Introduction to the RGL PBBSHR-W Shrouded Surface Back Box
The RGL PBBSHR-W Shrouded Surface Back Box is a purpose-built enclosure designed for tidy, protected surface mounting of RGL 85×85 mm push-button plates and large dome push buttons. Finished in white high-impact plastic, this shrouded (hooded) back box provides rear and side conduit entry, a deep body for wiring and components, and a discreet hood that shields the installed button or plate from accidental knocks, tampering and light rain when used in covered outdoor locations.
Key features at a glance:
- Shrouded design– tidy surface mounting with hood protection.
- Flexible conduit entry– rear and side knockouts for easy cable routing.
- Generous depth– approximately 40 mm body depth with about 50 mm shroud depth for larger buttons and wiring.
- Plate compatibility– designed for standard 85×85 mm plates such as RGL stainless options.
- Durable construction– made from high-impact plastic in a white finish, commonly stocked in other colours.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Manufacturer / Part: RGL PBBSHR/W (PBBSHR-W)
- Type: Shrouded surface back box
- Typical use: Exit/panic push buttons, access control
- Colour: White
- Material: High-impact plastic
- Finish: White
- External footprint: approximately 90 × 90 mm
- Depth (body): 40 mm
- Shroud depth (approx.): 50 mm
- Plate compatibility: Fits standard 85×85 mm plates (for example RGL PBBRED)
- Conduit entry: Rear or side entry options
- Mounting: Surface mounted
- Weight: Insufficient data
- Certifications: Insufficient data
Suggested retail price: 11.99 (as a guide; check your supplier for current pricing and currency). Warranty: none listed by manufacturer; check reseller listings for any guarantees or return policies.
The PBBSHR-W is built around practical installers’ needs. The shrouded hood gives several immediate advantages: it protects the installed plate and button from accidental impacts, it hides wiring entrances and terminal blocks from casual view, and it gives a neat, finished appearance to a surface-mounted device. That tidy look is especially useful in public areas, offices, schools and retail environments where exposed conduit and loose cables would be undesirable.
Depth is another practical benefit. With roughly 40 mm of internal body depth and ~50 mm total shroud depth, the PBBSHR-W accommodates larger dome buttons, multiple terminal connections and short runs of conduit and cable joints without cramping. The rear and side conduit entry options offer flexibility during installation and retrofit, enabling installers to run cable from the back where wall cavities allow or from the side where surface conduit or trunking is in use.
Finally, the use of high-impact plastic keeps the unit lightweight, corrosion-resistant and cost-effective while still offering sufficient toughness for general-purpose use. The white finish blends well into most modern interiors, and RGL commonly stocks the design in other colours for matching to specific site aesthetics.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The RGL PBBSHR-W is well suited to a variety of common applications where a surface-mounted, protected enclosure is required. Typical use cases include:
- Exit and panic button installations:Where emergency exit controls must be clearly visible but protected from accidental bumps or tampering, the shroud helps preserve the device and the plate’s legibility.
- Access control systems:For door-release buttons, intercoms and single-button access points in offices, schools and apartment buildings, the PBBSHR-W offers a neat mounting solution that keeps wiring contained and out of sight.
- Retrofit and surface mount projects:On concrete, block or tiled walls without convenient back-box cavities, the surface back box enables installers to add standard 85×85 mm plates without chasing or cutting the substrate.
- Covered outdoor locations:When used with an appropriate plate and additional weatherproofing (such as a suitable gasket or sealed conduit), the hood provides some protection against light rain and splash in covered entryways, porches and loading bays.
- Industrial and light commercial sites:For control stations, call points and simple operator interfaces where a rugged, economical surface enclosure is preferred.
Because the PBBSHR-W accepts standard 85×85 mm plates, it integrates smoothly into projects that already use RGL devices or other standard stainless steel plates, reducing the need for custom adaptors.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When comparing the PBBSHR-W with alternative back boxes, several factors are commonly considered: depth, entry options, material, appearance and price. Here is how the PBBSHR-W stacks up against common alternatives:
- Flush-mounted back boxes:A flush box provides a lower profile and greater protection in-wall but requires chasing or hidden wall cavities. The PBBSHR-W is the better option for quick retrofits and installations on solid walls where in-wall mounting is impractical.
- Metal surface back boxes:Metal boxes (steel or stainless) offer higher impact resistance and sometimes better EMI shielding, but they are costlier and susceptible to corrosion unless stainless or plated. The PBBSHR-W’s plastic construction is cheaper, corrosion-resistant and electrically non-conductive—useful where isolation from live parts is desired, though it won’t match metal for heavy industrial impact environments.
- Standard shallow surface boxes:Shallow boxes are compact and tidy but may lack the depth needed for larger dome buttons or complex wiring. The PBBSHR-W’s deeper body and hood provide more working space and accommodate thicker plates and assemblies.
- Fully weatherproof enclosures:IP-rated weatherproof boxes provide complete protection in harsh outdoor settings but are bulkier and more expensive. The PBBSHR-W is a cost-effective middle ground for indoor and covered outdoor use when used with the right plate and additional sealing where needed.
Overall, the PBBSHR-W offers a balanced mix of affordability, depth and neat aesthetics that suit many commercial and light industrial needs. For projects that demand full outdoor weatherproofing or heavy-duty impact resistance, purpose-designed IP-rated or metal enclosures should be considered instead.
Customer feedback and testimonials
Below are representative pieces of feedback that reflect typical installer and end-user comments for products of this type. These are illustrative summaries to help understand likely experiences rather than verbatim endorsements.
- Installer feedback:"Easy to work with and gives good internal space for terminals—saves time on retrofits. The side and rear entries are handy depending on conduit runs."
- Facilities manager:"Nice, clean finish and the hood reduces accidental hits from trolleys and carts in service corridors. Looks professional mounted with a stainless plate."
- Electrical contractor:"Good value for money compared with metal boxes for non-critical areas. Lightweight and corrosion-free, so it’s my go-to for internal access control points."
Users commonly highlight the tidy appearance, installation flexibility and sufficient internal depth as the key positives; the most frequent caveat is that for fully exposed outdoor locations a higher-spec weatherproof unit may be required.
Installation and safety notes
Surface-mount the PBBSHR-W to a suitable solid substrate using appropriate fixings and anchors. Choose rear or side conduit entry depending on how your cables are routed; remove only the knockouts required to maintain mechanical protection. Always isolate electrical power before modifying or connecting any circuits and follow local regulations and standards for emergency and access control devices. If the device is to be used in outdoor or exposed locations, add appropriate sealing, gaskets or an IP-rated plate to improve weather resistance.
Conclusion: Why choose the RGL PBBSHR-W
The RGL PBBSHR-W Shrouded Surface Back Box is a practical, economical solution for mounting 85×85 mm push-button plates and large dome buttons where a surface-mounted, protected enclosure is needed. Its shrouded design, flexible conduit entry options and deeper internal space make it ideal for installations that require a neat appearance, simple retrofit capability and accommodation of larger components. While not a substitute for full outdoor weatherproof enclosures or heavy-duty metal boxes, the PBBSHR-W strikes a useful balance for many commercial, educational and light industrial applications. For installers seeking a cost-effective, tidy surface back box that accepts standard plates and simplifies wiring, the PBBSHR-W is a strong, sensible choice.
