DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

A colleague has purchased chrome light switches to replace the existing white plastic ones but they are too deep for the backboxes and will stand proud by a couple of millimeters. Is there anyone out there who knows of a range of chrome or nickel coloured switches which have a small depth.Dont know at the moment what the available depth is but will find out if needed. Thanks.

Your flatplate switches and sockets unfortunately require deeper back boxes 25mm is usually okay for switches and 35mm for sockets. If you are not willing to replace these, the other option is remove your current back boxes and sink deeper in to wall giving you your additional 2mm, but beware it's difficult getting them out without damaging plaster and the boxes.
You may need to consider opting for traditional type of plates but in chrome.
KB

I have measured the depth from the back of the backbox to the plaster surface and it is 16mm.

It is likely to be 16mm, and the next deepest box is 25mm.
So the only solution is to chase the boxes deeper, and use the 25 boxes. unless, it is the vertigal lugs which are in the way, in which ase thay can be flattened.

yes 16mm is standard for switches but only suitable for your regular switches and not suitable for flatplates, my previuos post applies.
KB