Mounting an external socket on uneven wall

[Northman]

I'd like an external waterproof socket, but the walls are an uneven reconstituted stone block, similar to the picture. What's the best way to go about mounting it?

 

[flameport]

Find an area which is reasonably flat, use extra long screws and spacers of the appropriate size over the screws to fill any gap between the socket and the wall.
This type of thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CFZY69P2/

 

[Northman]

Thank you. I'd not thought of using spacers; that will be easier than using a back board of some kind, and will undoubtedly look better too.

 

[jj4091]

Thank you. I'd not thought of using spacers; that will be easier than using a back board of some kind, and will undoubtedly look better too.

But don't forget to seal around it with silicone if the cable entry is at the back.

 

[blup]

Or for a flusher fit stitch drill an area within the outline of the box to the depth of the greatest protrusion, and seal round.

 

[SFK]

For spacers on uneven surfaces I have used tap rubber O rings as they can be compressed.
SFK

 

[ebee]

Grommets and washers too or cut lengths of plastic conduit , larger diameter helps spread the load a bit too if available

 

[Taylortwocities]

Or for a flusher fit stitch drill an area within the outline of the box to the depth of the greatest protrusion, and seal round.

That's going to look lovely when the socket eventually needs to be replaced. I wouldn't do that on the brickwork of my house, would you do it to yours?

 

[blup]

That's going to look lovely when the socket eventually needs to be replaced. I wouldn't do that on the brickwork of my house, would you do it to yours?

Likewise any exterior fixing holes, the idea is they are covered by the socket. I can see it would take longer but it remains an option especially if the OP is doing the work himself. A pro electrician wouldn't pursue it because of the time/cost/ pricing implications.

 

[ebee]

Yes, to fix any socket sturdy on a wall then 4 fixing holes surely? ok two or three might suffice in some instances but 4 should be accounted for, you could mount a wooden plinth and attach to that as an easier way to obtain flatness if you think it looks appropriate but you would still need some amount of packing level usually so whichever options you take might distract from aesthetics when installed/removed/amended.

 

[Northman]

Thanks all, some food for thought there. I'll have a close look at the wall and see what degree of un-flatness needs to be coped with, and adapt from all your helpful suggestions. Aesthetics are of course always a consideration, but the particular location I have in mind is not too exposed, so I have some leeway.