Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Electrical

A gap of an inch+ between patress box and front plate?

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.13 PM

I have just had some sockets and switches installed in my new extension. The metal patress boxes are attached to the breeze block inner wall of the extension and the front plates are screwed to the back boxes using extra long screws so that the front plates are flush with the new plasterboard. This leaves large gaps between the patress boxes and the front plates. Is this ok/safe?

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

2 Answers

Anonymous user

It’s not ideal but very common. There are products to seal this gap. It’s a lack of communication between electrician and builder/ plasterer. You’re not going to burst into flames as there are literally millions done like this

Answered21 August 2020

ElectricsPlus

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bridlington

As long as there is no gap which allows contact with the metal pattress it will comply with the regs and you have nothing to fear.. Always difficult to judge the distance away from the walls because many walls are not level and a good boarder will always level off. Fit 25mm back box, not enough, fit deeper box, too much. Personally I would use the plastic back boxes designed for plaster board where possible but it's not always.

Answered19 September 2020