Converting a double socket - do these parts exist?

[danlightbulb]

Hi.

I have a standard double socket on the ring circuit.

I want to have a fused connection unit with a flex outlet instead. These all seem to be 1 gang size.

I was hoping to find something that allows me to convert a double socket into something else. Either a 2-gang FCU or a combined FCU and single socket which fits onto a 2-gang back box.

Can't find anything.

Anyone know how I can do this please? Don't really want to have to enlarge or fill the hole in the wall.

 

[davelx]

There isn't anything, no-one makes a two gang FCU or a two gang with one FCU and one socket. You'll need to enlarge the the hole horizontally and fit one of these: 1-1-gang-galvanised-steel-back-box-35mm
or you could look at grid systems but chances are you'd still need to enlarge the hole and they don't have flex outlets.

 

[danlightbulb]

There isn't anything, no-one makes a two gang FCU or a two gang with one FCU and one socket. You'll need to enlarge the the hole horizontally and fit one of these: 1-1-gang-galvanised-steel-back-box-35mm
or you could look at grid systems but chances are you'd still need to enlarge the hole and they don't have flex outlets.

Thanks. Shame, a single socket + single FCU sounds like a useful product.

I'll look into enlarging the hole then.

Or maybe I make a new hole alongside and do a spur off the double socket. Or a surface mount alongside actually would be easier but not the best looking.

 

[endecotp]

you could look at grid systems but chances are you'd still need to enlarge the hole and they don't have flex outlets.

There are some grid flex outlets, though finding a system with the combination of parts that you need can be tedious.

Look here for example: https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/categories/wiring-accessories/grid-systems/grid-flex-outlets

 

[securespark]

Or you can do it with Euromodules.

Screwfix do BG brand which I have installed in my bedroom for many years now and they have been reliable.

But I use MK Euromodule faceplates. You can find these on eBay.

You need a Euromodule single socket, a Euromodule DP switch and a Euromodule fuse holder. These will all fit in a 4 module faceplate, which fits a two gang box.

 

[ericmark]

I used Screwfix grid switch plates. (LAP).

 

[endecotp]

You need a Euromodule single socket, a Euromodule DP switch and a Euromodule fuse holder.

...and a Euromodule flex outlet. If you can find a single-width flex outlet, you can have an unswitched fused outlet. But my quick search only found 45A euromodule flex outlets that I guess are for cookers and are the same width as the socket.

These will all fit in a 4 module faceplate, which fits a two gang box.

 

[securespark]

My bad. I completely missed the flex outlet bit...

Sorry.

 

[robinbanks]

a single socket + single FCU sounds like a useful product.

I mean, if you think about, there are actually millions of them in the country:

Single socket- check
Switch controlled outlet- check
Replaceable fuse- check
Flex cord to appliance- check

…

 

[danlightbulb]

I mean, if you think about, there are actually millions of them in the country:

View attachment 412228

Single socket- check
Switch controlled outlet- check
Replaceable fuse- check
Flex cord to appliance- check

…

Not good practice to wire a fixed panel heater through a boost timer into a 3 pin plug though is it.

 

[robinbanks]

Depends on the wattage of the heater, (and the condition of the plug and socket) really!

 

[plugwash]

Either a 2-gang FCU

2 gang FCU with switches and flex outlets can be done with click minigrid.

2xMD017PW
2xMD018PW
2xMD047PW
1xCMA426

One caveat, the terminals on the minigrid modules are quite small, those on the swtich and fuse modules can take 2x2.5mm but only barely. I'm not sure about the ones on the flex outlet. I'd reccomend using some Wago 221-5 connectors on the backbox for distributing stuff.

 

[ericmark]

sorry failed to find the gland in screwfix.

 

[plugwash]

Yeah, you can drill out a Euromodule blank and fit some sort of cable restraint in the hole, but you are still left with no room for switches because Euro modules only fit 4 modules on a double plate

 

[Sureitsoff?]

I suppose if you can find a euromodule face plate with a thick surround you could file a cable outlet groove which would allow a socket,fuse and switch to fill the 4spaces