wood backboxes

[craig7780]

just done a pir today which had been rewired between 70s 80s but when it was rewired the wooden backboxes had been left in what is the recomendation code on this? as connections are in a enclosure can I leave them in as changing them is going to cause damage to decor?

 

[NoSparks]

The wooden box itself is surrounded by plaster/brick/mortor. I personally cannot see any electrical danger from these boxes and would not record any observation. Others may differ...

 

[roukel01]

I think the part P document has paragraph or two about old wooden backboxes and the like, I haven't got it to hand, but I'm sure that if the boxes etc don't meet fire retardent regs they don't want them in. i.e code 2

I could however, be talking twoddle.

 

[JulianC]

Page 39 of the Part P document does make mention of accessories mounted on surface fitted wooden blocks, such as ceiling roses and sockets etc. but no mention of concealed backboxes. It mentions, in its normal non-commital way, that such blocks may or may not be OK with regards to fire resistance. About as much use as a chocolate fireguard, or indeed a wooden backbox.

My own house has wooden back boxes for the lights. I shall soon be replacing them but only because some of the screw holes are split and worn, making it difficult to fix the switch plates. Other than that, I can't see a problem with them personally.

 

[cside]

am i being a complet thicko here??? ive never ever come across these. are they just like normal boxes but wooden?

 

[JulianC]

Yup, just a wooden box lining the wall cavity, instead of the usual steel ones.

 

[cside]

Yup, just a wooden box lining the wall cavity, instead of the usual steel ones.

yes i was being a thicko ive seen them