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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an
FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. -- Chris Green · |
#2
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On Tuesday, 16 February 2021 at 16:48:06 UTC, Chris Green wrote:
I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. -- Chris Green · I think the best you can do is to use a double modular plate fitted with a switch and a fuse module plus a couple of blanking pieces to cover the remaining gaps. The only issue will be that as far as I know the switches are only single pole unlike in an FCU where they are double pole. any way see what is available below. https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrica...ies/cat7230010 Richard |
#3
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 16/02/2021 16:36, Chris Green wrote:
I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. MK Grid Switch range? https://tinyurl.com/14qcx2v8 |
#4
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 16/02/2021 17:09, Tricky Dicky wrote:
On Tuesday, 16 February 2021 at 16:48:06 UTC, Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. -- Chris Green · I think the best you can do is to use a double modular plate fitted with a switch and a fuse module plus a couple of blanking pieces to cover the remaining gaps. The only issue will be that as far as I know the switches are only single pole unlike in an FCU where they are double pole. any way see what is available below. https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrica...ies/cat7230010 Screwfix also stock the MK Grid Switch range - which includes fuseholders and double-pole switches. |
#5
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
Tricky Dicky wrote:
On Tuesday, 16 February 2021 at 16:48:06 UTC, Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. -- Chris Green · I think the best you can do is to use a double modular plate fitted with a switch and a fuse module plus a couple of blanking pieces to cover the remaining gaps. The only issue will be that as far as I know the switches are only single pole unlike in an FCU where they are double pole. any way see what is available below. https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrica...ies/cat7230010 Yes, I wondered if modular components would do what I need. However it becomes a bit pointless unless I can fit an FCU in some shape or form. -- Chris Green · |
#6
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
Chris Green wrote:
Tricky Dicky wrote: On Tuesday, 16 February 2021 at 16:48:06 UTC, Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. -- Chris Green · I think the best you can do is to use a double modular plate fitted with a switch and a fuse module plus a couple of blanking pieces to cover the remaining gaps. The only issue will be that as far as I know the switches are only single pole unlike in an FCU where they are double pole. any way see what is available below. https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrica...ies/cat7230010 Yes, I wondered if modular components would do what I need. However it becomes a bit pointless unless I can fit an FCU in some shape or form. MK Grid Plus has what I need, i.e. a fuse and a cable outlet. Do the frames and covers fit in standard boxes? If so I guess I need a 3-way cover plate, a fuse, a cable outlet and a blanking plate (assuming a 3-way cover and grid frame fit in a standard double box). Does that sound right? -- Chris Green · |
#7
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 16/02/2021 18:11, Chris Green wrote:
Chris Green wrote: Tricky Dicky wrote: On Tuesday, 16 February 2021 at 16:48:06 UTC, Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. -- Chris Green · I think the best you can do is to use a double modular plate fitted with a switch and a fuse module plus a couple of blanking pieces to cover the remaining gaps. The only issue will be that as far as I know the switches are only single pole unlike in an FCU where they are double pole. any way see what is available below. https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrica...ies/cat7230010 Yes, I wondered if modular components would do what I need. However it becomes a bit pointless unless I can fit an FCU in some shape or form. MK Grid Plus has what I need, i.e. a fuse and a cable outlet. Do the frames and covers fit in standard boxes? If so I guess I need a 3-way cover plate, a fuse, a cable outlet and a blanking plate (assuming a 3-way cover and grid frame fit in a standard double box). Does that sound right? Scolmore/CLICK CMA432 MD017WH MD018WH MD047WH Or something like that. I have not had chance to double check they are the correct part numbers. -- Adam |
#8
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 16/02/2021 16:36, Chris Green wrote:
I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. as others have said you can cope with that with a grid system but IIRC not with the IP rating you were previously seeking. -- Robin reply-to address is (intended to be) valid |
#9
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
In article ,
Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. Make it up out of grid components. A three gang one with a blank in one of them (or a neon). Will cost more, though. -- *When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say? * Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#10
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
In article , Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this? It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. Make it up out of grid components. A three gang one with a blank in one of them (or a neon). Will cost more, though. Yes, this would seem to be the best solution. -- Chris Green · |
#11
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 16/02/2021 17:24, Steve Walker wrote:
On 16/02/2021 16:36, Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this?Â* It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. MK Grid Switch range? https://tinyurl.com/14qcx2v8 No mention of an FCU module in that link and some of the inserts say "requires a 25mm backbox". |
#12
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 17/02/2021 14:52, Andrew wrote:
