GB2471939A - Plate for supporting electrical mounting boxes - Google Patents

Abstract

A metal mounting plate used in electrical installation supports electrical accessory back boxes in a level and straight line with each other. The mounting plate may have perforated holes or slots along its length for mounting the boxes. It may also have a lip at the top and bottom of its length to assist alignment of the boxes.

Description

A metal plate for fixing electrical accessory back boxes in a level, straight line with each other.

Background

This invention relates to the fixing of the galvanised metal electrical accessory back boxes into chased out walls level and in a straight line to each other.

All electrical accessories that are flush mounted to walls require the installation of a galvanised metal box which is fixed into a chased out wall and the cables run to it. The electrical accessory face plate is then connected on top of this. In recent years with the need for more socket outlets, satellite cable sockets, aerial sockets etc the chances of these accessories being installed side by side has increased. Especially in areas such as where the TV equipment is positioned in a house or in the kitchen area where several isolators for fixed equipment are needed.

At present these back boxes are supplied as individual boxes. Some are for 1-gang (single) accessories and some are for 2-gang (double) accessories. The issue for the electrician who installs these boxes is this: it is very difficult and time consuming to fit several individual boxes next to each other (with perhaps a 25mm gap between them) and manage to get them level with each other. In many cases this is not achieved and is snagged by the client or at worst left looking very unsightly and unprofessional.

This problem to a certain extent has been solved by the introduction by box manufacturers of combined boxes. They come as 2 x singles boxes, 2 x double boxes or 1 x single and 1 x double combined. But because of the costs involved, they do not produce every possible combination that may be required.

Statement of Invention

To overcome this, the inventor proposes a metal plate which can be cut to the correct length with a small lip' at its top and bottom edge. This would be fixed to the wall first and made level. Each individual box needed would then be positioned on the lip' and fixed to the wall in the traditional way and thus be kept perfectly in line with the preceding and following box.

Advantages Installation would become easier and so less time consuming and only one fixing per box would be required rather than at least two which is used at present. The finished job would look much more professional and will have saved time and money. It also allows electricians of differing skill levels to fit straight and level boxes. Thereby ensuring a high quality of installation for a company using many electricians. Even casual labour. By insisting the plate is used, straight accessories are guaranteed.

The plate still allows for cables to enter the box as before and for boxes to be positioned horizontally or vertically.

Introduction to Drawings/Photos

Figure 1 shows the single and double back boxes that are available.

Figure 2 shows the problems that often occur.

Figure 3 shows the proposed metal plate.

Figure 4 shows the guaranteed outcome.

Figure 5 is a photo of a representation of a breeze block wall.

Figure 6 is a photo of the chase marked out on the wall.

Figure 7 is a photo showing the breeze block chased out.

Figure 8 is a photo of the Straight Plate being fitted into the chase.

Figure 9 is a photo showing the metal back boxes fitted to the plate and wired.

Figure 10 is a photo of the faceplates fitted all in a perfect line.

Description

The plate is made from 1.2mm thick galvanised steel. 74mm high and will come in 1, 2 and 3 metre lengths which can be cut smaller simply with the use of a hacksaw. There are 6mm diameter holes/slots punched at intervals through the centre of the plate along it's entire length. These enable the plate to be fixed to the wall and the boxes placed on it fixed through the punched holes.

There is a 6mm wide lip' running the entire length of the top and bottom of the plate which the metal back boxes will sit on. The plate can be easily manufactured by any sheet metal fabricator and a prototype has been made.

Claims (4)

1. Claims 1. A metal plate used to install electrical accessory metal back boxes perfectly level which each other.
2. 2. A plate according to claim 1 which is 74mm high 1.2mm thick and 1,2 or 3 metres in length.
3. 3. A plate according to claim 1 which has 6mm perforated holes or slots along it's entire length.
4. 4. A plate according to claim 1 which has a 6mm lip running at thetop and bottom of it's entire length.