wall socket replacements

[notaplumber1]

I want to do like for like replacement for this wall socket. Got about 5 to do. Where can i get a direct replacement or will i need to replace the whole units back and front with newer ones? Thanks for advice.

 

[Crystalclear]

Like for like, as in brand?

 

[GaryGarden]

Looks like an old MK. I presume you mean like for like because the screws are vertical? If so have you checked the back box it may have lugs on the side as well, you could then use any replacement you want.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Accessories are usually held in place by two 3.5mm screws, one on the left and one on the right. The sockets you have there are *very* old and current sockets will need new back boxes. The back boxes you have will probably be B.A screw threads.

Best advise: replace the back boxes with modern ones, and then choose any sockets you please.

Typically if you do this it is worth fitting double back boxes as double sockets are more appropriate these days.

 

[notaplumber1]

Thanks for response. Yes they are very old. Probably better to replace back boxes at the same time. Tnx again.

 

[OwainDIYer]

4 BA screws for faceplates. Or you can probably re-thread the holes to M 3.5

old sockets come on ebay quite often if you just want cleaner ones.

 

[sparkwright]

I have never had to replace an old imperial back box for the simple reason it has imperial threads.

So far I've always be able to re-thread the holes, and M3.5 screws have fitted.

As said, the biggest issue is whether the back box has horizontal fixings for a new socket.

Get switched single sockets this time.

Or, as suggested, fit doubles. As said, you will need a new back box in this case.

HOWEVER, 'CONVERTA' sockets are flush doubles which will fit a standard flush single box.

This may be the simplest solution.

Would save a lot of damage.

If you have some horizontal fixing lugs on that back box, you can even re-use those old screws - the CONVERTA has little plastic tabs which will cover those old screws.

You may have to buy some (large) earth sleeving IF the earth wires are bare. Wiring of that age sometimes doesn't have the bare earth sleeved. You would need green and yellow sleeving.

 

[kai]

Switched sockets are also a recommendation. The MK ones have good terminals, roomy and easy to align cabling into them.

 

[DaveHerns]

I wonder what the wiring is like .Would this be before PVC cables?

 

[sparkwright]

I would very roughly estimate between 1955 and 1970.

Chances are PVC, could quite possibly be rubber though...

 

[deadshort]

I have never had to replace an old imperial back box for the simple reason it has imperial threads.

So far I've always be able to re-thread the holes, and M3.5 screws have fitted.

As said, the biggest issue is whether the back box has horizontal fixings for a new socket.

Get switched single sockets this time.

Or, as suggested, fit doubles. As said, you will need a new back box in this case.

HOWEVER, 'CONVERTA' sockets are flush doubles which will fit a standard flush single box.

This may be the simplest solution.

Would save a lot of damage.

If you have some horizontal fixing lugs on that back box, you can even re-use those old screws - the CONVERTA has little plastic tabs which will cover those old screws.

You may have to buy some (large) earth sleeving IF the earth wires are bare. Wiring of that age sometimes doesn't have the bare earth sleeved. You would need green and yellow sleeving.

This is the good advice from Sparkwright. I would bet you're wiring is singles in conduit which will be the earth connection to the socket via the plate screws! I would also recommend the Converta sockets which are ideal for this situation. You may have to connect an earth to the back box. You really need to ensure that the earthing is satisfactory when you replace the sockets.

Regards,

DS

 

[securespark]

Scrape off some paint from the socket.

The 50's MK sockets were brown, the 60's ones were ivory, IIRC.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

//www.diynot.com/diy/attachments/20150805_103325-jpg.83215/

Ye Gods - what kind of animal thinks that's the way to paint walls?

Seriously - it's not a trivial matter. If someone with that kind of attitude to doing a good job has been anywhere near the electrics, be afraid.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Looks like an old MK. I presume you mean like for like because the screws are vertical? If so have you checked the back box it may have lugs on the side as well, you could then use any replacement you want.

Not necessarily - the lugs at the top & bottom can easily get in the way of modern replacements.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Accessories are usually held in place by two 3.5mm screws, one on the left and one on the right. The sockets you have there are *very* old and current sockets will need new back boxes.

Unless the old screws will go through the holes in the faceplates of the new sockets.

Which they will.