Power sockets stick out from wall

chib

In exactly eight weeks we'll receive the keys to our new home, it's about 55-60 years old and all interior walls are brick. I visited the house tonight and the current owner allowed me to take measurements for planning of a new kitchen.

Something I noticed when viewing was that the power sockets in the house stick out from the walls - like blocks fixed onto the walls rather than sockets that sit flush on the walls. I've tried a number of searches to get a photo but don't know what they are called.

Is this because it's an older house, or the brick construction? As we decorate the rooms when moving in, is it easy enough to change these for more modern replacements that sit flush with the wall? ()

I'm also planning on changing the light switches at the same time as the current ones are very dated - but unsure of the work involved for the power sockets?

Thanks,
Chib.

phill99

It sounds like you have what are called 'surface mounted sockets'. This is because the box that all the wires and connections are in is not sunk into the wall. It's a relatively straightforward job for an electrician to change these for recessed boxes so they look like the one in your picture.

JohnB47

Surface mounted sockets are easy to fit as they don't need to be sunk into the wall. So your house as been done fairly cheaply, as far as the electrics is concerned. To change this, an electrician will have to chisel out a hole, for the metal box housing the electrics to be recessed into the wall. Not too big a job but a bit messy and will have to be tidied up around the fitting. Ive done this myself, as the upper floor of my house was done this way.

Avoriaz

chib wrote: »

In exactly eight weeks we'll receive the keys to our new home, it's about 55-60 years old .....

Congratulations on your new home. :beer:


Is the electric wiring and consumer unit etc also 55 to 60 years old or has it been updated?

If yes, you may need to do more updating than just recessing the surface mounted sockets.

Surface mounted sockets are really only a cosmetic issue but old wiring may need to be replaced.


Good luck.

Poppy9

When we rewired our house upstairs we had surface mounted sockets in the bedrooms.

Main reason being we were not totally sure where we wanted beds, wardrobes etc. and hence sockets as we rewired before moving in. We are glad we did this as over the years we've moved rooms about and had to move sockets and it's been a straight forward job of just lifting carpet and floor board and moving along the wall.

Humphrey10

That photo looks like every wall socket I've seen in my life, even brand new ones - isn't that the normal type?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

think OP means this type,

muckybutt

chib wrote: »

Something I noticed when viewing was that the power sockets in the house stick out from the walls - like blocks fixed onto the walls rather than sockets that sit flush on the walls. I've tried a number of searches to get a photo but don't know what they are called.

Why don't folk read the statement before jumping in with stupid comments, the op clearly stated they could not find a photo of their type of socket.

To the op surface mounted pattress's are what you have easy enough job for a sparky to take off and fit flush back boxes probably a couple of days work to do them all depending how many there are, or if you feel confident enough to do it yourself.

greatgimpo

Don't leave them switched on like the main picture or else you'll get electricity leaking all over the carpet.:rotfl:

roddydogs

Strictly speaking, you not allowed to recess them yourself any more, are you?

I_have_spoken

Could go for flat plate sockets...