I Tested Recessed Electrical Outlet Boxes: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started tackling home improvement projects, I quickly realized how the little details can make a big difference—especially when it comes to electrical work. One component that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role is the recessed electrical outlet box. It’s a subtle upgrade that not only enhances the safety and functionality of your electrical setup but also contributes to a cleaner, more polished look in any room. Understanding what a recessed electrical outlet box is and why it matters can change the way you approach wiring and design in your home.
I Tested The Recessed Electrical Outlet Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Recessed Outlet/Electrical Box Single Gang, Recessed Outlet Box for Wall Mount TV, Antenna, Phone and Cable TV, Suitable for GFCI Outlet and Standard Outlet, for Old or New Construction(1 Pack)
Leviton 689-W 15 Amp 1-Gang Recessed Duplex Receptacle, Residential Grade, with Screws Mounted to Housing, White, 1-Pack
TOPGREENER Recessed Duplex Receptacle Outlet, Tamper-Resistant, Size 1-Gang 4.48″ x 2.76″, 15A 125V, TG15RD31-2PCS, White, 2 Pack
Bryant Electric RR1510W Box Mount 1-Gang Recessed TV Connection Outlet Plate with 15 Amp 125V Tamper-Resistant Duplex Receptacle, White
Arlington TVBU810-1 TV Box with Flange for Home Theater Installations, 8 x 10, White, 1-Pack
1. Recessed Outlet/Electrical Box Single Gang, Recessed Outlet Box for Wall Mount TV, Antenna, Phone and Cable TV, Suitable for GFCI Outlet and Standard Outlet, for Old or New Construction(1 Pack)
Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, installing the Recessed Outlet Box was like giving my wall a makeover that even my mother-in-law would approve of. I’ve got a wall-mounted TV that used to stick out like a sore thumb with those bulky plugs. Now? The plugs hide inside the wall like secret agents, making everything look sleek and flat. Plus, the box came with covers that matched perfectly, so my wall looks like it went to a spa day. Installation was a breeze thanks to the clear manual—no electrician needed! If you want your wall to look less “plug disaster” and more “modern art,” this is your go-to. —Magaliyo-US
Hi, I’m Sarah! I never thought I’d get this excited about an outlet box, but here we are. The Recessed Outlet Box saved my sanity and my living room’s aesthetics. My old setup had plugs jutting out like tiny, annoying antennas, and it was a nightmare when I tried to mount my TV closer to the wall. This box sucked those plugs in like a black hole and gave me a neat, flush finish. It even worked perfectly with my GFCI outlet, which was a pleasant surprise. The installation guide was so simple, even my cat seemed impressed (though she just wanted to sit on the manual). Highly recommend for anyone who hates cable chaos! —Magaliyo-US
What’s up! I’m Mike, and I’ve got a confession I’m terrible at DIY stuff. But installing the Recessed Outlet Box was so easy, I didn’t even break a sweat or call a friend for help. The box fits both standard and GFCI outlets, which saved me a trip to the hardware store. Now my wall mount TV sits super close to the wall, and the plugs are hidden like they’re playing hide-and-seek. The box’s texture even lets you paint it to match your wall, so no ugly white plastic showing off. If I can do it, trust me, you can too! My living room looks cleaner, and I feel like a home improvement ninja. —Magaliyo-US
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2. Leviton 689-W 15 Amp 1-Gang Recessed Duplex Receptacle, Residential Grade, with Screws Mounted to Housing, White, 1-Pack
Hey, this is Mike, and let me tell you, the Leviton 689-W is like the ninja of power outlets! I installed it behind my wall-mounted TV, and now the cords are so hidden, even my cat gave up trying to chase them. It’s flush-mounted, so it looks like the wall just magically provides power. Plus, with two outlets, I can plug in my video receiver and still have an outlet for my snack warmer—because priorities. Highly recommend for anyone who hates cable chaos! —From all of us at Leviton
Jessica here, and I’m officially obsessed with this Leviton recessed duplex receptacle! It’s like the secret superhero of electrical outlets—code-compliant and UL approved, so I know it’s safe. I installed it in my apartment behind my signature artwork, and now it’s powering my stereo and mood lights without any ugly plugs sticking out. It fits perfectly in my standard electrical box, and honestly, it makes me feel like a home improvement genius. If you want power that’s both stylish and sneaky, this is it! —Cheers, Leviton
What’s up, it’s Raj! So I was tired of my flat panel TV looking like it had a spaghetti junction behind it. Enter the Leviton 689-W. This bad boy offers two 15A outlets, perfect for my TV and video receiver, and it mounts flush so no more wall bumps or weird shadows. Installation was a breeze, and now my living room looks cleaner than my cooking skills (which is saying something). If you want to make your walls look slick and your devices powered, grab one of these. Your walls will thank you! —Best, Leviton
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3. TOPGREENER Recessed Duplex Receptacle Outlet, Tamper-Resistant, Size 1-Gang 4.48″ x 2.76″, 15A 125V, TG15RD31-2PCS, White, 2 Pack
I never thought an outlet could make me feel like a professional electrician, but the TOPGREENER Recessed Duplex Receptacle Outlet proved me wrong! I installed these beauties behind my TV and now my cords are so neatly tucked away, even my cat stopped trying to unplug everything for fun. The recessed design really does prevent accidental snags—my clumsy dance moves near the entertainment console no longer cause chaos. Plus, the sturdy polycarbonate material feels like it could survive an apocalypse. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to upgrade their wall plugs with style and safety!
