Pattress: Difference between revisions
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A '''pattress''' or '''pattress box''' is the container for the space behind electrical fittings such as [[power outlet socket]]s and [[light switch]]es. Pattress boxes may be designed for either surface mounting (with cabling running along the wall surface) or for embedding in the wall or [[skirting board]]. Amongst [[electrician]]s, the term "pattress box" is used to describe a surface-mounted box, and "wall box" is used for one that goes inside the wall. Boxes for installation within timber/plasterboard walls are usually called "plasterboard boxes". [[British English]] speakers also tend to say "pattress box" instead of just "pattress". The word "pattress", despite attested from the late 19th century, is still rarely found in most dictionaries. It is [[etymology|etymologically]] derived from ''patera'' ([[Latin]] for bowl, saucer).<ref>http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/pattress</ref><ref>http://www.latin-dictionary.org/english-latin-online-dictionary/patera</ref><ref>For more information on the terminology, see [http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Pattress#Uses_of_the_word_.27pattress.27].</ref> |
A '''pattress''' or '''pattress box''' is the container for the space behind electrical fittings such as [[power outlet socket]]s and [[light switch]]es. Pattress boxes may be designed for either surface mounting (with cabling running along the wall surface) or for embedding in the wall or [[skirting board]]. Amongst [[electrician]]s, the term "pattress box" is used to describe a surface-mounted box, and "wall box" is used for one that goes inside the wall. Boxes for installation within timber/plasterboard walls are usually called "plasterboard boxes". In US lay use, a "pattress" often means a wall box, while in the [[United Kingdom|UK]], lay terminology usage seems to more closely follow that of professional electricians. [[British English]] speakers also tend to say "pattress box" instead of just "pattress". The word "pattress", despite attested from the late 19th century, is still rarely found in most dictionaries. It is [[etymology|etymologically]] derived from ''patera'' ([[Latin]] for bowl, saucer).<ref>http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/pattress</ref><ref>http://www.latin-dictionary.org/english-latin-online-dictionary/patera</ref><ref>For more information on the terminology, see [http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Pattress#Uses_of_the_word_.27pattress.27].</ref> |
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A pattress may be made of [[metal]] or [[plastic]]. In the [[United Kingdom]], especially surface-mounted boxes are often made from [[urea-formaldehyde resin]], or alternatively [[polyvinyl chloride|PVC]], and usually white. Wall boxes are commonly made of thin [[galvanised]] metal. A pattress box is |
A pattress may be made of [[metal]] or [[plastic]]. In the [[United Kingdom]], especially surface-mounted boxes are often made from [[urea-formaldehyde resin]]<ref>sometimes somewhat misleadingly or erroneously abbreviated to "[[urea]]"</ref>, or alternatively [[polyvinyl chloride|PVC]], and usually white in colour, though there is no requirement that this be so. Wall boxes, particularly those for brick/block walls, are commonly made of thin unfinished [[galvanised]] metal. A pattress box is usually of standard dimensions as per the relevant standards and/or regulations, and may contain embedded [[Bushing (electrical)|bushings]] (in standard positions) for the fixing of the front plate containing the actual [[light switch|switch]] or [[AC power plugs and sockets|socket]](s). Pattress boxes themselves do not include the corresponding [[faceplate]]s with switches or sockets etc. – these are most often sold separately.<ref>although some vendors do make bundle offers</ref> |
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Although cables may be joined inside pattress boxes, due simply to their presence at convenient points in the wiring, their main purpose is to accommodate switches and sockets |
Although cables may be joined inside pattress boxes, due simply to their presence at convenient points in the wiring, their main purpose is to accommodate switches and sockets and to isolate [[Live wire (electricity)|live terminal]]s from the user (and, for the flush mounting case, allow the majority of the physical body of the switch or socket to protrude less from the surface for a more pleasing appearance). For enclosures whose ''primary'' purpose is the joining of cables/wires out of sight, see [[junction box]]. |
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== Alternative systems == |
== Alternative systems == |
