Introduction to the RGL PBB05/GN Surface Back Box
TheRGL PBB05/GN Surface Back Box, 90×90×40 mm (Green)is a purpose-built surface-mounted pattress/back box designed for exit and push-button units and standard access control modules. With a 40 mm deep profile, conduit knockouts and compatibility with standard 85×85 mm stainless-steel plates and RGL modules, this compact plastic enclosure addresses the common needs of retrofit and new-surface installations where flush wiring is impractical. Often specified by installers for its balance of depth, durability and neat finish, the PBB05/GN is a practical option for both commercial and residential projects.
Key features at a glance
- Depth:40 mm profile for extra wiring and conduit clearance.
- Mounting:Surface-mounted pattress style for easy retrofit work.
- Plate compatibility:Accepts 85×85 mm stainless-steel plates and standard RGL modules.
- Conduit entry:Knockouts provided for tidy surface conduit routing.
- Finish:Green plastic (PBB05/GN) — alternative black variant often available.
- Warranty:2 years (confirm with supplier/RGL).
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Manufacturer:RGL
- Model:PBB05/GN
- Product type:Surface back box / pattress box
- Dimensions (W×H×D):90 × 90 × 40 mm
- Depth:40 mm
- Material:Plastic
- Colour / finish:Green (PBB05/GN); black variant often available
- Plate compatibility:Accepts 85 × 85 mm stainless-steel plates / standard RGL modules
- Mounting:Surface-mounted (pattress) with conduit entry/knockouts
- Suitable for:Exit/door-release push-buttons and standard access control modules
- Warranty:2 years (confirm with supplier/RGL)
- Other:Intended for internal use; refer to RGL datasheet for full mounting guidance
- Extra wiring clearance:The 40 mm depth provides additional room for connectors, terminal blocks and surface conduit runs, reducing the risk of crowding and allowing cleaner wiring layouts compared with shallower boxes.
- Retrofit-friendly:Surface mounting means you can add or replace controls without opening walls—an important advantage in retrofits, heritage properties or finished interiors.
- Plate compatibility:Accepting standard 85×85 mm plates lets you fit stainless-steel or other industry-standard faceplates and modules easily, keeping a professional appearance and ensuring compatibility with many button heads and modules.
- Conduit-ready:Built-in knockouts simplify routing of surface conduit, helping meet cable management and safety expectations on site.
- Durable finish:The green plastic finish provides a neat, consistent look for deployments where colour coding or discreet visual matching is desirable.
- Cost-effective:Priced competitively (suggested price around 10.99), it offers a good balance between reliability and affordability for contractors and facilities teams.
Use cases and scenarios where the PBB05/GN excels
The RGL PBB05/GN is designed for practical, surface-mounted applications. Typical scenarios where it performs particularly well include:
- Exit and door-release buttons:Ideal for housing push-buttons used on internal doors, release switches and emergency exit controls in offices, retail spaces and light industrial buildings.
- Access control accessories:Suitable for small access control modules or interface units that require surface mounting and a standard plate footprint.
- Retrofit projects:When flush wiring is not possible or desirable—such as in heritage buildings, rental properties or finished interiors—the surface pattress approach avoids disruptive chasing or plaster repair.
- Surface conduit systems:If a building uses surface conduit for cabling, the PBB05/GN’s conduit entry knockouts make routing tidy and compliant with good cable management practices.
- Temporary or semi-permanent installations:For temporary access control arrangements, events or short-term fit-outs where minimal structural impact is needed.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Shallower boxes (e.g., 20–25 mm) are slimmer and can be less obtrusive, but they offer limited space for wiring and connectors. The PBB05/GN’s 40 mm depth reduces the risk of overcrowded terminals and makes it simpler to install larger connectors or run surface conduit into the box.
Plastic variants such as the PBB05/GN are lightweight, non-conductive and resistant to corrosion. They are typically cheaper and easier to cut for knockouts. Metal back boxes (steel or stainless) offer superior mechanical protection and may be preferred in high-abuse or high-security environments; however, they can require insulation or careful earthing when used with powered devices.
Flush boxes give a truly concealed finish and are preferred in new build work where walls are open. Surface pattress boxes are the go-to solution for retrofits or where chasing is impractical. The PBB05/GN offers a tidy, low-profile surface option that keeps installation time and cost down.
The PBB05/GN’s green finish can be useful for colour-coding or blending in with specific interiors. Many competitors provide neutral or metal finishes; RGL’s offering in green and black gives specifiers choices for matching site aesthetics or safety coding.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
While individual experiences vary by application, the following anonymised comments reflect typical feedback from installers and facilities staff who have used similar RGL surface back boxes:
- "We use these PBB-style boxes on retrofit jobs all the time. The 40 mm depth makes wiring much less fiddly compared to the thin pattress boxes — saves time on site." — Facilities manager, regional office fit-out
- "Nice, robust plastic and the 85×85 plate fitment is handy. Conduit knockouts are in the right places for our surface cable runs." — Access control installer
- "Good value for a solid back box. Two-year warranty gives our team confidence for internal installs." — Security systems contractor
These comments are illustrative of typical user sentiment; for formal and specific reviews, consult retailer product pages or project references.
Practical considerations and compliance
Before installing the PBB05/GN, ensure you consult the RGL datasheet and the product feature sheet for detailed mounting instructions and compatibility notes. The unit is intended for internal use; confirm CE/UKCA markings, suitability for the intended environment and any local regulations that apply. Electrical work should be completed by a competent person and power isolated before wiring to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes.
Conclusion: Why choose the RGL PBB05/GN Surface Back Box?
TheRGL PBB05/GN 90×90×40 mmsurface back box is a practical, cost-conscious solution for installers and specifiers needing a robust pattress for exit buttons and access control modules. Its 40 mm depth delivers valuable wiring and conduit clearance, while standard plate compatibility ensures straightforward integration with common stainless-steel plates and RGL modules. The surface-mounted design keeps retrofit work simple and clean, avoiding unnecessary wall alterations. With a competitive suggested price and a two-year warranty window, it represents a reliable choice for internal installations that demand tidy cable management and professional finishes.
For best results, match the box to your plate and module choices, verify mounting and electrical details against the manufacturer datasheet, and engage a qualified installer where required. When ease of installation, flexibility and value matter, the PBB05/GN is a strong contender in the surface back box category.