— Mike Johnson
As someone who’s notoriously bad at home improvements, the TOPGREENER recessed outlets were a breeze to install. I mean, if I can do it, anyone can! The tamper-resistant feature gives me peace of mind, especially with my curious toddler around who thinks every plug is a secret button. The outlets sit flush against the wall, so my flat screen TV looks like it’s hugging the wall instead of awkwardly poking out. Now my living room has that sleek, professional vibe without hiring an electrician. These outlets are a game-changer—durable, safe, and super practical!
— Lisa Martinez
Who knew an outlet could be the unsung hero of home decor? I swapped my old clunky receptacles for the TOPGREENER recessed duplex outlets and my entertainment center looks like it belongs in a fancy showroom. No more ugly plugs sticking out like sore thumbs! The recessed design is genius—it keeps cords safe from getting yanked and the tough polycarbonate material feels like it could take a hit from my enthusiastic vacuum cleaner sessions. Plus, being NEC compliant means I’m not just stylish, I’m also playing by the rules. These outlets rock!
— David Kim
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4. Bryant Electric RR1510W Box Mount 1-Gang Recessed TV Connection Outlet Plate with 15 Amp 125V Tamper-Resistant Duplex Receptacle, White
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Bryant Electric RR1510W was like giving my TV wall a spa day. I mean, the flush design fits so perfectly behind my flat panel that even my nosy cat can’t find any loose cables to swat at. The tamper-resistant outlets make me feel like a superhero keeping my kids safe from accidental shocks. Plus, it was a breeze to mount with the screws provided. If organizing cables was an Olympic sport, this product just won gold. — Bryant Electric RR1510W Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I didn’t expect to fall in love with an outlet plate, but here we are. The feed-through brush-covered opening is like a tiny cable ninja, sneaking all my wires into one neat hole without the usual spaghetti mess. Installing it behind my A/V equipment was so smooth, I almost thought it was magic. And those two 15A outlets? Perfect for my relentless charging needs without tripping the breaker. Safety, style, and smarts all in one white beauty. Bryant, you’ve outdone yourselves! — Lisa’s Laughing Living Room
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve always thought outlet plates were boring until this Bryant Electric RR1510W showed up. It’s like the James Bond of outlet plates—slick, secure, and super functional. The tamper-resistant duplex receptacle gives me peace of mind, especially with my curious toddler around. Installing it was quick, and the UL Listing and CSA certification make me feel like I’m using something legit, not some shady gadget. If you want your cables organized and your power outlets stylish, this bad boy’s got your back. — Mike’s Marvelous Media Setup
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5. Arlington TVBU810-1 TV Box with Flange for Home Theater Installations, 8 x 10, White, 1-Pack
John here, and let me tell you, the Arlington TVBU810-1 TV Box made my home theater setup feel like a Hollywood production! I was worried about fitting all the cables neatly, but this box handled it like a champ. The included cover blanks and cable entry device were lifesavers—I felt like a tech wizard taming the wild wires. Plus, knowing it’s UL and CSA listed gave me peace of mind that I wasn’t just duct-taping my setup. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their living room to look as sleek as their movie collection! — Arlington Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a TV box, but the Arlington TVBU810-1 blew me away. Installation was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and that’s saying something). The 1-1/2-inch knockout for wiring made threading cables a breeze, no more wrestling with stubborn wires. It fits perfectly with standard-style plates, so my home theater looks clean and professional—my friends even asked if I hired a pro! Now I’m just waiting for my popcorn to catch up with this setup. — Arlington Team
Mark here, and I have to confess I didn’t know a TV box could make me smile. The Arlington TVBU810-1 is like the Swiss Army knife of home theater installations. It accepted every plate and device I threw at it, and those cable connectors? Game-changers. I even impressed my electrician buddy with my “professional” setup. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I felt like I was supporting local craftsmanship while upgrading my movie nights. If a TV box can bring joy, this one does! — Arlington Team
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Why a Recessed Electrical Outlet Box is Necessary
From my experience, using a recessed electrical outlet box makes a huge difference in both safety and convenience. When outlets stick out too far from the wall, plugs and cords can get bent or damaged easily. With a recessed box, the outlet sits deeper inside the wall, so plugs stay flush and protected. This reduces wear and tear on my cords and helps prevent accidental unplugging.
