Quick Electrics question

helping_hubby

Am I allowed to make a plug socket that is currently sitting on the outside of the wall (a box type socket that sticks out) flush with the wall (so i need to chisel out the wall and put a double inset metal box in the wall)?

When I say 'allowed' I mean without any part P or whatever else there is?

Mutton_Geoff

I don't think I've ever seen a weatherproof socket/box that wasn't surface mount.

helping_hubby

Oops I think my question has been misunderstood.

The socket is inside the house. It's probably been converted from a single to double at some point, but rather than chase out the wall to have a flush socket, they've just stuck a surface mounted double socket on the wall.

Mutton_Geoff

Sorry, thought you meant outside wall!

This is a fairly easy (competent) DIY job and as there are no new cables to run you won't have a problem with having to use the new colours with the old.

Power off, chase out the wall, fit new back box, plaster/fill round edges, allow to dry, fit new double plate.

espresso

Mutton_Geoff wrote: »

Power off, chase out the wall, fit new back box, plaster/fill round edges, allow to dry, fit new double plate.

If the hole chased into the wall is just big enough to accommodate the the back box, no plaster/fill around the edges is required, as the faceplate overlaps the back box. Chain drill with a power drill and then chisel out. Step by step guide here

helping_hubby

Thank you both.

sparky883

To answer your question yes you can DIY it no Regs cover this work,Apart from you being competent!