Can I adapt this wiring to power 3x double sockets as I think electrician has only wired for 2!

[markharro]

Looks like our electrician has only allowed for 2x double sockets here whereas red marks on the wall were showing 2 x doubles on left and 1x on right. 

 

I suspect this is an easy fix and think I know how to do it but be grateful for some guidance. Thanks.

[MikeSharp01]

No they have just put in the base cables. When they come to fit the socket they will add another length of cable between the sockets on the left. 

[Onoff]

The two cables coming down the wall will go to double sockets 1 and 3. The other length of cable taped to the two coming down the wall will link socket 1 to 2 then socket 2 to 3. 

[ProDave]

The beauty of timber frame with a service void.  You could make it 4 doubles if you wanted, 2 in each section of wall.

 

Just make sure he know how many before he cuts the holes in the plasterboard.

 

[markharro]

Brilliant thanks thats good news. So does this look ok for 2x on left and 1x on right?

 

and if I did want 2 x doubles on right as well just do the same with the wiring?

[Onoff]

I'd say there's enough cable to do 2 left and 2 right. 

[Nickfromwales]

5 hours ago, Onoff said:

I'd say there's enough cable to do 2 left and 2 right. 

There's enough to do as many as you want here, perfectly compliantly .

 

Cables would drop into any two of these 3 'sockets' boxes, and the link cables would daisy chain to all the others, forming a ring of x number of sockets instead of just linking 1 > 3.

 

 

Cables all tight to boxes to stay in cable safe zones obvs, just drawn loosely here to show how this can be done.

[markharro]

thanks @Nickfromwales and others. So can I check is my amended photo showing the wiring for 3x sockets showing the wiring run correctly?

 

I sort of need to know as intend to board over today.

 

I may put a 4th one in but good to know if ok for 3 atm?

[ProDave]

I have said before, my preference for wiring a room is a cable all the way round at socket height.  That makes it easy to add any extras any time in the future.  There must be at least one socket on each wall of the room to create the safe zone.

[garrymartin]

1 hour ago, markharro said:

I may put a 4th one in but good to know if ok for 3 atm?

Yes. Perfectly OK for 3 and very easy for your electrician to make it 4 if you wanted.

[Onoff]

I'd go like this through the knockouts:

 

 

 

[markharro]

Ok great thanks - right I have decided to go for the 4 x doubles so this should be the final wiring. This look ok?

[Nickfromwales]

1 hour ago, markharro said:

Ok great thanks - right I have decided to go for the 4 x doubles so this should be the final wiring. This look ok?

Yup. You’re now 18th ed lol. Go get some stickers for the van  

[Spinny]

If you know exactly where you want the sockets then you could potentially put metal boxes in now.

 

Don't forget if you are fitting out for a desk, or for a network cabinet then multisocket extensions and/or surge protected power bars are available.

[Nickfromwales]

On 03/08/2026 at 18:52, Spinny said:

If you know exactly where you want the sockets then you could potentially put metal boxes in now.

 

Don't forget if you are fitting out for a desk, or for a network cabinet then multisocket extensions and/or surge protected power bars are available.

47mm boxes screwed into the green OSB boards for current MBC project; 35mm battens, ~16mm PB + skim, so the box is bang on. 
 

Were doing 15mm PB everywhere here, so a bit shy of the painted surface, but much better than fast-fix boxes tbh.

 

These have their place, like when clients can’t make such decisions ahead of boarding / skimming etc, but metal boxes should be used where you can. 

[Onoff]

If you must use fast fix boxes, use a multi tool to cut the hole. Then paint the cut hole in the plasterboard with PVA and let dry before fitting the boxes. It keeps the cut plasterboard edges together. 

[markharro]

Plasterboard....what's that. Real self-builders use Fermacell!

 

But yes I've found that the multitool is the solution for the plastic boxes....needs a steady hand and concentration!

 

Have fitted a fair few metal boxes too!

[Nickfromwales]

57 minutes ago, markharro said:

Real self-builders use Fermacell!

If you've got an abundance of time and money, then maybe............  

 

From all the jobs I have been on where the client wanted to use this ghastly stuff it's been a painful, elongated, and expensive pursuit.

 

In the end most give up with the FST and just plaster over it in a state of complete surrender. Life is hard enough.........why make it harder.