Gap between socket fronts and back boxes

[Johnny Jekyll]

We are at first fix stage on our self build.

 

On the inside of our walls will be 25mm battens > 12.5m plasterboard > skim, so about 40mm total depth. In some areas the depth will be greater (more like 50mm) because we're using plastic spacers behind the battens to plumb them for the plasterboard.

 

The plan is to use 35mm metal back boxes screwed to the wall, so in perfect 40mm depths behind that should produce a small 5mm gap between the socket fronts and back boxes, but in greater 50mm depths behind there will be more of a 15mm gap between the socket fronts and back boxes.

 

Does the gap matter? Or is that a regs fail? Should the back boxes be packed off the wall in those greater depth areas? Using plastic spacers or perhaps some ply?

 

Many thanks.

[Nickfromwales]

You really do not need to worry about 5-10mm gaps tbh. 
Any decent spark will see this and make sure the cables are installed to avoid one getting trapped between the faceplate and the lug of the box. Basic stuff, practiced regularly on many sites each day, and not anything to worry about. 

[ProDave]

What have you got against plasterboard boxes?  Easier for all trades and you get some choice of final socket positions near final fix not all rigigly set at first fix.

 

a 35 mm dry lining box is a good fit in 25mm battens and 12.5mm plasterboard.

[Johnny Jekyll]

52 minutes ago, ProDave said:

What have you got against plasterboard boxes?  Easier for all trades and you get some choice of final socket positions near final fix not all rigigly set at first fix.

 

a 35 mm dry lining box is a good fit in 25mm battens and 12.5mm plasterboard.

 

Nothing against the plasterboard boxes, we just know our socket locations now and we like the metal ones, especially the 2 plus 1 so we can put ethernet ports neatly next to the sockets here and there.

 

[Johnny Jekyll]

1 hour ago, Nickfromwales said:

You really do not need to worry about 5-10mm gaps tbh. 
Any decent spark will see this and make sure the cables are installed to avoid one getting trapped between the faceplate and the lug of the box. Basic stuff, practiced regularly on many sites each day, and not anything to worry about. 

 

Thanks very much, was just worried if the gap triggered a problem with regs and wanted to check with you guys on here.

 

[Mr Punter]

10 hours ago, Johnny Jekyll said:

especially the 2 plus 1 so we can put ethernet ports neatly next to the sockets here and there

 

You can get these for drylining too.

[ProDave]

10 hours ago, Johnny Jekyll said:

 

Nothing against the plasterboard boxes, we just know our socket locations now and we like the metal ones, especially the 2 plus 1 so we can put ethernet ports neatly next to the sockets here and there.

 

The ethernet cables in my house are left coiled up in the service void next to the sockets, I put them in as it was easy and cheap when building but only ONE is in use, to connect my old desktop computer in my office.  The rest will probably not get used, everything else is wifi.

 

Unless you like a lot of unused sockets I would do the same. It will be easy to cut out a backbox hole in the unlikely event you actually find a use for them.