metal back box used in dry wall - dangerous?

I've had some that do and some that don't. All of them hold the accessory slightly off the wall, leaving a space if they are out of sight. Unless the wall is skimmed after they are fitted, they will either show a flange, joint or gap if you look closely enough. I wouldn't.

No. And things like the corner radius or profile varies between makes. Which is very obvious when fitting to a dry lined box

Not all but some are.

Dunno.

The snag is that although individual makers may list dry lining boxes specifically for their accessories, most suppliers will only stock the one make even although they stock a big range of accessory makes. Same as with metal boxes. But any make of flush metal box is usually suitable for any wiring accessory - with the exception of some grid type components, etc.

The message from "Dave Plowman (News)" contains these words:

I agree completely.

My very simple point was -- and is -- that there are many situations in which dry lining boxes make a very neat and secure job and remain invisible.

I have used them (almost) everywhere. None are visible. You need to take care to get them square, as there is very little margin for error when fitting faceplates, but every faceplate I have used (some brass, some chrome, some white plastic) has covered them completely.

^^^^

If you change that to 'some' I'd just about agree. A first, I know. ;-)

I take it they were installed before the wall was skimmed?

I use the cheapish "pearl nickel" TLC ones mostly, unless that doesn't cover what I need, like grid switches, when the GET Ultimate ones (which the TLC ones appear to be a rip off) are a good match (but twice the price).

At TLC prices, it is more like 3x. I think they are worth the extra too and use them whereever visible, but it adds up to enough money that I don't want lousy white plastic flanges spacing them off the wall and taking away from the effect.

What I meant was it probably blends together more looking from the sides as they are both white plastic. Also as the sockets are proud of the wall anyway, the spacing off the wall isn't going to be so noticeable as with flush flat plates.

No. After. Some after painting too.

Then please give the make of the boxes and sockets.

Newlec IIRC.

Sockets? MK's on the plastic mainly..some crabtrees.

The metals were 'heritage' range but not sure whose.