How to Extend your Socket Switch Screws with Extension Studs

In this video I show you how to extend the screws in your socket switch to reach the back box - that may have become out of reach to the standard screws that came with your socket switch because you've dry lined your wall with a thermal plasterboard.

I encountered this problem a year ago when I was refurbishing another room in the house, and the longest socket switch screws I could find were 50mm screws - that were only just long enough.

But if you're insulating with a thermal plasterboard thicker than 50mm, by the time you've added the thickness of the dry lining adhesive, your socket screws are going to be way out of reach of the back box.

So an electrician friend recently told me about socket switch screw extension studs - which allow you to add as many studs as you need, to the back box, that you can then screw into with the standard length screws that came with your socket switch.

Today's Tool Kit

- slotted head/ posi drive screwdriver

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LET'S CONNECT!
Charlie DIYte

[toria-j]

YOU BEAUTY!
Spent hours today on a socket that the contractors somehow missed and was starting to think I'd have to somehow replace the back box. Thank you so much.

[surreyelectrical]

A note for DIYrs who are happy to do electrical work, just because your confident doesn't mean you know what your doing, of course all electricians are aware of these electrical accessories. we are also aware all electrical connections must be in enclosures, you are not allowed to have any flammable materials inside enclosures. over the years I have seen many examples of DIYrs using longer screws to secure face plates where tongue and groove boards have been installed on the wall or floor, so the enclosure is no longer safe, and yes that is a fire risk. to everybody do your research, do your own jobs but please get someone who knows what they are doing when dealing with items that can kill or burn like gas and electrical. Examples; installing extra low voltage lighting in a domestic property has to be signed of as complying with building regulations, not because of electric shock but because many fires are started this way. If you have a washing machine and tumble dryer installed next to each other you can't plug them into the same double socket, well you can't use them at the same time in a double socket anyway as the sockets are only rated at 13 amps for both sockets not 13 amps each. good luck to all of you. be safe.

[rayc]

These are more intended if you want to use the manufacturers screws which are a tad too short. For example black/brass/white or and other type of bb screw provided in the packaging. Ideally the enclosure should be fire rated. So in practice if the socket's or switches are extended forward fire sleeves should be installed when doing so. I would have suggested sleeves for the sockets you extended forward from the patress boxes. This is more so crucial on any new circuits.

[keekeecomrie]

Great video am just going to order socket switch extension stud

[martinharrison]

Hi Charlie. I'd not seen these before so thanks for the video. 'Currently fitting an acoustic-insulated stud wall which will bring the 2 double sockets forward by about 75mm.
I'm yet to open up the sockets and work on the electrical aspect, but I'm thinking around what if there's not enough flex on the cables that run to the socket to allow them to come forward (which I suspect is likely).
I can't see as it'd be possible to extend each of the wires (2 X L, N, E etc) or that it is safe to do so. Is there a DIY way round this or do I just call in an electrician?

[wjb]

Brilliant!
Where can I get them here in the US?

[mistycat]

Thank you saved my bacon thick cooker wire needed 75mm in wall for conecting 👍

[Tephnos]

Wish they just did longer backboxes. 47mm is barely enough if you're fitting larger conduits in them or smart devices.

[stephenm]

Such a shame in this throw away society you have to but bulk packets of everything including these extenders. I only needed 2, so ended up asking a local electrician if he had any lying about in his van, got 2 for nothing!