whats involved swapping single indoor socket to double on block wall?

[Mark 5]

He said that it has to be offset to clear a door frame, not central as the adapters are.

Oh, that bit of info' came along as I was writing.

Not ideal but take a double Pattress Box, cut the back out carefully as they can crack, screw that to the wall, @steveo3002 will need to use caution and figure out how cables run before he starts fixing box to wall.

OK a bit Heath Roberson but as it is existing wouldn't meet current regs'.

 

[steveo3002]

Oh, that bit of info' came along as I was writing.

Not ideal but take a double Pattress Box, cut the back out carefully as they can crack, screw that to the wall, @steveo3002 will need to use caution and figure out how cables run before he starts fixing box to wall.

OK a bit Heath Roberson but as it is existing wouldn't meet current regs'.

id rather struggle a bit than use a pattress box in all honesty

i see you can get spacers , might be an option if wires are too tight

 

[Mark 5]

id rather struggle a bit than use a pattress box in all honesty

i see you can get spacers , might be an option if wires are too tight

Ok.

Disconnect, discover length of tails, ring or radial final circuit?

It's an internal wall, you wrote ' block ", what type of block?, if cinder block, you need to be more careful as you chop into it.

You might be able to install a deeper box, ( up tp 47mm ), but you really don't want to be taking to much out of cinder block if you encounter it.

The easiest way is to use a multi tool, sharp blade should do it depending on type of block if you don't have a multi tool, purchase a cheapo one, they are cheap enough and you will find it indispensable around the house.

Remove existing box, draw your chop/cut lines, remove what's not required, ( ' carefully ' ).

Whichever cutout you use on the backbox make sure you use a rubber grommet to protect cables, use Wago type blocks to lengthen if so required.

Expect a bit of remedial plaster filling to be needed, Pollyfilla. Toupret, ( much better, ).

Take your time, you should be OK.

 

[steveo3002]

im no builder , grey blocks i assume would be called breeze blocks but i dunno for sure , built in 1950s

 

[steveo3002]

i have a multi tool but its mains power lol

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

If it's clinker block (usually used for internal dividing walls which are non supporting) you can probably use a multi tool, pepper drill, an old chisel or screwdriver etc. Just be careful because they like to break off in chunks...bit like chocolate rice crispy squares!

 

[Mark 5]

i have a multi tool but its mains power lol

im no builder , grey blocks i assume would be called breeze blocks but i dunno for sure , built in 1950s

Well you won't be plugging that in to a kitchen socket but it will do you.

Sorry, Breeze, Cinder, describes the same thing, will cause dust.

 

[steveo3002]

while im here , does any brand socket offer better access for adding the wires or just what brand is best to get

 

[richie00boy]

If the wiring comes up through the bottom of the back box then MK Rapid Fix socket might help if your wires are short.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-logic-plus-rapid-fix-13a-2-gang-dp-switched-socket-white-with-white-inserts/814ph

 

[Pete.]

TBH the tails that go into a single socket are likely to be long enough for a double. I would unscrew the single and see how much you got.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Pull the metal plate out of the adapter and rotate it 90⁰ and mount the sockets vertically?

 

[ajlelectronics]

dunno why they didnt make back boxes a bit deeper , seems difficult stuffing all those tight wires in there without tugging on things

You can get very deep ones, but builders only do the minimum required.

 

[Blobber]

Here you go jobs a goodun

 

[Pete.]

dunno why they didnt make back boxes a bit deeper , seems difficult stuffing all those tight wires in there without tugging on things

Way back in time I chased out a single skin wall both sides and cut right through it. The sparkies never thought to check if the chases were right in line with each other on either side of the wall. all they got was a nice vertical slot and nothing to fix the conduits to.

 

[ajlelectronics]

while im here , does any brand socket offer better access for adding the wires or just what brand is best to get

Anything but MK. B&G seem to tick the boxes for me. MK used to be the dog's but they are truly dreadful now with cheese screws and distorted threads which causes the heads to get chewed.

 

[Robotstar5]

i have a multi tool but its mains power lol

Extension lead from a circuit not isolated, upstairs, kitchen etc.

 

[Mark 5]

Pull the metal plate out of the adapter and rotate it 90⁰ and mount the sockets vertically?

An issue with that is any plugs and their cables will be at 90⁰, not ideal.

 

[Mark 5]

Anything but MK. B&G seem to tick the boxes for me. MK used to be the dog's but they are truly dreadful now with cheese screws and distorted threads which causes the heads to get chewed.

Yes, that the drawback when relying on deserved past reputation, bit like some boiler brands.

 

[steveo3002]

Pull the metal plate out of the adapter and rotate it 90⁰ and mount the sockets vertically?

nah its ok , id sooner do it right (ish)

if its a no go then it can stay as it is

 

[northwest]

As per and I include @Blobbers solution above. I wouldn't waste my time unless I had an outstanding reason for wanting a double. I would instead invest in a very good quality extension or "doubler" as above.
I probable have four doubles in my office but I have more than sixteen things plugged in -but not all switched on at the same time, obviously.