Distance between sockets and fcu's in Kitchen?

[Tasty]

Hi,I'm just mounting 3 back boxes for 3 seperate functions above a kitchen surface, one double socket, one cooker switch and one 2 gang control switch for the fridge and under cupboard lights. I was just wondering if there is a min distance to observe between these? I'm most concerned about the plasterers actually as they're using 50mm sound proof board so I dont want to leave awkward 20mm gaps for them to fill (or am I being too nice?) ;DSounds like a simple question but I can't remember if there is a distance between sockets to be observed!?Cheers for any replies!

 

[malcolmsanford]

The closest you can fit theses together is each face plate touching each other, so in other words there is no mimnimum.

It basically boils down to waht loooks good, what the customer wants.

 

[1shortcircuit]

So long as your socket outlets fit and do not foul the one next to it then stuff the plasterer. If it's too awkward he'll just chop damage or hide your cables anyway so why not give him something to work for

 

[1shortcircuit]

The closest you can fit theses together is each face plate touching each other, so in other words there is no mimnimum.

It basically boils down to waht loooks good, what the customer wants.

Super fast fingers as always

 

[Tasty]

Thanks all! Was just on site without my guides & couldn't remember for the life of me! Much appreciated!

 

[Engineer54]

Also, ....you can buy 2 double outlet boxes and one single box as a complete unit!! So, will take care of the double socket, the cooker control unit and the 2 gang switch nicely!!

Here's an example....

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Standard white accessories (MK/crabtree etc) allow exactly one inch between the centres of the M3.5mm fixing holes of adjacent boxes, the accessories will then butt up together....if there is any possibility of metal faced accessories allow a bigger gap.

 

[Superspark23]

My personal preference is to leave a gap of around 2.5-3inches for every box, just looks neater to me. But just ask what the customer wants.

 

[telectrix]

i'm just happy to get them all in line and horizontal!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I use 20mm metal conduit couplers and brass bushes.
Two between each box, keeps the boxes in line.

 

[Guest123]

Also, ....you can buy 2 double outlet boxes and one single box as a complete unit!! So, will take care of the double socket, the cooker control unit and the 2 gang switch nicely!!

Here's an example....

Thats just cheating!!!

 

[Engineer54]

Thats just cheating!!!

Maybe!! ...but they serve the purpose. ...To be honest, i hadn't come across them before going to Cyprus, (but now know they are available in the UK!!) My house there, has quite a few of them installed in the Kitchen, Utility room, and in the lounge where i have my home cinema set up located.

The finished appearance isn't bad either...

 

[davelerave]

i also keep boxes separated minimum few inches or so -unless i'm sure the accessories are standard white

 

[sparks_114]

Thanks for that Engineer, I's actually after the one on the right (three singles) but was told they aren't manufactured! Now that I know they're about it's a case of finding one. Cheers

Also, ....you can buy 2 double outlet boxes and one single box as a complete unit!! So, will take care of the double socket, the cooker control unit and the 2 gang switch nicely!!

Here's an example....

 

[Engineer54]

Thanks for that Engineer, I's actually after the one on the right (three singles) but was told they aren't manufactured! Now that I know they're about it's a case of finding one. Cheers

Your welcome...lol!! They actually come in many configurations, these 3 were the only types in the wholesalers at the time. Some are over half a metre long...lol!!!

 

[pennywise]

I use 20mm metal conduit couplers and brass bushes.
Two between each box, keeps the boxes in line.

I do exactly the same thing, comes out perfect every time. I find those all in one boxes a real ball ache sometimes when using decorative plates, some manufacturers make their plates slightly wider outside of the lugs and it can be a bit of a wrestling match.