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H

harry olee

Hi
I need to replace this grubby looking socket shown in the photo with a modern one with usb connection sockets but the internal lugs in the metal pattress box (designed for four screws not two) get in the way and there is a 5mm gap
Other than hacking it out and replacing, is there any neat and secure way of installing a plastic surface mount box over the top of the flush metal mounting box.
The backs of the plastic ones are brittle and need to be supported so you cannot have a void behind them - I was thinking of using a drilled flat metal blanking plate and self tapping screws to support it.
But would this unconventional approach cause consternation amongst the electrical fraternity because of some technical or other reason?
Replacing 60's socket compatibility problem {filename} | ElectriciansForums.net
 
bend the lugs back out of the way. drill back box and drill and plug wall behind back box for the new screws. fit screw extenders into rawlplugs and then screw your 3.5mm pins into them.

View attachment 35488
 
and use a BG socket outlet with USB as these will fit on a 25mm back box.
 
I know of a big bungalow estate, 270 dwellings with all the internal walls being paramount boarding. [Built in the early 80s]. All the metal socket and switch boxes are 'fixed' with 4" galv nails through the edges of the boxes-sideways to hold in behind the plasterboard ! :rolleyes:
 
Thanks for all the replies:
A lot simpler approach than mine!
I will whack out the top an bottom lugs and use the side ones with the old screws (or re-thread / use extenders)
Excellent result - very pleased, thanks again to everybody.
 
[Built in the early 80s]. All the metal socket and switch boxes are 'fixed' with 4" galv nails through the edges of the boxes-sideways to hold in behind the plasterboard ! :rolleyes:

My house was 80's built.
Exactly the same fixing method but mines Strawmit partition.
Perfectly good way of fixing.
 
My house was 80's built.
Exactly the same fixing method but mines Strawmit partition.
Perfectly good way of fixing.

Not really in the bungalows I'm on about ,it's only tightening the faceplate screws that pull the box up tight [ish], I've replaced quite a few with dry liners.
 
BG make 10mm standoff plates so that a quality USB socket outlet can be used instead of BG (sorry, little bit of sick!) worth their weight in gold when retro fitting in a 25mm box. If all goes well with the lug issue and all that jazz!
 

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