Flush to Surface 2 gang box

[R1CH-G]

Simple fix - drill out the ferrules from a surface box (not the hard plastic ones, the MK conduit access type - I forget the number) and use some long 3.5mm screws. You'll obviously need to put a hole in the back of the box to bring the cables through.

You'll be fastening the front plate through the back box and onto the flush box. Done this loads and works a treat.

 

[Richard Burns]

If you are trying to fit a surface box on top of a recessed box using the recessed box accessory lugs and then wanting to fix a socket on to the pvc surface box then this would not be possible because in order to tighten the screws fitting the pvc box to the recessed box, you would need to place the screwdriver in line with the location of the accessory screws for the socket as they will all be inline with each other.

The method posted above will work most easily but would as you say leave the PVC box loose when taking the socket front off.

Possibly you could drill out the fixing points on the PVC box almost to the back of the PVC box and then use screw extension studs through the PVC box into the recessed box, this would hold the PVC box in place, then screw the socket front onto the extension stud.
and using my magic Photoshop skills!
View attachment 21636

 

[DONES]

Murdoch - the customer has had a bad problem with rats, have asked and checked on any diy along the assumed run so have decided it could be the critters

Rich-G - That was my first option, then when i was tightening all back to the metal clad box i tightened too much causing the pvc to crack meaning it wouldn't sit tight to the wall. Raging.

Richard Burns - Thanks for the idea, i had thought about that but decided the screw extensions would be too deep anyway, but i may have a toy around with it before i go back as there are some other jobs still to do. Appreciate the time taking for the photoshop skills.

Cheers all for your contributions.