Poke-Through Floor Boxes: What They Are, How They Work, and Where They’re Used

Floor boxes come in many different styles—recessed, canister, access floor, and more—each designed for specific installation conditions. One variety that stands out in commercial and institutional construction is the poke-through floor box. The name may sound unusual, but it describes exactly what the product does: it is a floor box that ‘pokes through’ a concrete slab to bring power and data connections to the floor above.

In this blog, we’ll explore what poke-through floor boxes are, why they’re called that, how they function, and the many settings where they are commonly used.

What Is a Poke-Through Floor Box?

A poke-through floor box is an electrical device designed to provide power, communications, or audio/visual connectivity through a concrete floor slab in a commercial building. Instead of embedding a box during a concrete pour, these devices are installed after the slab is already in place.

The installation method gives them their name. During installation, a hole is cored through the existing floor slab, and the poke-through unit is inserted so that it ‘pokes through’ the floor from the level below. The box typically sits flush with the finished floor surface, with outlets and ports accessible through a decorative cover plate.

Why Are They Called “Poke-Through” Boxes?

The term comes directly from the installation method:

1. A core hole (often 2–6 inches in diameter) is drilled through a concrete floor slab.
2. The box assembly is pushed or ‘poked through’ the hole from the ceiling below.
3. The top of the device remains accessible above the finished floor, while the wiring connects below.

What Do Poke-Through Floor Boxes Do?

At their core, poke-through boxes bring power and communications to locations in an open space where wall outlets are impractical. They are designed to:

• Provide convenient access to electrical receptacles, USB ports, and low-voltage jacks in open floor areas.
• Eliminate long runs of extension cords that pose tripping hazards.
• Support modern workspaces, where desks, conference tables, kiosks, or collaborative seating may not be near walls.
• Offer a clean, low-profile solution that sits flush with the finished floor.
• Maintain building safety by incorporating fire-rated and UL-listed designs that preserve the integrity of the slab.

Where Are Poke-Through Floor Boxes Used?

Poke-throughs are most common in commercial and institutional buildings with concrete slab construction, especially in areas where access to wall outlets is limited.

Examples include:

• Corporate offices: To provide outlets in open-plan spaces far from walls.
• Conference rooms: To deliver power and data to large tables.
• Universities: To allow laptop charging and AV access in lecture halls.
• Hospitals and labs: To provide utilities at specific equipment locations.
• Retail: To power kiosks or point-of-sale stations away from walls.
• Hospitality: To support AV or mobile stations in event centers.

How Are They Installed?

1. Core Drilling – A hole is drilled through the concrete slab where utilities are needed.
2. Box Insertion – The poke-through assembly is placed into the core hole.
3. Wiring – Conduit from the ceiling below is connected to the device.
4. Cover Installation – A decorative cover plate is attached at floor level, providing outlets and data ports.

Features of Poke-Through Floor Boxes

• Multi-service capability (power, data, AV in one unit)
• Fire-rated designs that maintain slab integrity
• Low-profile covers that sit nearly flush with flooring
• Durability to withstand foot traffic and rolling loads
• Flexibility for retrofits and layout changes

Advantages of Poke-Through Floor Boxes

1. Retrofit friendly – Can be installed in existing buildings.
2. Safety – Reduce tripping hazards from cords.
3. Aesthetics – Covers blend with décor.
4. Multi-service – Combine power and data.
5. Compliance – Meet electrical and fire codes.

Limitations and Considerations

• Require concrete slab construction.
• Must be UL fire-rated.
• Spacing restrictions between units.
• Limited capacity compared to large recessed boxes.
• Core drilling and installation add cost.

Typical Types of Poke-Through Boxes

• Power only
• Power + communications
• Multi-service with AV
• Furniture integration models for conference tables

Covers and Finishes

Poke-through covers are available in brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and powder-coated finishes. Many feature hinged or spring-loaded lids to conceal outlets when not in use.

Example

Shown above are examples of Poke-Through Floor box assemblies.

The Future of Poke-Through Boxes

Modern versions include USB-C outlets, wireless charging, and smart monitoring. As workplaces demand more flexible power solutions, poke-throughs will remain vital.

Conclusion

Poke-through floor boxes earn their name from the way they are installed—by ‘poking through’ an existing concrete slab. They offer a practical way to bring power and communications to open floor spaces, eliminating clutter and supporting flexible work environments. From offices and universities to hospitals and hospitality venues, poke-throughs are a proven solution for modern buildings.