changing BS4662 electrical boxes in decorated dwelling

[PedroUK]

Dear Guys,

I am planning to change 2 boxes being 35mm deep to 47mm deep, for being able to accomodate y 2 new dimmer switches. However my house is decorated and painted and I am concerned that I may mess everything when doing it.

Any assistance please?

Thanks.

PedroUK

 

[Andy™]

if your very careful you may get away with no damage, but it will most likely need some patching.

and what dimmer switches are you using that wont fit into a 35mm box?

 

[PC Electrics]

Are you sure this is necessary? Pretty much all dimmers are designed to fit into 25mm back boxes, so your 35mm ones are more than adequate for the task. Some will even fit over 16mm boxes.

You'll be hard pressed to change them without needing to patch up afterwards.

 

[septiclecky]

Normally fit 45A switches with 10mm cable to a 47mm back box.

 

[PedroUK]

I am fitting new Legrand ARTEOR switches as the decorative plate and stule where fitting exactly the needs from my boss. (wife!)

It requires deep more than 40mm (instruction leaflet). I think It might try to push some cables around and see if I can get away with it...

Thanks.

However which tool would you use to create just a little mess?

 

[PedroUK]

I can provide reference for this dimmer but the back of these dimmers are quite big and I have no doubt than 35mm is leady tight so never mind the 16mm...

But again I will try this we to fit them into a 35mm by arranging the cable as uch as I can...

 

[Andy™]

you also need to make sure you done go through the wall either

 

[ianmacd]

[quote name='Andy

 

[M107]

However which tool would you use to create just a little mess?

When as little damage as possible is required on a decorated wall I, start by using a sharp blade & cut the wall paper down one side of where the chase will go, then if you are careful you can peel the paper back & use a bit of masking tape to hold away from the work area (dont score the paper to keep it back, when you stick it back down it'll stand out like a sore thumb).

Then I mark with a pencil where the box will be positioned, using the sharp blabe cut a cross from corner to corner making sure you over extend by a few inches on your pencil marks. Now fan back the paper & hold in place with masking tape.

Start chopping out by using a scutch chisle & small hammer (not a lump hammer) I use a bog standard claw hammer.

Make small cuts & you sould be able to keep the hole to a decent size shape & quality.

Fit cables & back box, fill chases & when dry use some pva to seal filler, then use paper paste to stick wall paper back into position.

 

[PedroUK]

Thanks that's exactly the response I needed. I did not know such tool existed.

Perfect. I will try and hopefully I will not get divorced over it!!! ROTFWL

 

[M107]

http://www.mptools.co.uk/pp/Construction+Tools/Building+Tools/Draper+225+X+60mm+Scutch+Holding+Chisel.html

 

[NozSpark]

If you are removing one box and refitting with a deeper one then I used to drill around the backbox (6mm drill), on 2 of the sides that have no cable entry, to enlarge the hole that the box fits into - this will give you some play to wriggle out the old box and fit the new. (I now use my Bosch / Fein)

As for chopping back the wall.. scutch chisel as M107 said..

 

[sparkytim]

And if you DO have damaged edge after the above then I have found Finger plates ideal to cover it up.

 

[Voltimax]

I would do the same as Noz. Don't worry about having a bit of a gap, you can't be off it. You will need to chop more out of the bottom because you will need to 'tilt' the box out (because you have cables coming into it already). If the switch doesn't cover that gap at the bottom, all that's needed is polyfilla or easy-fill. Make sure it isn't that ready mixed carp, use the powder and mix it yourself. Put it on thick, because it will sink as it dries, so you may need another coat if you scrape it flush. When it's dry just get a very fine grade of sand paper and lightly sand it. Personally I hate to see gaps round boxes, but that's just me. I always plaster my chases myself and have done for years.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/88836/Drill-Bits/Electrical-Box-Sinkers/Armeg-Electrical-Box-Sinker-Single-Set-4Pcs

Its still pot luck with these. I have used it & made a 100% perfect job, other times half the wall falls down .

 

[Voltimax]

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/88836/Drill-Bits/Electrical-Box-Sinkers/Armeg-Electrical-Box-Sinker-Single-Set-4PcsIts still pot luck with these. I have used it & made a 100% perfect job, other times half the wall falls down .

No good for what the OP wants to do. He's removing an existing box, and replacing with a deeper one.

 

[Andy™]

No good for what the OP wants to do. He's removing an existing box, and replacing with a deeper one.

it can still make a hole deeper

 

[Voltimax]

[quote name='Andy

 

[Andy™]

With cables already in there?I'd like to see that.

good point, would only really work if you could get them out of the way

 

[M107]

Sometimes only the scutch will do........... to be honest I only use the Armeg sinkers on thermalite blocks.