How do I get this blighter back in?

[WolfOfBakerStreet]

I have a socket like the image that has come a bit loose. When the plate is loose, the socket goes back in to the wall fine, but when the plate is attached, it won't.

Know it's a daft question but didn't want to be forcing it back in before knowing what's what. Cheers!

 

[Sureitsoff?]

Pics of actual socket will help

 

[WolfOfBakerStreet]

Cheers

 

[pete01]

Just needs screwing back to the wall properly, doesn't it?

 

[foxhole]

Back box is insecure .

 

[Sureitsoff?]

As said the back box needs to be fixed correctly to the wooden surface. You can see where the manufacturer has provided fixing points in this pic nicked from the Toolstation site. They don't all have to be used!

 

[CountryFan]

From what you've described, sounds like the cable needs to be pushed back if there's play and secure the back box.

 

[WolfOfBakerStreet]

Thanks, all!

 

[plugwash]

The cables we use for wiring up our houses in the UK can be quite stiff and springy.

There is a knack to wiring up a socket, from experiance struggling to wire up sockets for ages, before watching the pros do it and figuring out the knack, the following are the usual things that make it a struggle.

1. Wires too long,
2. Wires too short.
3. Leaving too much sheath on.

My rule of thumb is you want the wires long enough that they go past the terminal and "double back" to it, but not so long they hit the edge of the box while doing so. Unfortunately, while long wires can be trimmed back there is not a lot you can do about short wires other than adding a splice which takes up precious room and adds another potential point of failure.

Even with the socket wired up properly it will normally take some force to push it back and often the screws to hold it back. Sockets will usually "spring forward" when unscrewed from their boxes.

In any case the first thing you need to address is the attachment of the box to the wall. Then you can look at the wiring of the socket and try to tidy it up as best you can.