Backboxes and power sockets

Richardcavell · May 13, 2022

Hi. I live near Blackpool in the UK. I don’t know anything about being an electrician. I’m retired. I’ve asked a man who does home improvements to consider doing some work here. We’ve negotiated that I’m going to choose the hardware that gets installed.

He is speaking as though he wants to install everything using backboxes, instead of putting holes in the walls.

1. Looking at this photo, it seems as though a backbox is not required for this switch. Does that sound right?

MK White Single 13A Switched Socket | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/mk-white-single-13a-switched-socket/259276_BQ.prd

2. Will these two products match each other?

MK 30mm Double Pattress box | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/mk-30mm-double-pattress-box/53960_BQ.prd
MK White Double 13A Switched Socket | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/mk-white-double-13a-switched-socket/53965_BQ.prd

3. Will the first two products match the third?

BG White 20A 1 way 1 gang Raised square Single light Switch | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/bg-white-20a-1-way-1-gang-raised-square-single-light-switch/5050765217767_BQ.prd
BG Brushed Steel 20A 2 way 1 gang Raised slim Single light Switch | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/bg-brushed-steel-20a-2-way-1-gang-raised-slim-single-light-switch/5050765213172_BQ.prd
BG Plastic 16mm Single Pattress box | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/bg-plastic-16mm-single-pattress-box/788878_BQ.prd

4. That brushed steel one (middle link for question 3) - it’s described as 2-way. If I just want to use it as 1-way, will that work?

Richard

westward10 · May 13, 2022

Unless they are a qualified electrician who can provide certification do not use them.

Spoon · May 13, 2022

Welcome to the forum.
It looks like all the sockets & switches will be surface mounted from the pics. (No holes in the walls)

Will the cables be surface mounted or will there be channels cut into the wall, so the cables won't be seen after?
As above, will you be getting an electrical cert for the changes done? If not then get someone else.

SJD · May 13, 2022

Putting a brushed steel faceplate on a white pattress box will look somewhat naff. Either stick with all white, or have the brushed steel switch recessed into the wall with a back box.

mainline · May 13, 2022

Richardcavell said:
Hi. I live near Blackpool in the UK. I don’t know anything about being an electrician. I’m retired. I’ve asked a man who does home improvements to consider doing some work here. We’ve negotiated that I’m going to choose the hardware that gets installed.

He is speaking as though he wants to install everything using backboxes, instead of putting holes in the walls.

1. Looking at this photo, it seems as though a backbox is not required for this switch. Does that sound right?

MK White Single 13A Switched Socket | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/mk-white-single-13a-switched-socket/259276_BQ.prd

2. Will these two products match each other?

MK 30mm Double Pattress box | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/mk-30mm-double-pattress-box/53960_BQ.prd
MK White Double 13A Switched Socket | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/mk-white-double-13a-switched-socket/53965_BQ.prd

3. Will the first two products match the third?

BG White 20A 1 way 1 gang Raised square Single light Switch | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/bg-white-20a-1-way-1-gang-raised-square-single-light-switch/5050765217767_BQ.prd
BG Brushed Steel 20A 2 way 1 gang Raised slim Single light Switch | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/bg-brushed-steel-20a-2-way-1-gang-raised-slim-single-light-switch/5050765213172_BQ.prd
BG Plastic 16mm Single Pattress box | DIY at B&Q - https://www.diy.com/departments/bg-plastic-16mm-single-pattress-box/788878_BQ.prd

4. That brushed steel one (middle link for question 3) - it’s described as 2-way. If I just want to use it as 1-way, will that work?

Richard

Yes, a two-way will do one way.

littlespark · May 14, 2022

Is this the same guy that’s fitting your lights on the other thread?

We’re maybe biased as we are mostly professionals, or retired professionals…. Trunking and surface pattresses are never my first choice.

Even if your handyman is fairly proficient with electrical work, it still needs tested, and certified.

Spoon · May 14, 2022

Hi @Richardcavell , just to clarify, the electrical certificate you should get after the work you are getting done is a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.