New socket screws too wide

You’re likely dealing with an old-style narrow back box, which is quite common in tenement flats and older properties in Edinburgh and across Scotland. These back boxes often have non-standard screw spacing, with the fixing points much closer together than the modern standard (60.3mm). That makes fitting a standard light switch tricky, as the screw holes won’t line up. ⸻ 1. Use a Switch with Adjustable or Elongated Screw Slots: Some light switches — often from brands like MK or Crabtree — come with elongated or slotted screw holes that allow you to align the screws with older back boxes. These are great for retrofitting in properties with non-standard fittings, like older Scottish tenements. 2. Replace the Back Box: If no switch fits the existing screw spacing, you may need to replace the old back box with a modern one. This ensures compatibility with standard fittings going forward. Replacing the box can involve more work (especially in solid walls), so consider getting help from an electrician if needed.