How to add a bigger Back Box

[Lordy9099]

Hello All,

Happy New Year! Anyway I have just bought a 2 way LightwaveRF dimmer switch, it is suppost to be used with a 35mm back box but the one installed is currently only 16mm and no way can I get it to fit, so my main question is how can I make the current 16mm hole into a 35mm hole without making a big mess. Also how do you make a cable bigger if it is getting a little too short, Choc block?

Thanks

 

[Octopus]

Here we go again. Get a competent person on the job.

 

[Lordy9099]

Thanks. I mean here we go again another person thinks he is funny to make smug comments. Just wanting the like button to be pressed. Not helpful

 

[Octopus]

Thanks. I mean here we go again another person thinks he is funny to make smug comments. Just wanting the like button to be pressed. Not helpful

No matey, you have a reputation for asking questions and not getting the right people to do the job properly.

Why don't you google DIYnot??

 

[thekingiam]

i wish my missus had a bigger back box if anyones got any ideas how i can fix this?

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

I see things aren't getting better

 

[markc123]

i wish my missus had a bigger back box if anyones got any ideas how i can fix this?

send her my way

 

[markc123]

I see things aren't getting better

Llan you missed all the fun earlier, i was actually in stitches.

See if you can find a thread called Electrocuted...think marvo may have deleted it though by now because he said he was gonna.

The OP was comedy gold.

 

[ste mac]

I like Murdoch's comments

 

[Rockingit]

To the OP -

it's not a hard job to do, but it does take a bit of practice to 'not make a big mess' as you say. Firstly, you need to tell us what the type of wall is - block/brick or stud partition? I'm guessing brick/block for now. Second, you need to measure the thickness ('leaf') of the wall and check that it's deep enough to accept a bigger box to start with.

Then, and only then.... turn off the power, remove the old fitting and box, use a 6mm ish size drill to stitch drill around the existing hole, have one big hammer and chisel session to remove the rest of it.

But before you do any of that, you'll want to check that you have a neutral at the existing switch if the dimmer needs one.

 

[Silly Sausage]

i wish my missus had a bigger back box if anyones got any ideas how i can fix this?

Thread juxto...
Long Wood Bits

 

[Lordy9099]

I tested the dimmer yesterday and it worked fine with the existing cables. How do you check the 'leaf'?

- - - Updated - - -

To the OP -

it's not a hard job to do, but it does take a bit of practice to 'not make a big mess' as you say. Firstly, you need to tell us what the type of wall is - block/brick or stud partition? I'm guessing brick/block for now. Second, you need to measure the thickness ('leaf') of the wall and check that it's deep enough to accept a bigger box to start with.

Then, and only then.... turn off the power, remove the old fitting and box, use a 6mm ish size drill to stitch drill around the existing hole, have one big hammer and chisel session to remove the rest of it.

But before you do any of that, you'll want to check that you have a neutral at the existing switch if the dimmer needs one.

I tested the dimmer yesterday and it worked fine with the existing cables. How do you check the 'leaf'?

 

[bigbaddave]

I tested the dimmer yesterday and it worked fine with the existing cables. How do you check the 'leaf'?

- - - Updated - - -



I tested the dimmer yesterday and it worked fine with the existing cables. How do you check the 'leaf'?

Oh Good God..:mad2:

 

[eollou88]

Lordy get a competent person in, not only are you going to possibly fry yourself, but also ruin your kit. It's not like there gonna charge a lot.

 

[telectrix]

buy yourself a fein multi master £ 150, tightly cut round the box, chisel through into the next room, bang in a 35mm box using plasterboard adhesive. total cost around £200. or pay a spark £50 to do the job. no brainer.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

You can get collars from B&Q and the like, that go between the back box and the accessory.
These allow the extra space required when the back box is too shallow.
If your cables are too short, yes use a terminal block to extend them.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Oh Good God..:mad2:

You mean you test the leaf with your head??? :shocked3:

 

[Big n Daft]

Get a ELECTRICIAN to do it instead of somebody f&ckin competant. I HATE that word competant and all its b&ll&cks definitions.

 

[markc123]

Get a ELECTRICIAN to do it instead of somebody f&ckin competant. I HATE that word competant and all its b&ll&cks definitions.

competent [ˈkɒmpɪtənt]adj
1. having sufficient skill, knowledge, etc.; capable
2. suitable or sufficient for the purpose a competent answer
3. (Law) Law (of a witness) having legal capacity; qualified to testify, etc.
4. (postpositive; foll by to) belonging as a right; appropriate[from Latin competēns, from competere to be competent; see compete]

:laugh:

 

[Heisenberg]

Get a ELECTRICIAN to do it instead of somebody f&ckin competant. I HATE that word competant and all its b&ll&cks definitions.

So what if he ends up with an incompetent Electrician?

:winkiss:

 

[Big n Daft]

More chance of an incompetant DI than a rubbish electrician!!!!

 

[Jonny66]

Get an incompetent Electrician????? Dont worry he wont, cos I'm too busy at moment fitting bigger back boxes incompetently for my competency in back box installation assessment part 2 C&G 9234.6

 

[bigbaddave]

Get an incompetent Electrician????? Dont worry he wont, cos I'm too busy at moment fitting bigger back boxes incompetently for my competency in back box installation assessment part 2 C&G 9234.6[/QUOTE

at least 9234 is more recognised than 2377

 

[Jonny66]

Yep and cheaper, only cost me 12p for the exam and two walnuts for the course

 

[ste mac]

Yep and cheaper, only cost me 12p for the exam and two walnuts for the course

That quite cheap I had to pay 26&1/2p and a half eaten apricot!

 

[Jonny66]

Lucky devils, i like apricots

 

[markc123]

Well i did a Electrical Trainee course and im able to complete all works of any kind so screw you all

 

[Marvo]

Hopefully the OP has sufficient pointers on how to proceed.
Closed.