Overboarding wall & plug sockets

[Whitling2k]

Now then!

We are getting a plasterer to overboard two walls. It's going to be my study so will need a few plug sockets adding in.

There is already a ring main present - I am just adding 6x extra double sockets sockets into it - protected up to present regs requirements (according to my sparkie when he moved and serviced my CUs).

If I want flush sockets (well - the usual 5mm or so protrusion of the faceplates), should I cut the socket boxes into the existing wall before the new boards go on - or wait until the new board is in place and skimmed - and then attack in the way I already know - cutting it out and back-filling?

All the previous sockets were boxed on the outside of the wall - which in a study - I don't mind doing if it's going to be significantly easier!

Why 4x doubles? I would rather have 4x double sockets in the ring main than two of those 4 way extenders plugged into 1x double socket! 2x doubles are going into a mini-half-height stud wall along with network points and HDMI port; and 2x doubles will be hidden by the desk.

I have posted a similar question in the plastering forum too - but about radiator plumbing placements.

Cheers

Whitling2k!

 

[OwainDIYer]

cut the boxes in and run cables before boarding, leave the box edges protruding from the existing wall finish

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

For flush flat plates you will require at least 35mm deep backboxes, cables must be routed within the permitted safe zones or be mechanically protected.

Untitled

• PrenticeBoyofDerry
• 16 Oct 2011
• 20

The sockets on this circuit must also be 30mA RCD protected.
To conform to Part P of building regs, you must take all reasonable provisions to prevent injury or fire. So you must prove what you are doing is designed and installed correctly!
So a little research into circuit design, installation and inspection, testing and certification would be advised.

 

[sparkwright]

In my opinion, it may be overkill peppering the wall with all those extra sockets. The advantage of using 4 way extension leads is that some can offer surge/spike protection for all your equipment.

The last surge socket I fitted needed very deep boxes and cost a bomb.

Also, have to ask, why overboard walls? Apart from making the room smaller, the skirting boards etc will have to be altered.

You haven't got a lazy plasterer who can't/won't render, have you?

 

[winston1]

Extra sockets is always preferable to 4 way extensions.
Surge/spike protection is not generally required in the UK.

 

[Whitling2k]

Thanks for the tips. Safe zones noted. The rest of the design I am leaving up to my electrician. I will do the donkey work - drilling, routing and preparing.

Overboarding is at my spec - I had initially planned to attach battens and joint/tape myself - I thought the natural progression of that was to overboard; so my plasterer priced the job based on my request.

I will ask about rendering - as long as I get a decent finish I'm happy.

If it makes a difference - the old wall is dot and dabbed plasterboard onto breeze block - so where the old plasterboard has been taken away - there would be best part of 1.5-2" to render - would that be too much?

Whitling2k

 

[OwainDIYer]

If it makes a difference - the old wall is dot and dabbed plasterboard onto breeze block - so where the old plasterboard has been taken away - there would be best part of 1.5-2" to render - would that be too much?

one-coat would do it in, erm, one coat.

two layers probably would give a better result though.

 

[Whitling2k]

I'll ask next time I see him then. tbh, i've got lots of other things to do first - part time (mostly) DIY refurb of 1/2 my ground floor so I'm looking at least months before I get the plaster back round.

So just to double check (and probably annoy the forum members!):

Would you be able to render a wall thats 1/2 plasterboard and 1/2 breeze block, a bit of a mess with new and old boards, holes, cracks (old board not taped)... and still get an as-new finish with a render followed by plaster skim?

 

[Whitling2k]

Thanks Sparkwright - called my plasterer today - we were overboarding as per my request!

So discussed other options and we're no longer overboarding!

Saved a bit of time and materials there!

Thanks

Mark