Socket with wooden facia.

[88v8]

A few people make these. I bought two double sockets from Olivers Lighting.
Oak fascia.
Very nice, and the unusually large fascia covers the problems created by the wonky dry lining boxes that I inherited.
https://www.oliverslighting.com/acatalog/Heritage_Wooden_Plug_Sockets-p1.html

But....
The but, is that the Wandsworth insert is so recessed into the oak fascia that it's impossible to get a screwdriver onto the titchy cable screws without angling it. I can just see burring the screw heads.

Any recommendations for wood-faced sockets?

 

[chivers67]

Get longer screws? Then use a pair of cutters to cut to the desired length.

 

[JohnW2]

... The but, is that the Wandsworth insert is so recessed into the oak fascia that it's impossible to get a screwdriver onto the titchy cable screws without angling it. I can just see burring the screw heads.

Can't you trim the wood so as to improve access to the cable screws?

Kind Regards, John

 

[88v8]

The screws are long enough, it's just the angle.

Access, the fascia is already routed out next to the screws, but the insert is so 'low profile' that it site too near the front. If there were a way of altering it, I agree with you, I surely would have done.

I see a lot of Varilight, with various wood options. Any good?

 

[JohnW2]

Access, the fascia is already routed out next to the screws, but the insert is so 'low profile' that it site too near the front. If there were a way of altering it, I agree with you, I surely would have done.

Fair enough, but it seems rather odd. It looks as if a fair number of these are probably offered and sold, so you can't be the only person to be having this problem. Have you spoken to the supplier and/or manufacturer about the issue?

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

Is the wood attached with screws?

Can it be removed for wiring?

 

[88v8]

I emailed them. See what they say.

Yes, if it could be removed from the fascia, there might be a workaround, but it's riveted and glued in place.

All very annoying, especially at £40+ a pop.

 

[JohnW2]

I emailed them. See what they say.

That will be interesting - do let us know!

Yes, if it could be removed from the fascia, there might be a workaround, but it's riveted and glued in place. ... All very annoying, especially at £40+ a pop.

On the basis of what you are telling us, it sounds as if it may well not be 'fit for purpose' - in which case you ought to be able to get your £40+ back.

Kind Regards, John

 

[88v8]

I put one in.
Fortunately the cables were long enough that I could tip it well forward to get the best angle on the screwdriver.
So it went in OK, but compared to an MK for instance, it's not great.

Incidentally, the L & N aren't marked. On the back there's a DP label. Does this mean it doesn't matter?

I buzzed it out and connected as usual.

 

[winston1]

Incidentally, the L & N aren't marked. On the back there's a DP label. Does this mean it doesn't matter?

It most certainly DOES matter.

 

[securespark]

Post a picture of this socket. It sounds like a nightmare.

 

[seasickstevie]

Fortunately the cables were long enough that I could tip it well forward to get the best angle on the screwdriver.

That surely is just normal. Sockets always need to be held away from the wall to ensure that cables are entered fully into the terminals.

If cables are left too short restricting the ability to get the terminal screwdriver in, I'd say that would be very bad practice.

 

[88v8]

Couple of pics.

First one shows no L&N marking, and I looked very carefully for it.

Second shows the screws sunk into the cutaways.

That surely is just normal. Sockets always need to be held away from the wall to ensure that cables are entered fully into the terminals.

Yes, but on any other socket the driver can be vertical, on this one it has to be at an angle.

 

[EFLImpudence]

 

[paulrockliffe]

Looks like the issue is that they buy something in and then fit it to a fascia that it's not designed for, but does it not have two additional connections on the side to get around the issue?