Sockets in thin walls 7 cm

[Mrxman]

Hi There

We're about to move into a house with very thin upstairs walls made of blockwork and plaster (1920s).
Currently there's surface mounted boxes on internal walls but I am wondering whether it's possible to install sockets that are flush mounted on the walls
given they're only 7 cm thick.

I am hiring an electrician to do the work but it would be great if I know in advance what's possible. Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[matlob]

You can chase it out to get the box within the wall. Are the wires surface mounted too?

 

[Mrxman]

You can chase it out to get the box within the wall. Are the wires surface mounted too?

I think the wires are chased into the wall.
There's slight danger of creating a hole in the wall with a backbox but maybe a 25 mm will work.

 

[JohnD]

You may find you make a hole right through the wall. I strongly advise patching with sand and cement mortar, not plaster or filler. Pull off all the cracked or broken stuff. Wet the wall first as it will suck the mortar dry before it has time to harden. It will be better if you keep it damp for several days with a sprayer.

As well as being stronger, mortar is easy to work to shape and has a longer workable period. It will hold the backbox firmly. Press it in tight and smooth off.

You can skim it with plaster afterwards for a smooth paintable finish.

I expect the wall is made of breeze blocks, which are dark grey with a very coarse texture, and difficult to chase out cleanly. They have a flinty scent when you chip them. Mortar will hold well.

 

[SFK]

I would be tempted to put a socket on both sides.
One hole all the way through the wall with two metal boxes back to back.

 

[foxhole]

I would be tempted to put a socket on both sides.
One hole all the way through the wall with two metal boxes back to back.

So how would they be secured?

 

[Sureitsoff?]

So how would they be secured?

Screws going sideways or up and down? Sticks like sh*t?

 

[foxhole]

Screws going sideways or up and down? Sticks like sh*t?

Sounds like a clumsy, insecure solution.

 

[davelx]

Sticks like S*** or other solvent free grab adhesive works fine. Bolt the back boxes together back to back with a knockout between them for the cable if needed.

Use long faceplate screws and some steel or wood straps each side to hold the.boxes in position whilst the adhesive sets. Fill all gaps around the boxes with the adhesive to the finished wall level, or if you prefer slightly below and then use filler to make flush.

I did this on mine 30 years ago and they are still solid.

 

[endecotp]

Do you care about sound transmission between the rooms?

 

[SFK]

All good points.
I also afterwards thought about fire transmission.
So I will stand down my suggestion.

 

[pete01]

All good points.
I also afterwards thought about fire transmission.
So I will stand down my suggestion.

Do you rooms not have doors?

 

[mikehammer69]

All good points.
I also afterwards thought about fire transmission.
So I will stand down my suggestion.

I don't think that's an issue

 

[denso13]

given they're only 7 cm thick.

Are you sure? Highly unlikely, if not impossible, to be plastered blockwork at that thickness.

 

[morqthana]

Sounds like a clumsy, insecure solution.

In what way?