Replacing surface mounted switch/socket boxes

[paulb33]

Hi There,

I want to replace dreadful faux brass light switches and sockets currently surface mounted on white plastic back boxes. I'd rather not start sinking the boxes, because I don't intend redecorating!

I'm thinking that traditional bakelite dolly switches, with ceramic bases and oak mounting blocks would be the way to go. They'd certainly better suit our 1901 arts & crafts house.

I'm assuming that the bakelite dolly switch and mounting block would do away with the need for the surface mounted back boxes and thus avoid the need to chop out holes in the walls. Correct?

Regards,

Paul

 

[Gervase]

if you want to use original switches, you may have to convert your lighting circuits to 12 volt to keep building regs happy. The transformers aren't expensive.

 

[paulb33]

I thought it best to buy reproduction switches.
Paul

 

[borischarlton]

Hi
I have also been looking at this and I found some on e-bay. If you search under "period light switch" it brings up a shop in Marlborough. Have not used them yet however so can not yet recomend.

 

[paulb33]

Thanks. I'll check that out. Anybody any thoughts on the issue of the plastic backboxes? Will the wiring gubbins go inside the dolly switch/mounting plate? Or am I stuck with the plastic boxes?
Regards,
Paul

 

[NT]

I cant tell you, I've only use original fittings, no repro. If you look at your intended purchase you should be able to see if theres space enough in there or not - I expect there will be. With new fittings its not likely they will be open backed (it would be an (easily solved) issue if they were).

If for some odd reason you end up using modern plastic, Vauxhall brazil brown is the colour for bakelite.


NT

 

[essexbearhunter]

Broughtons do a good range of repro switches:

http://www.broughtons.com/period_electrical.htm

I was really impressed with them when I visited them looking for bell-pulls - their range is incredible and so much more convincing than some of the so-called reproductions you come across.