Plasterboard depth of back boxes

vini · Apr 23, 2018

Just had a discussion with a builder where he told me that metal back boxes have to be fixed at a certain depth. The front edge of the box should be about 3mm depth from the front surface of plasterboard (12mm). I am unaware of any depth requirements regarding plasterboard and metal back boxes, height requirements yes and distance from corners etc. but it is a new one on me as to depth. He did not want fast fix boxes, in case they came out even though the wall was being tiled after the first fix.

Am I missing something or am I dealing with a smart ****?

buzzlightyear · Apr 23, 2018

vini said:
Just had a discussion with a builder where he told me that metal back boxes have to be fixed at a certain depth. The front edge of the box should be about 3mm depth from the front surface of plasterboard (12mm). I am unaware of any depth requirements regarding plasterboard and metal back boxes, height requirements yes and distance from corners etc. but it is a new one on me as to depth. He did not want fast fix boxes, in case they came out even though the wall was being tiled after the first fix

tell the builder you have long screws!

telectrix · Apr 23, 2018

the front edge of the box should be just below surface, but there's no stipulated figure. i suppose his reasoning ( if a builder has any) is that the metal box would contain any arcing.

Andy78 · Apr 23, 2018

I agree really. The metal box should be behind the front edge of the board, but not behind the rear side. I wouldn't even consider fast fix boxes on a new job.

buzzlightyear · Apr 23, 2018

is the builder dob and dabbing the boards in ?

buzzlightyear · Apr 23, 2018

Andy78 said:
The metal box should be behind the front edge of the board

it depends on the plasterer and how good he his .

telectrix · Apr 23, 2018

Flob-a-Dob-a-Dob.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Plasterboard depth of back boxes

Andy78 · Apr 23, 2018

buzzlightyear said:
it depends on the plasterer and how good he his .

If slap n dabbed yes. If wooden framed then it's down to the person fixing the box.

Squid · Apr 23, 2018

Tell the builder you have "qualifikations" and he should do as he is told,

vini · Apr 23, 2018

It was the 3mm that got me. It is plaster board on a wooden frame and he was placing dwangs across the studs for me to fix my boxes onto. To me there is a good practice rule rather than a precision rule

Octopus · Apr 23, 2018

25mm or 35mm back boxes?

buzzlightyear · Apr 23, 2018

vini said:
It was the 3mm that got me. It is plaster board on a wooden frame and he was placing dwangs across the studs for me to fix my boxes onto. To me there is a good practice rule rather than a precision rule

on any timber frames ,I stick my own noggins for my knock out boxes .

vini · Apr 23, 2018

mattg4321 · Apr 23, 2018

If he's fixing the nogs for you then I wouldn't worry!

buzzlightyear · Apr 23, 2018

vini ,vinni, why are the builders trying to run shot gun over you .
tell him there is only one way to hammer a nail in!

Octopus · Apr 23, 2018

Surely as long as they aren't proud of the plasterboard, whats the issue?

buzzlightyear · Apr 23, 2018

Murdoch said:
Surely as long as they aren't proud of the plasterboard, whats the issue?

don't call him Shirley !

littlespark · Apr 23, 2018

Tell him he can put the timber where he likes. As long as the plasterer doesn't fill the boxes with the skim coat like they usually do

Squid · Apr 23, 2018

Use plasterboard boxes........

Squid · Apr 23, 2018

littlespark said:
Tell him he can put the timber where he likes. As long as the plasterer doesn't fill the boxes with the skim coat like they usually do

Leave a live cable protruding, they'll soon learn

vini · Apr 23, 2018

buzzlightyear said:
vini ,vinni, why are the builders trying to run shot gun over you .
tell him there is only one way to hammer a nail in!

Tell me about it.

Not so much trying to run over me but he seemed so sure and I was thinking have I missed something with this 3mm rule, as things alter all the time, more in building regs and I don't know everything all the time, which is why I ask. To be fair he was doing the wood butchering. Add to the confusion Scottish and English building regs being different and everybody and their grannie on the job with different opinions in the afternoon than they had in the morning.

Octopus · Apr 23, 2018

SWD said:
Use plasterboard boxes........

YUK

buzzlightyear · Apr 23, 2018

vini said:
grannie on the job

what is she doing the pots !

Squid · Apr 23, 2018

Murdoch said:
YUK

At least the "depth" will be fine.......

Squid · Apr 23, 2018

buzzlightyear said:
what is she doing the pots !

PYRO ends or the spuds?

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