The simplest way to upgrade a flush socket is to use a special mounting box that converts it to a double surface-mounted socket. The conversion box is attached to the existing metal box, using the two short screws provided.
Converting a single flush socket to a double or triple flush socket involves more work but the result looks neater. It is probably best to leave this type of conversion until you plan to redecorate.
Step 1
Having turned off the power at the consumer unit, unscrew and remove the old faceplate and metal mounting box. You may need to cut around the old box in order to release it from the surrounding plaster.
Step 2
Hold the new metal box in the required position - this is largely determined by the original hole in the wall, but there is some leeway. Draw round the box to indicate how much masonry needs to be removed.
Step 3
Using a cordless drill fitted with a masonry bit, drill a series of closely-spaced holes in the masonry. Use a depth stop or a piece of tape wrapped around the drill to ensure the holes are all the same depth.
You can buy a drilling jig for boring out the recesses for mounting boxes - it is comprised of rows of closely packed tubes mounted on a backing plate that you attach to the wall.
Step 4
Use a bolster or cold chisel to chop out a neat rectangular recess for the new box. Drill fixing holes and fit wall plugs.
Step 5
Knock out a convenient cable-entry hole in the box and line the hole with a rubber grommet that will prevent the metal chafing the cable. Pass the cable through the hole and screw the box into its recess.
Use decorator's filler to make good any damaged plaster.
Step 6
Connect the existing wires to the terminals in the new socket - red to the L-terminal, black to N-terminal and green/yellow to E-terminal.
When two or more identical wires are connected to a single terminal, they should be twisted together with pliers to ensure a good connection.
Make sure all the wires are held securely and that no bare wire is exposed.
Dealing with a hollow wall
It is relatively easy to convert a flush socket that is set in a plasterboard partition wall.
Step 1
Turn off the electricity using the main switch on the consumer unit.
Step 2
Remove the old fitting and draw round the new mounting box. You may need to reposition the box to one side of the original opening to avoid cutting into wooden studs that form the framework of the wall.
Step 3
Drill holes in the corners of the marked area and cut out the waste with a padsaw.
Step 4
Punch out the cable-entry hole and fit a grommet in the new box, then feed in the cable. Fit dry-wall flanges to the sides of the box.
Step 5
Pass the box through the hole in the wall and manoeuvre it until the flanges come up against the inside face of the plasterboard.
Step 6
Wire the socket as described in Step 6 above and screw it to the mounting box. As you tighten the screws, the flanges grip the plasterboard and hold the box in place.
Special plastic mounting boxes with hinged flanges are available for fitting sockets to hollow stud partitions.
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