Do I need conduit in this case?

[Sureitsoff?]

Not this one

but the op could just take a small nibble out of the bit on the side and marry it up alonside another pattress then the cables wouldnt be seen/exposed

 

[SUNRAY]

but the op could just take a small nibble out of the bit on the side and marry it up alonside another pattress then the cables wouldnt be seen/exposed

Yes indeed, I imagine OP would prefer to purchase products matching those already fitted and therefore a nibble out of both patresses will suffice, as will drilling a hole as discussed.

 

[veedee]

Personally I'd drill with a step drill as they make a lovely clean and acurate hole in patress material and the next size cut creates an excellent de-burred finish, in my opinion no further action is required if the 2 boxes are butted tight together

That's brilliant - Thank you.

However other contributors may say: "Such a thing could probably be used to make a hole of some size or other. I certainly would not use one for any purpose ever. A 20mm holesaw would be a more usual choice to make a 20mm hole."

Also surprised some of the purists haven't chimed in.

Perhaps, this topic is too dull for them?

A 20mm holesaw is far more likely 'snatch' and crack in brittle material or to make a shoddy hole with sharp edges.

100% agreed

Do you have space to fit a double socket beside that? From the vertical paint finish it looks like there is an edge to the left.

I do not have space at the moment. Light switch is on the RHS and Electrical Cutout is on the LHS.

To do the job, I would have to move the light switch.

 

[SUNRAY]

When drilling this sort ofmaterial, let the drill bit do the work, don't force it at all.

 

[veedee]

Many thanks for the advice. Will follow.

 

[SUNRAY]

That's brilliant - Thank you.

Also surprised some of the purists haven't chimed in.

Perhaps, this topic is too dull for them?

100% agreed


I do not have space at the moment. Light switch is on the RHS and Electrical Cutout is on the LHS.

To do the job, I would have to move the light switch.

In that case for simplicity it may be better to go back to plan A and add the additional socket above or below, with a gap about the size of a socket, using a short length of couduit or trunking. Or possibly a 3rd patress with a blanking plate.

 

[SUNRAY]

In that case for simplicity it may be better to go back to plan A and add the additional socket above or below, with a gap about the size of a socket, using a short length of couduit or trunking. Or possibly a 3rd patress with a blanking plate.

This will reduce the obstruction by leaving plenty of space for cable route

 

[SUNRAY]

3 extra sockets?

Loads of clearance

 

[veedee]

3 extra sockets?View attachment 356178Loads of clearance

Genius! I like this a lot...

So that's how you overcome the lack of clearance if you cannot mount to the side and don't want to use blanking plate. Brilliant solution.

Thanks.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Brilliant solution.

No it isn't - it's a botch and looks terrible.

Do it properly and fit conduit to match or chase the wall for a few inches.

 

[SUNRAY]

Genius! I like this a lot...

So that's how you overcome the lack of clearance if you cannot mount to the side and don't want to use blanking plate. Brilliant solution.

Thanks.

It's only a suggestion, I wouldn't want it in my lounge

 

[veedee]

It's only a suggestion, I wouldn't want it in my lounge

Not a lounge, its a dark, dingy cupboard room (nobody in the family uses).

It contains the cutout, consumer unit, paint, modem, my tools and other miscellaneous stuff. So wasn't bothered, how it looked as long as it worked practically.

However, @EFLImpudence has twisted my arm

The job needs to be done 'right' (even if nobody else will see or appreciate it). Will either chase the wall or add more conduit.

 

[SUNRAY]

For a start there is noting wrong with the suggestion of 3 extra other than it'll look unusual, it will however provide a practical solution to the issue.
I'd assess your usage before you start knocking holes in the wall. Are any of the regular plugs wallwarts, particularly with cable exiting the top or side?
The main problem with butting 2 sockets together is the bend radius of 3 core flex, fouling the lower socket, particularly in moulded plugs which usually have an external strain relief. IIRC already mentioned.
So look at what's got to be permanently plugged in before you jump.