Socket enclosure for chunky plugs

[Gallo]

Trying to find an enclosure for a socket - but every one I find there is not enough space to fit the plug as the socket is shifted to the left which means it's not centre and does not leave enough room to engage the plug.

I need to use this specific switched socket, so just need to find an enclosure with more space at the bottom but every one I see looks identical to the one I have. I could modify this one and shave a bit of the plastic off but would rather just find an enclosure that is fit for purpose. Surely this isn't a new problem as I can't see how any chunky modern plug would ever fit into any of these.

 

[Murdochcat]

13A 1 Gang Long Weatherproof Unswitched Socket - IP66 | BG (WP23L-01)

 

[EFLImpudence]

Cut off a bit of the plug

 

[JohnW2]

I need to use this specific switched socket, so just need to find an enclosure with more space at the bottom ....

What exactly do you mean by that - the 'enclosure' and switched socket surely come as a single unit? - i.e. that "specific switched socket" will always come in the same enclosure.

 

[AndyPRK]

have you tried the MK one ?

WATERPROOF OUTDOOR SINGLE SOCKET IP66 MK QUALITY | eBay UK

OUTDOOR SINGLE SOCKET OUTLET UNSWITCHED IP66 MK QUALITY- CHILDPROOF OPENING.

www.ebay.co.uk

cheaper

Pardon our interruption...

 

[AndyPRK]

if you don't want it waterproof when in use....

Pardon our interruption...

 

[Gallo]

What exactly do you mean by that - the 'enclosure' and switched socket surely come as a single unit? - i.e. that "specific switched socket" will always come in the same enclosure.

This is a specific socket rated to BS 1363-2 EV. The socket and enclosures are available separately.

 

[Gallo]

have you tried the MK one ?

WATERPROOF OUTDOOR SINGLE SOCKET IP66 MK QUALITY | eBay UK

OUTDOOR SINGLE SOCKET OUTLET UNSWITCHED IP66 MK QUALITY- CHILDPROOF OPENING.

www.ebay.co.uk

cheaper

Pardon our interruption...

If the socket was unswitched I think that would be perfect but as it is switched the receptacle part is shifted to the left which is what causes the problem with the moulded part of the plug as it is no longer centred in the enclosure.

 

[Gallo]

13A 1 Gang Long Weatherproof Unswitched Socket - IP66 | BG (WP23L-01)

View attachment 391857

This housing would be great but looking at the spec sheet I don't think I would be able to secure the specific socket I need to use in the housing. look like it's only designed to use the socket that it is supplied with.

 

[pete01]

BG IP66 Single 13A Socket with Large Enclosure

Single 1 gang, unswitched 13A IP66 socket in large, robust enclosure.• Socket can be mounted top middle or bottom of enclosure• Ideal for use with plug in RCDs or transformer type plugs• Top rear and side cable entries• Lockable flip up cover (padlock not included)

www.toolstation.com

With this I wonder if you can move the socket up and put the blank at the bottom?

 

[AndyPRK]

Arh, you didn't say it must be an EV socket, with switch and/or replaceable.

 

[Gallo]

BG IP66 Single 13A Socket with Large Enclosure

Single 1 gang, unswitched 13A IP66 socket in large, robust enclosure.• Socket can be mounted top middle or bottom of enclosure• Ideal for use with plug in RCDs or transformer type plugs• Top rear and side cable entries• Lockable flip up cover (padlock not included)

www.toolstation.com

With this I wonder if you can move the socket up and put the blank at the bottom?

That would be perfect but if you look at the pictures it looks like that enclosure uses a proprietary socket design so I can't swap it out for the one I need to use as I wouldn't be able to secure it in the enclosure.

 

[Gallo]

Arh, you didn't say it must be an EV socket, with switch and/or replaceable.

I said "I need to use this specific switched socket"

 

[pete01]

Put a normal socket inside this?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/hylec-ip65-weatherproof-outdoor-enclosure-250mm-x-150mm-x-350mm/7766g?ref=SFAppShare

 

[Gallo]

Put a normal socket inside this?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/hylec-ip65-weatherproof-outdoor-enclosure-250mm-x-150mm-x-350mm/7766g?ref=SFAppShare

It's going inside my garage so I may end up just using a plastic pattress as that is the easiest solution. The enclosures look nicer, and have a bit of dust protection but looks like it's not going to work unless I modify the enclosure I already have.

Shame there isn't a 1.5x width version so the receptacle bit could still be central with a switched socket in the enclosure. That would allow a lot more space for the bottom part of the plug.