Outside socket cover not fully closed

boardtc

I have lights connected to an outside plug that I would prefer not to have to go outside every night to turn off.

I connected a smart plug (got these 3 for £16 in the summer)to the outside socket and it works great but as a result the socket cover does not close. As a result the smart plug/and lights plug are covered on the top but exposed on the sides.



The right hand picture shows it "closed". Do you think I'd get away with that safety wise?

I could maybe wrap in some gorilla tape actually to be sure to be sure/

wexfordman2

Nope, I certainly wouldn't risk it, there are closed covers for a reason.

Consider getting a replacement smart socket instead of a plug or else use a normal plug with extension run in to an external insulated box that the extension end fits into and you have enough room for the smart plugs. That's what I do with Christmas.kightsz you can get those outdoor boxes in the likes of the range or woodies etc.

punisher5112

What I'm doing is putting in an immersion time clock on a switched set up so can set times and shut off completely from inside.

What you could do also is get a bigger box, can't recall name but for Christmas lights etc they fit a multi socket and timers etc.....you could even fit a smart plug in it.

MrMusician18

This is what you need:
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9094653

ted1

How’s the cable connected inside ?

o1s1n

I really hope this is a wind up.

wexfordman2

o1s1n wrote: »

I really hope this is a wind up.

No,

This. https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fhardwareheaven.ie%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F04%2F25-meter-extension-reel.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fhardwareheaven.ie%2Fwp%2Fproduct%2Fmasterplug-25m-4-socket-13-amp-cable-reel%2F&tbnid=LKjdkcET75jesM&vet=1&docid=KIyoYEbWTkeJfM&w=800&h=800&itg=1&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim. Is a wind ip

littlevillage

Presuming it's Christmas lights. Forget the smart socket. Just find the trip switch on your fuse board (it'll be inside the house somewhere) There's probably a separate one for the outside plug. Use that to switch on/off the outside christmas lights. (it's only for a few weeks)

If it's not Christmas lights, and you are using this for normal outside lights, get an electrician!!

listermint

Have an electrician install one of these on the internal wall on the feed to that socket.

And forget that dangerous monstrosity you've installed in what should be a sealed box


https://www.screwfix.ie/p/greenbrook-mechanical-timer-230v/4883r

boardtc

@littlevillage, very nice idea, but they outside lights were an after thought and ran from the plug at the back of the fridge...better not turn off the fridge!!

@MrMusician18 I had a look at the argos one but I am unsure what it offers over the in-situ one?

@listermint Super idea, much better than walking out at night and I have not been able to find a bigger box mentioned by @punisher5112 - I rang my local wholesalers and searched online some. The internal wall is behind the fridge which can be rolled out, man, I think that is a real sweet idea, thank you :-) I have an electrician coming for another job on Tuesday, I wonder if I can get equivalent in B & Q or Argos....

vicwatson

MrMusician18 wrote: »

This is what you need:
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9094653

€18 in Aldi at the moment

endacl

For poxy lights?

salmocab

boardtc wrote: »

@littlevillage, very nice idea, but they outside lights were an after thought and ran from the plug at the back of the fridge...better not turn off the fridge!!

@MrMusician18 I had a look at the argos one but I am unsure what it offers over the in-situ one?

@listermint Super idea, much better than walking out at night and I have not been able to find a bigger box mentioned by @punisher5112 - I rang my local wholesalers and searched online some. The internal wall is behind the fridge which can be rolled out, man, I think that is a real sweet idea, thank you :-) I have an electrician coming for another job on Tuesday, I wonder if I can get equivalent in B & Q or Argos....

Mrmusician gave the best solution for your set up. Plug in an short extension lead/multiblock close down the lid on your existing socket then put the other end in the box he linked to, plug in your smart plug and the lights into that then close the lid which seals around the leads. . Cheap and cheerful solution.

emaherx

boardtc wrote: »

@MrMusician18 I had a look at the argos one but I am unsure what it offers over the in-situ one?
.

It would solve your problem. As it's just a normal extension lead that will plug into your current socket and allow it to close properly. The extension lead socket end fits inside a large waterproof box with space for your smart switch and plug and will close fully.

