Wall mounted to flush sockets but back boxes present? Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Rab901]

Hi everyone,

I've decided to change the wall mounted sockets into flush ones whilst doing the floors and walls.

I was not expecting a back box as the the socket is wall mounted... And that's exactly what I've found. Single sized black steel back box embedded deep in the wall with what it looks like metal conduit for the cable to run through.

I chiselled the wall a bit to see if I can move it at all and it doesn't seem to budge.

Is there any way to remove it so I can fit double 25 mm metal back box?

My knowledge of electricity comes mainly from YouTube videos and forums ... but on the other hand I'm still alive so I guess I'm not that bad.

The house was built in 1960s and it's a former council house in Scotland.

I'd be very grateful for any advice.

[Mr White]

Ideally the back box will have a screw (Or two) securing it to the wall, it should also have a brass bush going through the box to a coupler on the conduit.
If you remove both of these you should be able to remove the box from the wall. The box may have an "extra helping" of cement as part of making good.

You should then chase out enough brick to allow for your new back box and use the bush to secure the box to the conduit.

Alternatively you can mount a double plastic pattress over the existing box, and use wago connectors to extend the cables.