A new concealed mixer must suit the installed basic body and planned function. The visible trim plate, colour or the same brand name are not sufficient proof. First identify the basic body and generation; then check the trim set, the water outlets required and, where applicable, an explicitly specified adapter.
Identify the basic body and trim set separately
The basic body sits inside the wall and forms part of the installation. The trim set provides the visible controls. When modernising, some parts may be reusable; however, this depends on the system and the desired new set. Replacing visible parts is not a general assurance that nothing behind the wall needs to change.
Look for installation documentation, an invoice or article numbers. Note the basic body designation and the number of the existing trim set separately. Photos of the visible controls help narrow it down; a trim plate alone does not confirm the generation installed behind it. Have your installer identify any unclear components.
hansgrohe example: the direction of the conversion matters
| Existing and planned | What specifically needs clarification |
|---|---|
| First-generation iBox universal, new trim set | Check the article combination. For new ShowerSelect Comfort and DuoTurn trim sets, hansgrohe describes changing to iBox universal 2; do not treat every design change as simply replacing the trim plate. |
| iBox universal 2, an older compatible trim set | For trim sets that fit iBox universal 01800180 or 01700180, hansgrohe specifies adapter plate 13588000 for connection to iBox universal 2 01500180 or 01400180. Confirm the specific combination. |
| RainSelect planned | The manufacturer requires the corresponding RainSelect basic body. An iBox is therefore not a suitable base solely because it is the same brand. |
| Concealed basin mixer planned | Choose the basic body intended for that basin mixer; do not automatically apply the shower/bath solution. |
The adapter direction matters: the plate mentioned connects compatible older trim sets to the newer iBox universal 2. This does not imply approval to use new iBox-2 trim sets with an old basic body. The designation “universal” does not replace an article and system check either.
Function and installation conditions form part of the comparison
Note whether a hand shower, overhead shower, bath spout or further outlets are to be controlled. Check the intended functions and number of controllable water outlets on the selected trim set. A matching external shape proves neither suitable controls nor the correct connections.
Your installer also checks the installation position, installation depth, finished wall surface and connection conditions against the installation instructions. “Installation depth” is therefore not assessed solely at an open unfinished wall. Whether extensions or compensating parts are permitted depends on the specifically allocated components. A product family does not provide general dimensional approval.
Basic body, adapter and mixer do not automatically form a complete set
- Basic body with exact manufacturer article number and generation.
- Required trim set, including function, version and finish.
- Allocated adapter plate or extension, where applicable.
- Sealing, fixing and installation components required by the documentation.
- Separately planned shower heads, spouts and further accessories.
Have the scope of supply confirmed for each article. “Basic body” does not mean that the visible mixer, adapter and shower heads are supplied. Conversely, check which additional installation a trim set requires.
Enquire specifically about suitable articles
Our pages for the iBox universal 2 basic body and hansgrohe adapter plate describe different components. For the washbasin area, there is a separate concealed basic body for basin mixers. These links help with selection; they do not yet confirm the combination with your existing system.
For an enquiry, we need the numbers of the existing parts, photos, the desired new trim set and the planned water outlets. Add known installation dimensions and documentation; explicitly mark anything unknown. Use Contact and agree identification, installation and connection with your plumbing installer.