Pattress
Encyclopedia
A pattress or pattress box is the container for the space behind electrical fittings such as power outlet sockets and light switch
es.
A pattress may be made of plastic
(usually white in the United Kingdom
, though there is no requirement that this be so), or metal. It is usually of standard dimensions as per the relevant standards and/or regulations, and may contain embedded bushings
(in standard positions) for the fixing of the front plate containing the actual switch
or socket(s).
The pattress box may be designed for either surface mounting (cabling running along the wall surface) or embedded in the wall (or skirting board); in the latter case, thin unfinished galvanised metal is more common.
Amongst electricians the term "pattress" is used to describe a surface mounted box, and "wall box" for those that go inside the wall. Within brick/block walls these are usually metal. Within timber+plasterboard walls they are usually "plasterboard boxes".
Although cables may be joined inside pattress boxes, due simply to their presence at convenient points in the wiring, their main purpose is to allow the majority of the physical body of the switch or socket to protrude less from the surface, especially for the flush mounting case, for a more pleasing appearance, and also to isolate live terminals from the user. For enclosures whose primary purpose is the joining of cables/wires out of sight, see junction box
.
Light switch
A light switch is a switch, most commonly used to operate electric lights, permanently connected equipment, or electrical outlets. In torches the switch is often near the bulb, but may be in the tail, or even the entire head itself may constitute the switch .-Wall-mounted switches:Switches for...
es.
A pattress may be made of plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
(usually white in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, though there is no requirement that this be so), or metal. It is usually of standard dimensions as per the relevant standards and/or regulations, and may contain embedded bushings
Bushing (electrical)
A bushing is a hollow insulating liner through which a conductor may pass. Bushings appear on switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers and other high voltage equipment.- Description :...
(in standard positions) for the fixing of the front plate containing the actual switch
Light switch
A light switch is a switch, most commonly used to operate electric lights, permanently connected equipment, or electrical outlets. In torches the switch is often near the bulb, but may be in the tail, or even the entire head itself may constitute the switch .-Wall-mounted switches:Switches for...
or socket(s).
The pattress box may be designed for either surface mounting (cabling running along the wall surface) or embedded in the wall (or skirting board); in the latter case, thin unfinished galvanised metal is more common.
Amongst electricians the term "pattress" is used to describe a surface mounted box, and "wall box" for those that go inside the wall. Within brick/block walls these are usually metal. Within timber+plasterboard walls they are usually "plasterboard boxes".
Although cables may be joined inside pattress boxes, due simply to their presence at convenient points in the wiring, their main purpose is to allow the majority of the physical body of the switch or socket to protrude less from the surface, especially for the flush mounting case, for a more pleasing appearance, and also to isolate live terminals from the user. For enclosures whose primary purpose is the joining of cables/wires out of sight, see junction box
Junction box
An electrical junction box is a container for electrical connections, usually intended to conceal them from sight and meter tampering. A small metal or plastic junction box may form part of an electrical conduit wiring system in a building, or may be buried in the plaster of a wall, concealed...
.
See also
- Wall anchor plateAnchor plateAn anchor plate or wall washer is a large plate or washer connected to a tie rod or bolt. Anchor plates are used on exterior walls of masonry buildings, for structural reinforcement. Being visible, many anchor plates are made in a style that is decorative.One popular style is the star anchor—an...
s are also known as pattress plates. - More info on British pattresses
- Electrical wiring in the United Kingdom