Dealing with switches and sockets when skimming older walls?

[albaPhenom]

When you have switches and sockets that sit flush with the existing wall and assuming the skim coat is between 3-5mm thick when finished, if this is leaving the socket too far back then what is your your typical practise for rectifying this?

Also, do you handle any of this work yourself or leave it to a spark?

 

[Lower]

Just use longer screws to refit the switches and sockets after plastering. The switches and sockets don't need to be in contact with the back boxes.

 

[Deleted member 292770]

longer screws. I do it myself . Don’t trust no sparky to come bodging my artwork.

 

[albaPhenom]

longer screws. I do it myself . Don’t trust no sparky to come bodging my artwork.

I was considering packing out behind the back box with an off cut bit of wood to pull the switch forward a bit bit longer screws will probably do the job.

I’ve just noticed with the previous two plasterers I’ve had, they refuse to touch any electrics as “they’re not electricians”, neither am I but no problem dealing with really basic stuff like a light switch.

I just don’t how you can work in that trade and not have to deal with the electrics on most jobs at some point.

 

[Deleted member 292770]

I was considering packing out behind the back box with an off cut bit of wood to pull the switch forward a bit bit longer screws will probably do the job.

I’ve just noticed with the previous two plasterers I’ve had, they refuse to touch any electrics as “they’re not electricians”, neither am I but no problem dealing with really basic stuff like a light switch.

I just don’t how you can work in that trade and not have to deal with the electrics on most jobs at some point.

Ive seen plasterers skimming behind rads , around switches and pullcords and even around kitchen wall units and pipe clips. unreal.
I remove any replace obstacles myself including electricals and radiators / brackets etc.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Sometimes, it depends on the quality of the electrical installation.
Decent sparkies will put a concertina fold in the T&E, that will allow the socket/switch to be eased a fair distance away from the back box, without the need to disconnect.
...it's a good idea to wrap the sockets up well in some plastic bags before attempting to plaster!

 

[Wayners]

sockitz

They get you around. Pack socket out

Or to go over
Knock out after. They are good

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