Best way to extend a single back box into double on already tiled wall?

[ronanblack212]

Customer wants 1 single socket outlet turned into double point on his kitchen wall which is tiled already with single box hole cut out

Is it best to measure out the space required to fix double back box , drill multiple holes around the edges and go round it with angle grinder diamond disc?

Or would cutting straight with angle grinder work?

More of an industrial elec so haven’t dealt with this job before in a house

 

[James]

You can buy a double socket that fits in a single box, they stand off the wall a little more though

 

[kropaske]

Here is one for you

Schneider Electric Lisse 13A 1G to 2G Switched Converter Socket White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Ideal retrofit solution when mounting box space is limited. Allows single to double socket conversion without the need for additional cabling or chasing. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[Deleted account]

Always a risk the tile will break regardless on how you do it. I always tell client to decrease this chance by getting a tiler to cut tile prior to my visit.

I don’t like cutting tiles.

 

[telectrix]

stitch drill tiles with a tile drill (not on hammer). then a small cold chisel and hammer carefully nibble the tile out.

 

[Timbo]

Multi-tool with carbide blade.

Bosch 30 Carbide RIFF-Grit Tile & Grout Segmented Cutting Blade 85mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Carbide-RIFF segment saw blade for routing wall joints and floor tiles. High-quality carbide grit for removing mortar and tile adhesive. Ideal for routing smaller cut-outs in soft wall tiles, routing grooves in porous concrete and for laying concealed cables and...

www.screwfix.com

Not cheap, though.

 

[mattg4321]

You won’t stitch drill the tile if it’s porcelain. Grinder with the correct disc is the only way. Fairly risky though. Tile could break so it’s worth earning the customer of this scenario.

 

[brianmoooore]

Done this a few times. Best way to do it is to cut the tile, and as deep as you can go, with a 115mm non serrated diamond disc in an angle grinder and a very steady hand. Once the tile has been dealt with, drill all four corners to depth with a masonry bit (not through the tile), then chisel out the rest.
Warn the customer that there will be lots of dust that will penetrate the whole house, and that there's always a possibility that the tile will crack.

 

[Zerax]

Defo multicutter is the tool to use... I use a diamond coated 'boot' type cutter... works a treat. Just go slow and steady.

 

[loz2754]

A Dremel with a tile cutting bit works great on ceramic tiles. Probably not on porcelain tiles though.

 

[telectrix]

ceramic, porcelain whatever. what's wrong with a hammer? oops, this post was meant for the builders' forum.

 

[Micktw68]

As previously said, Multitool with carbide bit for me

 

[telectrix]

As previously said, Multitool with carbide bit for me

too time consuming. angle grinder for me . cover the baby's cot.

 

[Micktw68]

too time consuming. angle grinder for me . cover the baby's cot.

I bought a nifty little shroud for my 4” grinder that converts it into a type of single blade chaser with extraction , trouble with it is as I cant see the blade I always manage to cut boxes with it on the p!ss .

 

[ktnwin]

There are some kind of device plugged into any outlet giving 4 or 6 receptacles, even a housewife can install it. The only trouble is cosmetic, this device sticks out of the wall by about 1 inch.
I uses it a few places in my home.