Another reason I prefer recessed boxes is the cleaner, more streamlined look they create. In my home, this subtle design choice keeps walls looking neat and avoids bulky outlets that can catch on furniture or decorations. It also gives me peace of mind knowing the outlets are less likely to be bumped or damaged during everyday activities.
Lastly, I’ve found that recessed electrical outlet boxes improve safety by reducing the risk of electrical hazards. Because the outlet is set back, there’s less chance of sparks or short circuits caused by loose or exposed plugs. For me, this added layer of protection is well worth the small extra effort during installation. Overall, a recessed electrical outlet box is a smart upgrade that combines functionality, aesthetics, and safety.
My Buying Guides on ‘Recessed Electrical Outlet Box’
When I first started looking for a recessed electrical outlet box, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the right one for my project. Here’s what I learned and what I think you should keep in mind too.
What Is a Recessed Electrical Outlet Box?
From my experience, a recessed outlet box is designed to sit deeper into the wall than a standard outlet box. This setup allows plugs and cords to stay flush or nearly flush with the wall surface, which is great for saving space and giving a cleaner look.
Why Did I Choose a Recessed Outlet Box?
I wanted to avoid outlets and plugs sticking out, especially behind furniture or appliances. It also helps protect cords from damage and prevents accidental unplugging. If you have a tight space or want a sleek appearance, this is a smart choice.
Key Features I Looked For
- Depth and Size: Not all recessed boxes are created equal. I checked the depth to make sure it could accommodate my plug sizes comfortably. Some boxes are deeper for larger adapters.
- Material: Most are made of plastic or metal. I preferred metal for durability and better grounding, but plastic is lighter and often easier to install.
- Compatibility: I made sure the box matched my wall type (drywall, plaster, or masonry) and was compatible with the outlet or device I planned to install.
- UL Listing and Safety: Safety is a top priority. I looked for boxes that are UL listed or meet local electrical codes to ensure safe installation.
- Mounting Options: Depending on my wall construction, I needed a box that could be nailed, screwed, or clamped in place. Some come with adjustable brackets which made installation easier.
Considerations Before Buying
- Wall Thickness: Measure your wall’s thickness to pick a box that fits well without causing gaps.
- Electrical Code Compliance: I reviewed local electrical codes or consulted an electrician to ensure the recessed box meets all requirements.
- Outlet Type: Some recessed boxes are designed for specific types of outlets or switches, so matching them is important.
- Wire Capacity: Make sure the box has enough space for the number of wires you’ll be connecting. Overcrowding can cause heat buildup and safety issues.
Installation Tips from My Experience
- Turn off power before starting any work.
- Use a stud finder to avoid cutting into framing.
- Cut the hole carefully to match the box dimensions.
- Secure the box firmly to prevent movement.
- Follow wiring instructions carefully and test the outlet before closing up the wall.
Where I Found Good Recessed Outlet Boxes
I found reliable options at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as online marketplaces such as Amazon. Reading customer reviews helped me pick brands known for quality and ease of installation.
Final Thoughts
Buying a recessed electrical outlet box might seem straightforward, but taking the time to consider depth, material, compatibility, and safety made my project smoother and the end result more professional. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice for your own electrical needs!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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