Floor boxes - best way to install

[russlbuk]

Hi
Refurb'ing the house and need to put a few floor boxes under the bed (room is in bits at the moment so can do pretty much anything).

Read a post that suggested using the dry lining boxes to mount this in the carpet which seems like a good idea, but was wondering if there were any other 'gotchas' I need to look out for?

Also, are there any regs to be mindful of (I am not a sparky) when installing these? Seems strange to allow a floor box where a cup of tea can be easily spilled.

Lastly - am going for the 'flip top' socket, not the full recessed box option.

Thanks...

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi
Refurb'ing the house and need to put a few floor boxes under the bed

Why do you want sockets in the floor?

Read a post that suggested using the dry lining boxes to mount this in the carpet which seems like a good idea, but was wondering if there were any other 'gotchas' I need to look out for?

Does the maker of the sockets you've chosen specify or offer a particular box or tyoe of box?

Also, are there any regs to be mindful of (I am not a sparky) when installing these? Seems strange to allow a floor box where a cup of tea can be easily spilled.

If you think that they aren't suitable for their environment then you must not install them.

Lastly - am going for the 'flip top' socket, not the full recessed box option.

Was gonna say - I've never seen a floorbox the size of a standard plasterboard box...

 

[1john]

i would steer clear of installing these in a domestic invironment, especially if you think they may become a tea pot. Why cant you just chop some boxes into the wall and have a conventional setup, especially if the room is in bits. Remember that one day you may move the bed and they may look strange if not hidden under a bed.

 

[securespark]

Floor boxes - best way to install

In the floor?

Sorry, could not resist!!

 

[electronicsuk]

If it's the type of socket I'm thinking of, it'll be fine in a dry lining box on the floor, as long as cutting a hole for the box doesn't weaken the floor. If you have T&G floorboards then I would advise you to cut the hole without taking them up if at all possible, otherwise the socket could easily take the width of an entire board. If the T&G is damaged by removal of the board, there will be very little support left around the backbox.

If it's a chipboard floor then you shouldn't have any problems, as long as you keep well away from the edges of the board.

 

[bernardgreen]

I would not put sockets in the floor under furniture that could be moved. A socket would be very easily damaged by the pressure of a bed leg on the socket. Just moving the bed to clean under it could drag the leg over the socket and damage it.

Also bear in mind the hazard of someone tripping over the lead which could then be partially pulled out of the plug leaving the appliance and/or plug possibly dangerous.

I have fitted a floor socket but in a place where it was [1] clearly visible and [2] furniture could not be moved across it. ( it is under the second tread of a spiral staircase.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I would not put sockets in the floor under furniture that could be moved. A socket would be very easily damaged by the pressure of a bed leg on the socket. Just moving the bed to clean under it could drag the leg over the socket and damage it.

They're designed to be walked on, and have cover plates to protect them...

Also bear in mind the hazard of someone tripping over the lead which could then be partially pulled out of the plug leaving the appliance and/or plug possibly dangerous.

Same with anything plugged into a socket on the wall.

I have fitted a floor socket

So why do you think one could be damaged by a bed-leg?

 

[NotHimAgain]

Depends on the type - those used in a commercial office normally do enclose the plug and protect it.

This type do not:

[url]http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/M...s_Menu_Index/Chelsea_Floor_Sockets/index.html [/url]

 

[bernardgreen]

I fitted that type in the lounge under the low treads a spiral stair case

Untitled

• bernardgreen
• 8 Dec 2009
• 1

( slightly messy cables as Christmas lights are in place. )

In my opinion it is only suitable where it is impossible to walk on it or place any furniture on it when closed.[/i]

 

[bernardgreen]

So why do you think one could be damaged by a bed-leg?

Because the pressure from the small area of a bed leg would be very high

I have seen the lid of an unused steel floor box caved in by the castered wheel of a book case

(a woman in slippers does not damage a floor but same woman in stilletto heels does damage the floor )

 

[russlbuk]

Thanks for the advice guys....

It's going into standard floorboards (not near the bed leg) which means I'll be having them up and bracing it all underneath......just great!

It's this type of socket....(still to decide whether to pay MK premium or not)
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/KN99UCW.html

No advice given on the type of backbox, I was going to build up a support under the joists and mount a metal back box, but 45mm cavity back box is going to be a lot easier.

Was contemplating a mini floorbox like the offices, but not convinced
http://www.floorbox.co.uk/tafb1.html

Lastly, this is the other post should anyone else be looking for hints & tips
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1334089#1334089

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