I'm putting a number of sockets in a plasterboard wall using drywall mounting boxes to provide power for a computer workstation and all the associated paraphernalia. Are there any guidelines for how closely you can position the boxes without weakening the plasterboard? Cheers, David
You would be far better off using a proper trunking solution and saves the grief off having proper separation between the LV and ELV. Forget back boxes.
Do you mean bench trunking? It's for a domestic setting so I'm not looking for anything too industrial.
Much better to put a wooden noggins between the studs and screw metal boxes to them so you can physically get them as close as possible together if you want. You can get various combinations of plasterboard boxes though. https://www.screwfix.com/p/appleby-dual-35mm-double-single-dry-lining-box/60079
No sweat. As a matter of interest, does anyone know why sockets with more than 2 gangs are virtually non-existent? I'd have thought that they would be in demand these days?
I would leave at least 75mm between p.board cut outs personally, and that's making sure you do the cut outs nice and steadily with minimal jarring and nice neat cuts. If screwed up nice and tight the wall should remain pretty strong. If you are still concerned you could glue small battens within the wall cavity by putting them through the socket cut outs, but that is overkill for most situations. The only three gang sockets I know of are the type that go on to a double flush back box, and they look pretty naff IMO.