Looking for a 4-hole twin 13A metal pattress box

[GreensandsParticipant @greensands]

Anyone know (or may even have one available) a source of a top and bottom 4-Hole metal pattress box to fit the twin 13A MK socket shown in the photo. Most commonly available boxes these days, metal or plastic are for two hole fixings mounted along the sides. Do not like the idea of throwing out a perfectly good item which imo was made to a much higher standard than similar items marketed today.

[GreensandsParticipant @greensands]

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Would it mount on a pair of sideways single pattresses? Or maybe one of these, example is Toolstation

Not sure MK did anyone any favours when they designed that. The layout may be deliberately non-standard to stop light-fingered employees nicking them. There are a few variants:

Some at work had vertical live and neutral rectangular holes rather than horizontal.

Dave

[GreensandsParticipant @greensands]

The Toolstation option is a thought but the centre section would need to come out. Would also need to check the hole centres.

[Harry WilkesParticipant @harrywilkes58467]

Have you looked on this site link

https://www.art-deco-emporium.co.uk/Vintage-MK-4-Hole-Socket-or-Switch-Fitting-Kit-for-Existing-or-new-Backboxes-1158

H

[Engine BuilderParticipant @enginebuilder]

That's a socket from the MK metalclad range and the box to fit is smaller than a metalbox designed for mouning a socket flush in a wall. The correct  box is the same shape as the socket with round coners and is pressed steel.

Edited By Engine Builder on 09/02/2023 16:05:31

[Martin ConnellyParticipant @martinconnelly55370]

You could make some suitable pillars and mount them in a standard box. You may have to add a frame to ensure there is no gap around the edge.

Martin C

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

The Toolstation one will not work. Twin single gang is larger than one double gang.

Pay good attention to the caution from Engine Builder, but verify the truth of what he says by testing the socket you have on a double backbox to make sure the radiused corners do not underhang.

The art deco emporium kit is just a very expensive version of these:

https://www.cityplumbing.co.uk/p/back-box-repair-clip-pack-of-5-bbrc1444/p/638067

The key search term is 'back box repair clip'. They fit a standard double backbox.

[Oven ManParticipant @ovenman]

Engine Builder is correct. It requires a surface mount box from the MK metalclad range, if they still do them.

Peter B

Looks like the design has been updated by MK, finding an old style box might be difficult.

Edited By Oven Man on 09/02/2023 17:07:39

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Harrys vintage link implies 1970's so maybe 50 year old plastic, I know I was in better nick back then than now.

You could weld 2 singles together to get the right screw spacing, but you will probably still get get gaps at the four corners.

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

Does the white bit remove easily from the metal surround?

If so, buy one of these:

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/114579-2-gang-blank-plate-metal-clad

cut a suitable hole in it and for £1.50 you have a double socket socket that will fit a modern backbox.

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Those sockets went out many years ago as said by others, my choice would be to cut an aperture in the lid of an adaptable box and fit the socket with screws and nuts to the lid, then connect in the usual way.

When purchased the socket would have usually been mounted on a metal box to the plate dimensions although there was an option to buy the bare socket for fitting to your own equipment, a metal frame was available that had the 4 fixing points tapped and the frame was fitted behind the cut out aperture.

box on eBay 263712560450 may not be long enough but otherwise suitable 141x81x39.5mm (Plastic)

Metal eBay 181302507015

Emgee

Edited By Emgee on 09/02/2023 19:18:53

Edited By Emgee on 09/02/2023 19:31:48

[peak4Participant @peak4]

Posted by SillyOldDuffer on 09/02/2023 15:38:29:

……………..

Not sure MK did anyone any favours when they designed that. The layout may be deliberately non-standard to stop light-fingered employees nicking them. There are a few variants:

Some at work had vertical live and neutral rectangular holes rather than horizontal.

Dave

A little video for you; we used several different designs at work, e.g. a secure supply would feature T shaped earths, or some computer kit would be a different shape to stop the cleaner using an adjacent socket etc.

A Little bit here about the old 4 screw sockets.
https://flameport.com/electric_museum/sockets_13A_BS1363/mk_socket_outlets_double.cs4

Bill

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

If you are that bothered about reusing it and a metal worker why not get a current 2 lug one and silver solder on 4 mounting lugs to suit the old layout.

Myself I doubt I would bother and just get a new one which with far less plastic on the front offers more resistance to damage that that old design which is the reason why Metclad are used in garages and workshops.

[Engine BuilderParticipant @enginebuilder]

In my working life as an electrician one job we did used special 13amp sockets in some locations where only specific

appliances could be pluged in. The plugs and sockets at first glance looked like normal ones but they had all the pins rotated 90 degrees.

[NealebParticipant @nealeb]

Way, way back in my school days I had a job in a local television and radio shop. Sometimes helping with repairs but mainly out on the van helping deliver fridges and colour televisions – a two-handed job in those days. One day, we delivered to a guy who has just refitted his kitchen, and he very proudly showed us the waterproof 13A sockets that he had picked up where he worked and had now fitted in his new worktop. I asked him where he could get the matching plugs. Yes, the ones with pins rotated 90°. He wasn't very happy when we left…

[Ed DuffnerParticipant @edduffner79357]

MK make there parts in ranges, e.g. Logic Plus range or Sentry range. There might be a 'range' imprinted into the plastic on the rear of the socket outlet and could simplify searching for a box.

Edit: Just having a quick scan of the web I came across this: https://www.art-deco-emporium.co.uk/Vintage-MK-4-Hole-Socket-or-Switch-Fitting-Kit-for-Existing-or-new-Backboxes-1158

…will update if I find more.

Ed.

Edited By Ed Duffner on 19/02/2023 17:43:02

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

The up to date modern standards MK version of that box and socket is about £15 at various wholesalers. Sorry to say it but personally I find it very difficult to see any point in hunting for an ancient bit of kit like that.

No personal offence whatsoever intended.

Edited By V8Eng on 19/02/2023 19:26:54

[GreensandsParticipant @greensands]

Problem now sorted having bought the plastic box suggrested by Emgee. The modification required a lot of time which I dare say others would have considered as wasted time but have achieved a presentable result which does look far neater on the bench than the previously old domestic model ever looked. Thanks to all those who provided assistance.

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