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In some countries, for instance in Germany, wall boxes for electrical fittings generally are not actual rectangular boxes at all but standard-sized round recessed containers. This has the advantage that the corresponding round holes can be simply drilled out with a [[hole saw]] rather than needing the cutting out of a rectangular shape to accommodate the wall box. Even with those round hole systems, the faceplates that cover them mostly are rectangular however. Round-hole systems do not appear to be common in the [[English-speaking world]]. |
In some countries, for instance in Germany, wall boxes for electrical fittings generally are not actual rectangular boxes at all but standard-sized round recessed containers<ref>the shape being that of a small straight/non-bulging open barrel or bucket set bottom-first into the wall</ref>. This has the advantage that the corresponding round holes can be simply drilled out with a [[hole saw]] rather than needing the cutting out of a rectangular shape to accommodate the wall box. Even with those round hole systems, the faceplates that cover them mostly are rectangular however. Round-hole systems do not appear to be common in the [[English-speaking world]]. |
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== Image gallery == |
== Image gallery == |
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Revision as of 18:46, 14 March 2012
A pattress or pattress box is the container for the space behind electrical fittings such as power outlet sockets and light switches. Pattress boxes may be designed for either surface mounting (with cabling running along the wall surface) or for embedding in the wall or skirting board. Amongst electricians, the term "pattress box" is used to describe a surface-mounted box, and "wall box" is used for one that goes inside the wall. Boxes for installation within timber/plasterboard walls are usually called "plasterboard boxes". In US lay use, a "pattress" often means a wall box, while in the UK, lay terminology usage seems to more closely follow that of professional electricians. British English speakers also tend to say "pattress box" instead of just "pattress". The word "pattress", despite attested from the late 19th century, is still rarely found in most dictionaries. It is etymologically derived from patera (Latin for bowl, saucer).[1][2][3]
A pattress may be made of metal or plastic. In the United Kingdom, especially surface-mounted boxes are often made from urea-formaldehyde resin[4], or alternatively PVC, and usually white in colour, though there is no requirement that this be so. Wall boxes, particularly those for brick/block walls, are commonly made of thin unfinished galvanised metal. A pattress box 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). Pattress boxes themselves do not include the corresponding faceplates with switches or sockets etc. – these are most often sold separately.[5]
Although cables may be joined inside pattress boxes, due simply to their presence at convenient points in the wiring, their main purpose is to accommodate switches and sockets and to isolate live terminals from the user (and, for the flush mounting case, allow the majority of the physical body of the switch or socket to protrude less from the surface for a more pleasing appearance). For enclosures whose primary purpose is the joining of cables/wires out of sight, see junction box.
Alternative systems
In some countries, for instance in Germany, wall boxes for electrical fittings generally are not actual rectangular boxes at all but standard-sized round recessed containers[6]. This has the advantage that the corresponding round holes can be simply drilled out with a hole saw rather than needing the cutting out of a rectangular shape to accommodate the wall box. Even with those round hole systems, the faceplates that cover them mostly are rectangular however. Round-hole systems do not appear to be common in the English-speaking world.
Image gallery
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A single (1 gang) white plastic surface pattress box (UK pattern) -
A double (2 gang) metal wall box for sub-surface use (UK pattern) -
A US-style pattress/wall box with room for three light switches -
A US-style pattress/wall box (in blue) behind two light switches. Not shown: The corresponding faceplate.
See also
- Wall anchor plates are also known as pattress plates.
- Electrical wiring in the United Kingdom
References
- ^ http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/pattress
- ^ http://www.latin-dictionary.org/english-latin-online-dictionary/patera
- ^ For more information on the terminology, see [1].
- ^ sometimes somewhat misleadingly or erroneously abbreviated to "urea"
- ^ although some vendors do make bundle offers
- ^ the shape being that of a small straight/non-bulging open barrel or bucket set bottom-first into the wall
External link
- DIY Wiki Pattress page – more information on (British) pattresses and terminology