On 16/02/2021 17:24, Steve Walker wrote: On 16/02/2021 16:36, Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this?Â* It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. MK Grid Switch range? https://tinyurl.com/14qcx2v8 No mention of an FCU module in that link and some of the inserts say "requires a 25mm backbox". As Adam indicated, you buy separate modules for fuse, cord outlet and switch. All available in the MK range. I can't recall meeting a /socket/ back box less than 25mm. -- Robin reply-to address is (intended to be) valid |
#13
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 17/02/2021 14:52, Andrew wrote:
On 16/02/2021 17:24, Steve Walker wrote: On 16/02/2021 16:36, Chris Green wrote: I have an old blanked off double socket box that I'd like to fit an FCU into, is there any way to do this?Â* It's a cemented in double metal box so is pretty much immovable without destroying things somewhat. MK Grid Switch range? https://tinyurl.com/14qcx2v8 No mention of an FCU module in that link and some of the inserts say "requires a 25mm backbox". They do a fuseholder and a flex outlet as individual modules - as well as double pole switch and neon modules if you ever need those. However, there is another option, you could use a normal FCU and a two gang to one gang adapter plate. https://tinyurl.com/ii46ccrl That was the first one that I found. I am sure that there are others and some may be cheaper. Alternatively, for a better look, how about a flat, metal, blanking plate, that you can cut a hole in, paint the colour of the wall and screw an FCU to? https://www.screwfix.com/p/varilight...et-black/25953 |
#14
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
In article ,
Robin wrote: As Adam indicated, you buy separate modules for fuse, cord outlet and switch. All available in the MK range. Lots of others do grid switches too. The trick will be to get it to match other wiring accessories in the room. If that matters. -- *I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message. Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#15
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
In article , Robin wrote: As Adam indicated, you buy separate modules for fuse, cord outlet and switch. All available in the MK range. Lots of others do grid switches too. The trick will be to get it to match other wiring accessories in the room. If that matters. Nothing to match, it's a toilet cubicle. -- Chris Green · |
#16
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 18/02/2021 08:55, Chris Green wrote:
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote: In article , Robin wrote: As Adam indicated, you buy separate modules for fuse, cord outlet and switch. All available in the MK range. Lots of others do grid switches too. The trick will be to get it to match other wiring accessories in the room. If that matters. Nothing to match, it's a toilet cubicle. Is this to do with the towel rail? Is it a toilet cubicle or a bathroom? If it has just a toilet and washbasin and no bath or shower, you can use what you want - even a plug and 2-gang socket which would give you switching, disconnection and fusing. |
#17
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
Steve Walker wrote:
On 18/02/2021 08:55, Chris Green wrote: "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote: In article , Robin wrote: As Adam indicated, you buy separate modules for fuse, cord outlet and switch. All available in the MK range. Lots of others do grid switches too. The trick will be to get it to match other wiring accessories in the room. If that matters. Nothing to match, it's a toilet cubicle. Is this to do with the towel rail? Is it a toilet cubicle or a bathroom? If it has just a toilet and washbasin and no bath or shower, you can use what you want - even a plug and 2-gang socket which would give you switching, disconnection and fusing. There's not even a washbasin, as I said that's just outside. Yes, I know that as regards wiring regulations, I can do just about whatever I like but I'd to make things 'bathroom level' as regards safety. The double box is quite low down and close to the bowl so I think it would not be a good idea to have 'user accessible' sockets or switches there. An unswitched FCU and a cable outlet feels OK. -- Chris Green · |
#18
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FCU to fit in existing double box - possible?
On 18/02/2021 12:40, Chris Green wrote:
Steve Walker wrote: On 18/02/2021 08:55, Chris Green wrote: "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote: In article , Robin wrote: As Adam indicated, you buy separate modules for fuse, cord outlet and switch. All available in the MK range. Lots of others do grid switches too. The trick will be to get it to match other wiring accessories in the room. If that matters. Nothing to match, it's a toilet cubicle. Is this to do with the towel rail? Is it a toilet cubicle or a bathroom? If it has just a toilet and washbasin and no bath or shower, you can use what you want - even a plug and 2-gang socket which would give you switching, disconnection and fusing. There's not even a washbasin, as I said that's just outside. Yes, I know that as regards wiring regulations, I can do just about whatever I like but I'd to make things 'bathroom level' as regards safety. The double box is quite low down and close to the bowl so I think it would not be a good idea to have 'user accessible' sockets or switches there. An unswitched FCU and a cable outlet feels OK. Your decision, but you are not going to have any people barefooted, with wet feet and hands in a toilet cubicle and they are not going to be plugging and unplugging it anyway. The risks are far, far lower than a kitchen - where you do have sockets, people are plugging things in and out, they they may have wet hands (and even be stood barefoot on a damp floor if they've been careless at the sink) and they may even drop an electrical item in the sink! We don't however (generally) put appliances on FCUs there, we just plug them in. Even in a bathroom, you are permitted sockets - as long as they are at least 3m away from the bath or shower. As you want to re-use a double box, then a plug and double socket is the easiest way, with Grid units being another option. |
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