Metal socket

[gcharlt]

Hi
I have a metal double socket on the wall in my garage and wondered if i can replace it with a normal plastic socket andflush fitting back box ?
Appreciate any help
thanks

 

[viewer]

Depends on what your wall is made of and how thick. I wouldn't suggest trying to cut out for a backbox if it is a single leaf wall (as in most garages); however, if it is lean -to and the wall is against the house or it is a cavity wall then no problem.

 

[gcharlt]

Hi
Yeah it is a single wall just wanted to confirm was ok to fit plastic socket in place of metal socket that is on at present.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Why not flush mount the metal socket?

 

[gcharlt]

Hi
Thee current metal socket is damaged and I have a spare plastic double so thought I may as well use it but will replace with whatever one is the safest and correct

 

[JohnW2]

Thee current metal socket is damaged and I have a spare plastic double so thought I may as well use it but will replace with whatever one is the safest and correct

If whatever goes on in your garage has managed to result in a metal socket being damaged, that suggests to me that you ought to replace it with another metal socket - a plastic one would be far more vulnerable to future damage.

Kind Regards, John

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I agree with John, the nature of the environment and the hazards that can occur through plates being damaged by being bashed about, I would stick to metallic faceplates, if the walls allow they can be sunk, but this may well require the cables then to be sunk/buried. So then we would need to consider the regulations regarding newly buried cables within walls and their permitted safe routes.

 

[bernardgreen]

I also agree, metal is better if it is at risk of damage.