I bought some cheap sockets (LAP) from Screwfix yesterday, they have a new feature. The fixing screw holes are obviously a problem to someone because white plastic plugs are provided to fill them in. Having inserted them it is very difficult to get them out again, typically for inspection. Whilst this might be in the cause of Fine Art (sockets are not "smooth" enough?) it is a problem for electricians. It could be because the screws (Earthed) are now exposed conductive parts and must therefore be insulated, but not according to BS7671. If the plugs are not fitted the sockets and LESS tidy than standard models from MK etc. I wonder if anyone else has seen these, because I think they are a fairly bad idea. Fortunately, these are only for my office bench, but I wouldn't use them anywhere else.
They are a must to fit (or plastic screws Yuk!), for those metal boxes where fixing screws could become live, however low risk. There are different diameters between manufacturers, as I have found when I had to use Pratley putty in lieue the noo. If there is no need for them, I suggest not to replace them with the permission of the occupant. For those which are tight, just drill a small hole in them and extract them.
A few months ago I posted here of a house where the wifie incidentally said that she was getting shocks from the plastic light switch in the kitchen; the wiring was in steel conduit from the year canteen; when I explained the problem, the hubbie just wetted some bread and pushed the dough into the screw holes!
They are a must to fit (or plastic screws Yuk!), for those metal boxes where fixing screws could become live, however low risk. There are different diameters between manufacturers, as I have found when I had to use Pratley putty in lieue the noo. If there is no need for them, I suggest not to replace them with the permission of the occupant. For those which are tight, just drill a small hole in them and extract them.
A few months ago I posted here of a house where the wifie incidentally said that she was getting shocks from the plastic light switch in the kitchen; the wiring was in steel conduit from the year canteen; when I explained the problem, the hubbie just wetted some bread and pushed the dough into the screw holes!
