Extending ring final from recessed socket to surface mounted

[Nedley]

HI all,

A friend of mine would like me to extend the ring final circuit in a bedroom to add a couple of extra sockets, not a problem however i do have a practical query - the socket i am to extend from is flush mounted, however they dont want me to chase out the wall (they dont want to make good!) to extend the circuit, so my solution was to run the cable in trunking and use a surface mounted socket at the new socket location.

My initial thought was to drill at an angle into the recessed back box so i can get the cable out through the wall and the trunking would cover the hole. Is that what you guys would do or is there a better solution/method?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Hmm, a couple of extra sockets?
Are you extending the ring final, or adding a spur for one socket, and then spurring oiff that for the second socket?
also
Is this circuit protected by a 30mA RCD?

 

[Nedley]

For the RCD protection, i havent looked yet, i would expect it to be there as it is a relatively modern house, but not ruling anything out - especiality as the internal walls are all brick, so it can’t be that modern!

I wont be spurring, i will extend the ring as the sockets are going near a desk, so i can imagine a need for a couple of double sockets there

 

[Taylortwocities]

I wont be spurring, i will extend the ring as the sockets are going near a desk, so i can imagine a need for a couple of double sockets there

OK, so you'll need to have two (2.5mm² twin & earth) cables exiting the socket into your trunking. Will look lovely!

Back to your original.

My initial thought was to drill at an angle into the recessed back box so i can get the cable out through the wall and the trunking would cover the hole. Is that what you guys would do or is there a better solution/method?

That's one way, but its two cables, as above. Personally, I wouldnt damage the wall, just run a length of flexible cabl to the new socket(s) and bang a 13A plug on to the cable and plug it to the bedside socket. Like a long extension lead.
Then, if they move the desk/have to move house then its an easy job to put back.

 

[Nedley]

Ahhh ok yes, thats an option, i see what you mean - thanks

 

[sparkwright]

HI all,

A friend of mine would like me to extend the ring final circuit in a bedroom to add a couple of extra sockets, not a problem however i do have a practical query - the socket i am to extend from is flush mounted, however they dont want me to chase out the wall (they dont want to make good!) to extend the circuit, so my solution was to run the cable in trunking and use a surface mounted socket at the new socket location.

My initial thought was to drill at an angle into the recessed back box so i can get the cable out through the wall and the trunking would cover the hole. Is that what you guys would do or is there a better solution/method?

Yes. that's what usually happens (if the wall is solid and not plasterboard).

Though to access the knockout, it's more usual to chip the plaster away with a hammer and screwdriver!

The other alternative is to fit a surface mounted box over the flush box.

 

[Nedley]

Would you fill the flush box with expanding foam or something similar?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Would you fill the flush box with expanding foam or something similar?

Don’t fill it. Just (long) screw it to the existing back box. There are handy holes provided for the purpose!.

 

[sparkwright]

A PVC box may be useful for this, if you need to make holes in it.

 

[foxhole]

Are there any sockets on the rear of the wall , can be simpler to drill thru wall from existing socket behind Where you want additional.

 

[Nedley]

Yup i checked that, unfortunately not, i havent checked the floorboard situation, but i dont think i would go there as that is as much effort and making good as just chasing the wall out!