We had a dint in the plaster around a socket and I've put some filler there. Just started wondering if that's safe? From recollection the wires are encased behind so shouldn't be an issue?
Morning @homediy
Looks good to me!
Sand and paint. Done.
What filler did you use?
Hello @homediy
It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Noyade. Just make sure that the power outlet is not moving sagging or pulling out. It's important that the power outlet housing is not compromised before attempting to repair the wall.
Please remember to use proper safety equipment such as gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when sanding your plasterboard wall. As an added note of precaution, please take all necessary care when working around power outlets.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
Hi @homediy
Please add 2 more screws to the bottom of your power point to make it stronger.
Plugging and unplugging can be a strain on the surrounding plaster and it can break .
OR
Add a power point gyprock bracket that sandwiches the top plate onto the bottom plate with the gyprock in between and the screws go into the middle holes. no Outer corner screws requiered if you use this method. Turn power off for this job as you will have a metal bracket very close to power.
Tip the little hooks point into the room. I would use some liquid nails or any glue to put onto the bracket to glue it to the inside of the wall once it is screwed into place. Why do this because if you ever undo this power point again that bracket can un hook from wall and fall into wall cavity and you will need a new one.
DETA Plaster Clip Bracket I/N: 4430383 $1.20
https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-plaster-clip-bracket_p4430383
Thanks. It was Earls all purpose multfill.
Thanks, it isn't moving (it was but I tightened up the top screw before I puttied)
Thanks, I wondered why the electrician didn't put in the bottom screws. Could screwing it in there actually be an issue ie there was a reason behind that he didn't I wonder? There are two screws centre either side too.
There is always the possibility that an anchor plate was not installed at the bottom of the power outlet. But since the outlet is secure, I don't recommend taking it apart.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
The power point is minimally OK and not reflection on your kind self as you where not the installer. I commented as to advise you if some one trips on a power cord with 2 screws not 4 to try protect it. No one wants more gyprock damage around your power outlet is the reason i raise the issue.
The power point is designed with 2 fixing options both are not required at the same time. The first is the plaster clip bracket which sandwiches the power board to the wall that is the strongest method of fixing into plaster board as the whole section of gyprock sheet has to break before the power point comes out. Typically a sheet will flex before breaking.
The second is the 4 outer screw point screwing into gyprock I think every one knows the weaknesses of a single screw into a gyprock wall and the ease to pull it out once pulled upon
So if the original installer used 2 screws at least they could have gone one side top and one bottom side to try distribute the potential physical load of some one tripping on a power cord sharply pulling on it. 2 screws its held. 4 screws it holds it double that as the reason it has 4 screw mounting points. I would use 4 screws in a high trip risk area.
I am over shoddy tradies cutting corners all in the name of saving a bit of money and time they need to be proud of there work and maintain there own professional standards if they want to be taken seriously. No wonder there are more and more DIYers.
Morning JR @Jewelleryrescue
If you look two posts above yours - @homediy does mention he has four screws inserted...
"There are two screws centre either side too."
That should be enough? 🤔
Hi @Noyade
As photo shows 2 screws Period. I also quote @homediy says" I wondered why the electrician didn't put in the bottom screws."
The 2 screw is a bare minimum . And as @EricL says if it is firm then I agree with him that is ok Electrically fine
We all seen some one trip on a power cord and that can pull on the wall socket that is where the extra screws make a difference.
Back to answering @homediy Questions
I re quote "Thanks, I wondered why the electrician didn't put in the bottom screws. Could screwing it in there actually be an issue ie there was a reason behind that he didn't I wonder? There are two screws centre either side too.
The center screws either side are for use with the Plaster bracket and is good power point for having them, Usual the brackets have their own screws so its nice to have spares built in they wont work into gyprock though.
Normally power points should be away from all plumbing etc a minimal distance and the screws should only go the depth of the gyprock any further is tempting fate as there are electrical wires close by You asked if your power point was safe? Electrically Yes it is.
But in gyprock they can pull out of the wall !!. I myself have a loose gyprock mounted power point of the clamp sandwich kind I saw the kids pulling the plug out by the power cord in whipping motion (kids they where not to know till taught, they understand now and never where in trouble) I would say I was not the first time so One of my new inside jobs is strengthening gyprock around that power point. Electrically safe but loose. I suspect
Gyprock sheet failed on the outer side. My power point is also screwed on one side to a stud. So the extra strength stopped it coming off the wall and not electrically un safe.
The extra redundancy paid off.
