Plastic face plates fitted to metalled back boxes

[Deleted member 79988]

Although I did not instigate the work outlined below, I need to give feedback to a committee if it is incorrect so your observations would be appreciated. Location is within a church

2 x Metclad boxes/faceplates with fused spur required change over to switched spur.

After the work had been done, by a 'professional' I noticed the faceplates had been changed but were of the white plastic type and they overlapped the metclad back boxes.

The boxes in question are just above skirting board height and I have the following concerns (rightly or wrongly)

1. Should metal faceplates have been used consistent with the back boxes?

2. Due to the overlap the faceplates are in danger of being easily damaged, especially when cleaning taking place, brushing/hoovering in vicinity.

 

[Pat H]

As long as the metal back box is earthed then that should be fine. The face plate doesn't need to be.

The only issue I can see is suitability against environmental factors as you list.
Is there additional protection for the circuits like RCD? If not the risk of danger due to damage is higher.

 

[telectrix]

you post is a bit vague. do you have any photos?

do you mean that "domestic style" faceplates have been fitted to surface metal boxes that once had metalclad facefaceplates?

 

[Rpa07]

That's how I can only read it as there would not be an issue as it would be the norm

do you mean that "domestic style" faceplates have been fitted to surface metal boxes that once had metalclad facefaceplates?

 

[Wilko]

Yes some pics will help us to comment

 

[westward10]

Very few plastic front plates fit metal surface boxes. I would suggest what has been done is incorrect as the front plates are not compatible with the back boxes. Sounds like a lazy fix to me and is incorrect all day long.

 

[Dave OCD]

In the hospitals where I worked during my apprenticeship white plastic sockets were very commonly fitted to metal surface boxes on conduit systems but those boxes were bigger to exactly match the fronts.

 

[westward10]

In the hospitals where I worked during my apprenticeship white plastic sockets were very commonly fitted to metal surface boxes on conduit systems but those boxes were bigger to exactly match the fronts.

Were they MK. The chances of a plastic front fitting an existing metalclad accessory correctly are zero.

 

[Dave OCD]

Yes MK , I recall liking them.

 

[Rpa07]

I saw you close your eyes, look up and smile - nice!

Yes MK , I recall liking them.

 

[westward10]

I know MK make metalclad back boxes for plastic accessories and I believe though I could be incorrect they do not accept metalclad accessories.

 

[Dave OCD]

Correct Westward, a metalclad 'front' would fit inside one of those boxes.

 

[davesparks]

As long as the metal back box is earthed then that should be fine. The face plate doesn't need to be.

The only issue I can see is suitability against environmental factors as you list.
Is there additional protection for the circuits like RCD? If not the risk of danger due to damage is higher.

RCD protection is hardly relevant to mechanical damage.

 

[Deleted member 79988]

you post is a bit vague. do you have any photos?

do you mean that "domestic style" faceplates have been fitted to surface metal boxes that once had metalclad facefaceplates?

Yes domestic style onto metclad back box. Back box with rounded corners. faceplate square so slightly oversize, although fixing screw position OK. Will aim to photograph next time I am there.