Wall socket in the way of wardrobe

[NathanIfans]

A double electric socket sticks out of a wall too much to place wardrobe in front of it. Could I swap the back box for a shallower one, say 16mm. Insert a connector strip, and then install a blanking plate? Would this be safe/comply?

Thanks in advance

 

[big-all]

are you allowing for the fact the skirting may hold it off the wall a greater distance than the socket anyway

 

[NathanIfans]

Skirtings are only 10mm. Socket with be 19 mm (16mm box and 5 mm plate). Currently the soxket is about 50mm

 

[big-all]

most wardrobes have a hollow back off perhaps 6mm
is the socket near where the edge off the wardrobe will go ?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Is the wiring on the surface too, or just the socket?

If it's just the socket, why not sink it into the wall?

 

[endecotp]

This is a surface-mounted box, right?

I think what you propose is fine.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

This is a surface-mounted box, right?

One assumes so:

Currently the soxket is about 50mm

 

[Lectrician]

If it is surface, to me it suggests that either it is a spur, from a socket directly behind, in which case, remove completely. OR, it is actually a single socket flushed into the wall, and a double socket has been placed over the top. In this case, just a single blank will be fine.

 

[securespark]

If you are planning to cover any screwed connections with the robe, make sure you can still access them, eg cut a hole in the back panel.

 

[DaveHerns]

Cut a hole in the back panel and leave the socket where it is.

 

[endecotp]

Why would you want to cut a hole in the back of the wardrobe, rather than just moving it if necessary?

 

[SimonH2]

Which is easier - cut a hole in the back of the wardrobe, or move the socket ?
Of course, there's little use for a socket inside a wardrobe

Rather than screwed terminal strip, you could use some MF terminals (eg Wagos). While technically they're supposedly not MF if you don't use the manufacturer's box, can any of use really imagine how three Wagos in a backbox behind a blank plate aren't going to be as MF as if they were in one of Wagos own boxes ?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They aren't Wago's own boxes - they are made by a separate company.

IIRC we did once get told the reason why they can't be inside any old margarine tub you have lying around, but b******d if I can remember what it is.

 

[stillp]

IIRC we did once get told the reason why they can't be inside any old margarine tub you have lying around, but b******d if I can remember what it is.

Wasn't it strain relief?

 

[ban-all-sheds]