Pattress
A pattress is a plywood or timber board fixed within in a partition to which equipment can be secured, such as ceiling roses, power outlets, basins, wall cabinets and so on.
Confusingly, the term ‘pattress’ can also be used to refer to a container or box (correctly described as a pattress box) that is positioned behind power sockets, light switches and other electrical fittings, and contains wiring, switches and other circuitry. This may sometimes be secured to a timber or plywood pattress.
These boxes can also be referred to as a ‘wall box’ or 'installation box' or, when it is recessed into the wall, a ‘flush box’. If it is installed within timber or plasterboard walls, it can be referred to as a ‘cavity box’,‘plasterboard box’, or 'dry lining box'.
A pattress box can be designed to be either surface-mounted, or can be recessed into a wall or skirting board.
|
|
| Surface mounted pattress box | Pattress box that will be recessed |
Pattress boxes are typically made from metal or plastic. PVC or urea-formaldehyde resin is often used for surface-mounted boxes, while thin galvanised metal is used for recessed boxes.
The generally have 'knockout' sections that can be removed as required to allow cables into the box.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments