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Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by Flora789, Jan 16, 2020.

  1. Flora789

    Flora789 New Member

    Our house was fully rewired a few months back, all fine and dandy. The plasterer coming to do a room next week wants the face plates taking off all sockets and switches. Is that as straightforward as it sounds? Should I be using wago things to keep the wires organised while the fronts are off? And are sockets with USB points a lot more complicated? I'm a pretty competent DIYer, but I ain't no sparky... Is this a job for a pro?
     
  2. Andy_1983

    Andy_1983 New Member

    Isolate circuits at the consumer unit, and just unscrew the sockets /switches. Leave the wires connected. It’ll only be while he’s plastering.

    Sockets with USBs are no different, no extra terminals etc
     
    Flora789 likes this.
  3. Comlec

    Comlec Screwfix Select

    The real issue here is keeping if safe. Wet plaster and live exposed circuits are not a good mix.

    I would do the following
    1. Identify the MCB supplying the circuit
    2. Switch off the supply at the main switch
    3. Remove DB cover
    4. Disconnect the circuit at the MCB
    5. Fit wagos to the disconnected cables
    6. Refit DB cover
    7. Switch on supply
    8. Test each socket for dead
    9. Remove faceplates
    10. Connect all Line(brown), Neutral(Blue), CPC(green/yellow) using 3 wago
    11. Carefully fold the cable into the back box
    12. Then let the plasterer make a mess
    13. Remove all plaster from the cables and back boxes
    14. Clean out screw lugs with a threading tool
    15. Reconnect all faceplates checking all cables are secure
    16. Refit faceplates
    17. Perform circuit dead tests
    18. Reconnect circuit at MCB
    19. Perform live tests
    20. Email invoice
    Good luck with your project.

    Once everything is back on the painter will just mess it up again
     
    Flora789 likes this.
  4. Sparkielev

    Sparkielev Screwfix Select

    As above just loosen fittings and cover plates with bags or something similar, I can guarantee if you take fittings off plasterer will fill the boxes and you will end up trying to find them
     
    Flora789, Andy_1983, seneca and 2 others like this.
  5. FlyByNight

    FlyByNight Screwfix Select

    The are plastering shield that allow you to unscrew the face plate, pull forward and then insert the plastic shield. Platsered can then get right up to the edge of back box and no plaster enters, or sticks on wires.
     
    Flora789 likes this.
  6. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    I bought a load of cheapo 2 wire WAGO like Chinese rip off connectors from Flea bay with the idea that I could use these to leave everything connected, put the cables in the backboxes with cardboard over while plastering happens, then after take the connectors off and replace the switch plates. It works well enough, just takes a wee while for the connectors to ship from China!
     
    Flora789 likes this.
  7. Tony Goddard

    Tony Goddard Screwfix Select

    I bet they were marked "gift" or "commercial sample" on the customs label!!
     
    Flora789 likes this.
  8. Flora789

    Flora789 New Member

    Top tips, thanks all! I'm going to go with taking off the fronts, wago connectors to hold it all safely and probs cardboard covers. Need it to all go smoothly as I can't be at home to sort out issues if there are any, and the poor plasterer did have a bit of a nightmare with wires coming adrift in the first room he did. I pick up skills by doing it and learning from you lot - all your replies are much appreciated, thank you!
     
  9. Flora789

    Flora789 New Member

    I couldn't find anything like this Mike, any idea on brands or names?
     
  10. Tony Goddard

    Tony Goddard Screwfix Select

    Flora789 likes this.
  11. FlyByNight

    FlyByNight Screwfix Select

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  12. Comlec

    Comlec Screwfix Select

  13. FlyByNight

    FlyByNight Screwfix Select

    Both appear to be direct, just with ebay there is the "commission" to pay too.
     
    Flora789 likes this.
  14. Sparkielev

    Sparkielev Screwfix Select

    Make sure your plasterer cleans out the boxes
     
    Flora789 likes this.
  15. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    Nah its OK, painter will get over that :D
     
    Flora789 likes this.
  16. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    No need, they cost a pittance and didn't hit the import duty threshold.
     

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