Recommended way to add power cord to socket where plug won't fit

[coolhands]

I want to plug in a power cord. But the plug socket is behind a unit so there is no space for the plug. It is a 2-gang socket so I can't use a flex outlet plate. Am I allowed to remove the plug socket and connect the wires inside a maintenance free junction box such as the Ashley J803 leaving it within the vacated drylining box?

 

[skotl]

Nope (cos it won't be fused) but you can use a Switched (or Unswitched) Fused Flex Spur.

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sour...=2&ie=UTF-8#q=switched fused spur flex outlet

 

[Iggifer]

The OP has a twin socket, that's his concern.

Is it a normal size plug or a 'transformer' type?

If transformer type, there are a number of options, the simplest being, just make an extension lead to the right length where you can plug it in somewhere else?

 

[coolhands]

ok thanks. I'm happy using one of those, but the problem is the drylining box & socket is currently 2-gang as mentioned earlier so do you know how I can convert it to 1-gang? That's the only reason I started looking at junction boxes! ie is it possible without removing 2-gang dry lining box, making good wall to fit 1-gang? That seems like a lot of work and probably at some point in the future would want to go back to 2-gang!

 

[coolhands]

The OP has a twin socket, that's his concern.

Is it a normal size plug or a 'transformer' type?

If transformer type, there are a number of options, the simplest being, just make an extension lead to the right length where you can plug it in somewhere else?

It's a normal size plug but still not enough space there is literally mm to spare. thankyou

 

[Iggifer]

I missed the bit where you said it was a DL box. Easy then. Get a dual box (you'll need to shave a bit more plasterboard off as these are a little bigger) then fit two Spurs or a spur and a socket etc.

http://m.screwfix.com/p/appleby-dual-35mm-dry-lining-box/22772

They also do them with a twin and a single if you want to keep the existing socket

 

[coolhands]

ok thanks

 

[DaveHerns]

Cut an access hole in the back of the unit?

 

[ericmark]

You can use grid switch system. A socket is two unit width and a fuse is one unit width so you can mix and match to get 4 unit wide.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

the plug socket is behind a unit

Does that count as accessible?

 

[coolhands]

the plug socket is behind a unit

Does that count as accessible?

I thought not since the unit is attached to the wall ie not genuinely accessible. Hence why I was looking for an alternative solution. Is there a solution you can tell me about?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If it's not accessible then you may not have any screwed joints, so no socket, switch, FCU, grid module or flex outlet plate will be OK.