Flush mounted sockets - Fitting

[NorthernButters]

Hi All,

Bit of a job on my hands. Having some damp proofing done at the moment and intend to sand floorboards, replace skirting, fit flush mounted light switches and sockets, not to mention painting everything.

I've already fitted two flush mounted light switches, but need to do a double plug socket.

Had a look at the area yesterday after the skirting was removed and there's a brick column behind the existing socket which is mounted externally on the wall. The said double socket is next to the bath room, so don't presume brick wall is a supporting wall of sorts.

Can I chip some of the brick colum away to allow for a metal box to be fitted to support a flush mounted face plate? How do I cut away the brick work? Is it just by using a bolster and cold chisel?

How can I be sure that the Brick work won't just crumble?

Any suggestions help, would be gratefully appreciated.

Kind Regards

Northern Butters

 

[EFLImpudence]

not to mention painting everything.

Don't paint the switches or sockets as some people do.

As to your question - I would think the column is only on the outside. Is there a cavity?

I can see no problem with sinking the back-box into a column anyway. It would be stronger than a single course of bricks.
As to crumbling - they probably won't, unless very, very old. Chip away small pieces at a time. Don't try and knock out the whole lot at once.

That or drill lots of small holes to the correct depth in the rectangle starting with the corners and then chip away what is left.

Where is the cable - in front of the column?