Surface mount backboxes

[MJM]

Sorry if this is a bit of a noob question but what do you use to cut holes in surface mounted backboxes. They seem to only be designed to take cables that are concealed in the wall, but if you have them coming in from trunking you need to cut a hole in the bottom.. what is the best way of doing this without cracking the plastic?

 

[Mark_Burgess]

Buy the correct ones in the first place, MK do them that accept 20mm round conduit or square trunking.

 

[MJM]

Oh ok will do! I've only seen the ones that take cables from the back.

 

[ipf]

No available knockouts ? Just mini hacksaw, to look even, and break out.

 

[Guest123]

Bakelite boxes have numerous breakout pieces around the edges, just need to be carefull when breaking them out. Using a hacksaw along the edges before breaking them out with a pliers helps.

Or as said, you can buy PVC type boxes with various trunking & conduit knockouts & use the various adapters on the market to accept trunking directly into the box.

 

[sedgy34]

there are different ranges available from wholesalers side entry etc unless your buying from a local hardware store

 

[MJM]

Ok will specify at the wholesalers. Thanks!

 

[londonlec]

'MT' or 'soft boxes' are what you're after.

 

[JD6400]

'MT' or 'soft boxes' are what you're after.

As Londonlec says , i also call them malleable back boxes and the wholesalers seem to know what i am gibbering on about !

 

[Guest123]

Mk types are called 'Eaga'.

 

[Spudnik]

I use a 20mm holesaw.

:disguise:

 

[johnboy6083]

As J said, use a holesaw but go slow and don't let it slam into the box when the pilot bit has gone through.

 

[JUD]

http://amzn.to/KB39RV

 

[Adam W]

If you're using trunking and not conduit make sure you don't get the ones with the conduit knockouts; they're rubbish, you can poke them out with your finger and then you've got a hole in the box and it isn't IP4X any more.