Insulating Boxes for Wall Sockets & Outlets

The NHBC is the UK’s independent body looking to raise standards in residential construction and to provide consumer protection via its warranty scheme. Towards this aim, the NHBC issues technical guidance information for house builders. This blog demonstrates how V-Cut’s socket boxes help to meet the NHBC standards.

The NHBC’s technical guidance 6.3/07 on sockets and switches in light steel framed plasterboard separating walls recognizes that forming such outlets creates a weakness either in terms of fire or sound.  The solution shown in this technical guidance is to introduce two or more layers of gypsum board to the back of the socket.  This is time consuming work.  However, V-Cut has a better solution and that is its socket box.

The advantage of the V-Cut socket box is that it is not only made from the same materials as the rest of the wall but it fully envelopes the outlet whereas the technical guidance suggests only the back of the outlet needs insulating.  That means the integrity around the cut out is completely, not partially, maintained.  This is the most logical way to achieve Robust Details Part E.  Sockets are often grouped together so one V-Cut box can easily protect two or more outlets in the same location.

The standard V-Cut socket box can be manufactured from 12.5 or 15mm thick standard, fire or acoustic plasterboards, is supplied flat packed so that it is easy to handle and fits between the studs within the wall void.  It can be installed early with the metal framing or at the same time as the boarding. If double lined is required, a box in box arrangement is possible.  Also, with our patented box, a front hinging flap can be incorporated to allow the electrician access without interrupting the board lining.  All our boxes are designed to be easy to install, save time and reduce costs.  Additionally, the V-Cut socket box helps to create an airtight barrier around the cut out to achieve the aim of a zero carbon home.