Plastering over and around a new new plug socket

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 7:19 am

I've got a small section of wall which has had a blown piece of plaster removed so now it's only brickwork. Luckily it's just over where the skirting would be, and so I have chiselled out a space for a double plug socket and channelled a space below for the wires to go.

It is best practice to just plaster over the wires? I'm not talking about safety here, but just what is normally done. Do people use conduit for this, or should I just shut up and slap bonding over it? I like being neat and tidy, but I don't know if this is going too far.

Thanks very much.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:09 am

Plastic capping is normally used to protect the wires from the plasterers tools, it is nailed over the wires and held in place by nailing into the mortar between the bricks.

Many people do not use capping, just ensure you do not damage the cables with your trowel when plastering.

Use bonding plaster to fill most of the chase and then finish it off with finish plaster.

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:14 am

Excellent, thanks.

Where can I get this, and what is its technical name? Can I go into Wickes and ask for plastic capping or will they look at me as if I was a moron (as per usual)?

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:22 am

It's just called plastic capping, explain to them what it is for- they will still look at you with an open mouth and say "what"

An electrical shop is your best bet as they will not look at you strangely.

Stoday · Post by **Stoday** » Fri Oct 06, 2006 11:04 pm

If it's only a short run, you don't need capping. The only real use for capping is to hold the cables down to the wall. You'd have to be pretty ham fisted to damage the cable sheath with a plastering float. On a short run, the judicious use of a galv nail with a big head will also hold the cable down. Or a pair of cables on a ring.

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:54 am

In the style of the A-Team, I'm going to make use of what I have around me. I'm going to use plastic piping as a kind of conduit. I'll imbed that in the plaster, and that will enable me to slide the cable up it when I'm ready!

It is only a very short run.

Many thanks.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:25 am

You can get some oval shaped plastic conduit, which would work in the same way. It is a good idea as the wires can easily be replaced without disturbing the plaster.

jclloydy · Post by **jclloydy** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 10:10 am

Just wondering...

Do Pro plasterers have any techniques for making plastering around recessed sockets easier? Or do they plaster willy-nilly then tidy up afterwards with a stanley knife?

Ok- maybe 'willy-nilly' should be: 'with usual skill and grace'!

-dj- · Post by **-dj-** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 11:20 am

just plaster up as neat as you can and cut out with a stanley as you are going or at the end of the day.
however if the sparks p*ss you off then fill the box and leave it