Accessible metal back boxes

[kingeri]

Obviously metal back boxes usually cannot be seen or touched because they are in the wall. Been out today to a lady who has two metal backboxes from sockets in her kitchen which are in a wall made of a single layer of wood with a plasterboard on the kitchen side. The backs of the boxes and cable entries are easily accessible on the other side of the wall, which is the entrance to the cellar. So what?
Well, there are a lot of unused screwholes in the boxes, and her son poked an object through one and luckily tripped the RCD. My point or question is, in this situation should the holes be sealed? I used what I had to hand, a nut and bolt on each hole.

 

[Richard Burns]

So long as knockouts were not missing then it would only be holes in the top surface that would have to be filled as the back, sides and base only need to be IP2X, however the top would need to be IP4X. However at present I cannot remember the force levels applicable to the IP ratings, I think it is 1 and 5 N respectively.

However from a practical point of view I would seal the holes, even if only with sealant, just to prevent easy access.

 

[sparkdog]

I think I would enclose then in a box of some kind.

 

[telectrix]

or replace with the shatterproof patresses.

 

[sparksburnout]

What do you think?

 

[snowhead]

It would be simpler to just cover the whole of the back of the boxes with plywood, plaster board or similar.

 

[kingeri]

I think metal backboxes aren't designed to have any part of them accessible and if they are installed in this way an effort should be made to enclose the rear.

 

[sparksburnout]

I think metal backboxes aren't designed to have any part of them accessible and if they are installed in this way an effort should be made to enclose the rear.

Exactly.

 

[loz]

I think metal backboxes aren't designed to have any part of them accessible and if they are installed in this way an effort should be made to enclose the rear.

Would you be able to drill and tap a 1 gang blank plate onto the rear of the box?