Double socket converter

[TNDU]

I am thinking of changing a single socket to a double socket and it seems there is a conversion socket where you don't need to change the back box. One shown below for example.

Anyone used one of these before and can advise on if they are a good idea? Thanks

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-13a-1g-to-2g-switched-converter-socket-white/108cc

 

[Echo the husky]

They are OK. I've come across many without issues.

 

[TNDU]

They are OK. I've come across many without issues.

they seem to be simpler than having to cut a bigger hole for the back box. seems too good to be true, which is why I am asking.

 

[Echo the husky]

They've been about for decades! Not the most professional solution, but Ideal for DIY or a quick swap.

 

[SUNRAY]

I've fitted a number of them and known of many more in use without any issues.

The only 'dissadvantage' with them is they are thicker than 'normal' double sockets.

 

[TNDU]

I've fitted a number of them and known of many more in use without any issues.

The only 'dissadvantage' with them is they are thicker than 'normal' double sockets.

Are they twice as thick?

 

[SUNRAY]

Are they twice as thick?

easily

 

[TNDU]

easily

That makes them look pretty ugly. Eek

 

[plugwash]

They are substantially higher profile than a regular flush double socket, but still substantially lower profile than a surface socket.

Most of them also "look cheap", the plastic is different from regular sockets (more similar to the plastic used for extension sockets) and the arrangement of the stuff on the face just looks "off". Schneider did do one that matched their normal sockets but unfortunately they decided to pull out of the UK electrical accessory market, so it may be increasingly hard to find (part number is GGBL30212DS there do seem to be a few listed on amazon).

 

[TNDU]

They are substantially higher profile than a regular flush double socket, but still substantially lower profile than a surface socket.

Most of them also "look cheap", the plastic is different from regular sockets (more similar to the plastic used for extension sockets) and the arrangement of the stuff on the face just looks "off". Schneider did do one that matched their normal sockets but unfortunately they decided to pull out of the UK electrical accessory market, so it may be increasingly hard to find (part number is GGBL30212DS there do seem to be a few listed on amazon).

hadn't realised they were thicker than the normal socket but thinking about it, it has to be as the plug pins are quite deep so the socket has to be at least that deep on the surface mounted side, where is no back box space. i think i will leave this idea as it will be less uggly and less work to use an extension lead!

or just do the job properly and put in a proper back box.

 

[ebee]

Not the most elegant of solutions but can sometimes be useful if one wants to avoid using a "Death Cube" (2 way or 3 way) 13A adaptor.
LAP brand is Screwfix , there are others that might be considered.
Not the most elegant and not the cheapest opition whichever brand you choose though.

A surface mounted twin socket is preffered or ven dig into the wall and replace the metal back box with a twin box but decor touch up or even a trim (or a finger guard) behind the socket until next decorate might be useful.

Example here of a trim/patress/guard or whatever you like to call it - these dark wood types are often used on Brass (or Brass coloured) switches and are fairly popular