood versus plain surface boxes:Many surface boxes are simple square enclosures that expose the mounted plate and wiring. The PBBSHR-BK’s shroud provides extra protection and a cleaner finish, reducing tamper points and improving aesthetics.
- Compatibility with standard plates:Some proprietary back boxes require matching plates, limiting flexibility. The PBBSHR-BK accepts common 85×85 mm plates and RGL buttons, making replacements and upgrades straightforward.
- Material and finish:While metal boxes can be more impact-resistant, the moulded plastic build offers a balance of durability, lighter weight, and corrosion resistance — beneficial in many indoor commercial settings. The black finish is unobtrusive and pairs well with stainless‑steel plates.
- Price and value:Priced competitively (suggested retail price around 12.50), the PBBSHR-BK offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing the neatness features typically found on higher-priced custom housings.
- Variants and flexibility:The availability of white and green colour options gives installers visual choices without requiring custom painting or additional parts.
For installations requiring heavy-duty impact resistance or specific ingress protection (IP) ratings, dedicated metal or IP-rated enclosures may be preferable. However, for standard indoor commercial use where neatness, ease of installation, and compatibility are priorities, the RGL shrouded back box is a strong contender.
While individual experiences vary with site conditions and installer practices, common themes in user feedback for shrouded surface back boxes like the PBBSHR-BK include appreciation for the tidy finish, ease of installation, and compatibility with existing 85×85 mm plates. Installers often note that the shroud makes the finished installation look more professional compared with a plain surface box, and facility managers value the concealed wiring and lowered risk of accidental damage.
Representative comments reported by installers and end users typically highlight:
- "Simple to fit and gives a neat, factory-finished look to surface mounted buttons."
- "The recessed hood protects the button from accidental knocks — useful on busy doors and corridors."
- "Good value. Compatible with our existing 85×85 plates so we didn’t have to change plates for a retrofit."
No verified manufacturer warranty is listed for this item in the provided datasheet; purchasers should check with suppliers or RGL for the latest warranty and support information and consider professional installation to ensure compliance with local electrical regulations.
The RGL Shrouded Surface Back Box PBBSHR-BK is a focused solution for installers and specifiers who need a compact, attractive, and practical enclosure for exit and access control buttons. Its shrouded hood delivers both protection and a clean aesthetic, the 40 mm internal depth accommodates standard low-voltage button assemblies, and surface conduit entry support makes it ideal for retrofits and locations where recessed mounting isn’t possible.
In environments where a professional appearance, compatibility with 85×85 mm plates, and straightforward surface mounting are priorities, the PBBSHR-BK offers a balanced mix of functionality and value. Whether you are upgrading access control points, fitting an exit push button on a busy door, or installing temporary controls where minimal wall alteration is desired, this shrouded back box is built to simplify the job and produce a tidy, reliable result.
For pricing, the suggested retail price is approximately 12.50 (cost price noted as 9.60). To ensure the best outcome, consult the RGL datasheet for fixing and cable entry details and, for commercial projects, engage a qualified installer to confirm compliance with local electrical regulations.