You can shorten or use an existing short lead either if the one that comes with it is longer than you'd like.

MrMusician18

boardtc wrote: »

@littlevillage, very nice idea, but they outside lights were an after thought and ran from the plug at the back of the fridge...better not turn off the fridge!!

@MrMusician18 I had a look at the argos one but I am unsure what it offers over the in-situ one?

@listermint Super idea, much better than walking out at night and I have not been able to find a bigger box mentioned by @punisher5112 - I rang my local wholesalers and searched online some. The internal wall is behind the fridge which can be rolled out, man, I think that is a real sweet idea, thank you :-) I have an electrician coming for another job on Tuesday, I wonder if I can get equivalent in B & Q or Argos....

The box linked is deep enough to close with a big power supply adapter plugged into the power strip inside. When fully closed the box is weatherproof.

You could plug your lights into a smart adapter inside in the box and then run a short extension cord to your existing outdoor socket which will be able to fully close.

boardtc

vicwatson wrote: »

€18 in Aldi at the moment

Fantastic, hopefully still there tomorrow https://www.aldi.ie/weatherproof-outdoor-power-kit/p/705705390935700

boardtc

MrMusician18 wrote: »

The box linked is deep enough to close with a big power supply adapter plugged into the power strip inside. When fully closed the box is weatherproof.

You could plug your lights into a smart adapter inside in the box and then run a short extension cord to your existing outdoor socket which will be able to fully close.

I get it now, I did not realise it was deep enough to take a smart plug, thanks!

boardtc

No sign of any Christmas stuff in my Aldi today :-( They are sold out in Argos too? Any ideas on where I'll find one?

emaherx

boardtc wrote: »

No sign of any Christmas stuff in my Aldi today :-( They are sold out in Argos too? Any ideas on where I'll find one?

Home base

AutoTuning

Absolutely won't work, especially in Ireland where driving rain and moisture is a big problem. Domestic plugs are not IP rated at all, so it's also quite dangerous to even handle them if slightly wet. There are live components very close to the plastic housing of the plug, with very little between them and you if they're in any way wet.

punisher5112

boardtc wrote: »

No sign of any Christmas stuff in my Aldi today :-( They are sold out in Argos too? Any ideas on where I'll find one?

Where are you based?

boardtc

I'm in the midlands. Nearest Homebase in 40 minutes away, but they don't seem to have any https://www.homebase.co.uk/our-range/christmas/christmas-lights/outdoor-christmas-lights/outdoor-christmas-lights

emaherx

I've seen them in Home base in Navan, although it was months ago, don't limit your search to Christmas lights, they sell them all year.

https://www.homebase.co.uk/masterplug-weatherproof-box-with-4-socket-extension-lead-8m-black_p395422

Is there a woodies or similar near you?

https://www.woodies.ie/masterplug-weatherproof-box-and-4-socket-8m-10a-extension-lead-1098787

Screwfix
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/masterplug-ip54-weatherproof-outdoor-box-kit/46169


Google shows plenty of options. Or just try whatever hardware store is near you, it's a fairly common item.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Masterplug+Weatherproof+Box&oq=Masterplug+Weatherproof+Box&aqs=chrome..69i57j0j69i60j69i61l2.1027j0j4&client=ms-android-lenovo&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#ip=1&scso=_r8vNX6LsOcqI1fAPxJaqiA84:2840.333251953125

boardtc

Thanks @emaherx, woodies is handy enough, just bought online for click and collect and it's ready for me. Got over the line in the end!

Darando

more of a permanent/long term option if only for 1 plug is something like this, should anyone ever need one. Limits you compared to the options mentioned however.

https://www.eurosales.ie/products/id-25133.html?name=WP23TM24&type=simple

boardtc

@emaherx the woodies one worked out well. I'm using the 8m cable which came with it bunched up, which I know if not great in terms of magnetic field heat generation, but I have no shorter one that will fit in the box, at least it's outside so should be ok.

4 Lunvon plugs now being turned on/off with 1 switch and no need to go outside late at night to turn off lights :-)