plug sockets on new plastered wall.

[richard1600]

prob a very silly question but, have just completetly reboarded a whole room and mounted new sockets etc... when i come to plaster do i let it dry before screwing socket cover down, (or will this crack it) or do i screw the socket cover down when still wet.

thx

 

[jrplastering]

r the boards cut tight around the boxes or is there a few gaps aroud them?

 

[roughcaster]

If possible, leave your sockets/switches off of the wall until you've finished plastering. If you've already mounted the sockets before plastering, just leave them loose so you can plaster behind them. Always let the plaster "set" hard, before you screw the cover plate into place, ie,, don't do it while it's soft/wet.
Turn the power off at the mains too.

 

[richard1600]

have just mounted the metal boxes in the wall and the covers are loosely screwed on until i plaster i will take them off.. i was worried that if i let the plaster dry then screw the covers on i would crack the plaster ?

 

[roughcaster]

have just mounted the metal boxes in the wall and the covers are loosely screwed on until i plaster i will take them off.. i was worried that if i let the plaster dry then screw the covers on i would crack the plaster ?

If the metal boxes are firmly screwed into place, and you plaster neatly to the edges of each box,, just let the plaster set, then screw the front cover on, but don't over tighten the screws. I do it that way all the time, it does no harm, and it wont crack the plaster. Another little tip,,, when you plaster the wall, cut a piece of cardboard the shape of the box, then put it into the box,, it'll stop the plaster filling up the box. When you've finished the plastering wall, remove the card, and trim around the edges of the box, neatly with a stanley knife.

 

[richard1600]

perfect,..

thankyou

 

[1john]

only slightly better again is to wait until you have painted to screw them on, sames cutting in alot and you dont get paint on the socket fronts!

 

[Micilin]

Another little tip,,, when you plaster the wall, cut a piece of cardboard the shape of the box, then put it into the box,, it'll stop the plaster filling up the box. When you've finished the plastering wall, remove the card, and trim around the edges of the box, neatly with a stanley knife.

Can you post that on the electrician's forum please!!!