Replacing 60's socket compatibility problem

[harry olee]

Hi
I need to replace this grubby looking socket shown in the photo with a modern one with usb connection sockets but the internal lugs in the metal pattress box (designed for four screws not two) get in the way and there is a 5mm gap
Other than hacking it out and replacing, is there any neat and secure way of installing a plastic surface mount box over the top of the flush metal mounting box.
The backs of the plastic ones are brittle and need to be supported so you cannot have a void behind them - I was thinking of using a drilled flat metal blanking plate and self tapping screws to support it.
But would this unconventional approach cause consternation amongst the electrical fraternity because of some technical or other reason?

 

[HandySparks]

Does the backbox have the required lugs at the two sides? If so, just knock back the ones at the top and bottom.

 

[Dave OCD]

Those boxes generally do have the the side lugs as well, should be an easy job.

 

[telectrix]

bend the lugs back out of the way. drill back box and drill and plug wall behind back box for the new screws. fit screw extenders into rawlplugs and then screw your 3.5mm pins into them.

View attachment 35488

 

[Leesparkykent]

Are they 4BA screws?

 

[telectrix]

and use a BG socket outlet with USB as these will fit on a 25mm back box.

 

[HandySparks]

Are they 4BA screws?

If so, you'll have to poke one of these through them (or re-use the old screws).
3.5mm Re Threader - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BHM3dot5.html

 

[telectrix]

If so, you'll have to poke one of these through them (or re-use the old screws).
3.5mm Re Threader - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BHM3dot5.html

what's wrong with a 2" clout nail?

 

[Dave OCD]

I know of a big bungalow estate, 270 dwellings with all the internal walls being paramount boarding. [Built in the early 80s]. All the metal socket and switch boxes are 'fixed' with 4" galv nails through the edges of the boxes-sideways to hold in behind the plasterboard !

 

[harry olee]

Thanks for all the replies:
A lot simpler approach than mine!
I will whack out the top an bottom lugs and use the side ones with the old screws (or re-thread / use extenders)
Excellent result - very pleased, thanks again to everybody.

 

[Dave OCD]

Just give them a clout with a small chisel [or old screwdriver] and hammer Harry and they'll go back flush with the box edge quite easily.

 

[harry olee]

bend the lugs back out of the way. drill back box and drill and plug wall behind back box for the new screws. fit screw extenders into rawlplugs and then screw your 3.5mm pins into them.

View attachment 35488

 

[harry olee]

screw extenders - they look very useful - not seen those before now.

 

[harry olee]

Just give them a clout with a small chisel [or old screwdriver] and hammer Harry and they'll go back flush with the box edge quite easily.

Surprising how brute force is often better than the over thought out solution!

 

[snowhead]

[Built in the early 80s]. All the metal socket and switch boxes are 'fixed' with 4" galv nails through the edges of the boxes-sideways to hold in behind the plasterboard !

My house was 80's built.
Exactly the same fixing method but mines Strawmit partition.
Perfectly good way of fixing.

 

[Dave OCD]

My house was 80's built.
Exactly the same fixing method but mines Strawmit partition.
Perfectly good way of fixing.

Not really in the bungalows I'm on about ,it's only tightening the faceplate screws that pull the box up tight [ish], I've replaced quite a few with dry liners.

 

[snowhead]

If all else fails use these, they don't shatter.
Drill and fix over the top of the metal box.
They're normally used for Plastic conduit;

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p53404?table=no

 

[Rpa07]

BG make 10mm standoff plates so that a quality USB socket outlet can be used instead of BG (sorry, little bit of sick!) worth their weight in gold when retro fitting in a 25mm box. If all goes well with the lug issue and all that jazz!

 

[Rpa07]

http://www.builderdepot.co.uk/bg-ne...ate-818.html?gclid=CMDaqNjAi9ICFYEV0wodYaEItw
That'll be it - weight in gold

 

[Des 56]

You may find the existing screws could be corroded,removing them takes gentle persuasion

 

[Toneyz]

look at MK K2202 or K2133whi we have one of these mk sockets in our house (only original double socket left) box 4 lugs no side lugs.

 

[Midwest]

That's a mucky socket, wonder what the rest of the installation physical condition is like?

 

[Rpa07]

You may find the existing screws could be corroded,removing them takes gentle persuasion

Is that a picture of you Des? How are you holding the selfie stick?!

 

[harry olee]

Lug removal worked! - thanks

 

[harry olee]

That's a mucky socket, wonder what the rest of the installation physical condition is like?

Fine - its just dirt on paint - those sockets would go on forever

 

[Midwest]

Fine - its just dirt on paint - those sockets would go on forever

Just thinking about the cables behind it

 

[harry olee]

There are fine - added sleeve to pc although but no earth connector for box.

 

[Midwest]

Is this in your daughters rental property?

 

[harry olee]

Is this in your daughters rental property?

no

 

[Midwest]

no

Oh

 

[harry olee]

? no

 

[Midwest]

Eh?

 

[Rpa07]

Ey!

 

[harry olee]

Is this in your daughters rental property?

As I said - no it's not