US size single gang blanking plate

I found another UK source but it's trade only:

Well, that's mildly surprising: I know that US-standard electrical fittings are a pretty esoteric subject, but I think this is the first time I've posted a question here and received no replies at all.

Sorry cannot help you out with a US blanking plate, just replied to stop you feeling ignored?

Richard

Ok, I'll bite -- and try to cover all the replies you might have gotten:-)

First, why do you need one? I really don't think you need one. Please explain why you need one? Second, this is d-i-y, so just make one, preferably using an angle grinder, WD-40, and cbf. WD-40 is not a lubricant. Oh yes it is. You can't install it because you are not qualified!

(Blanking plates cost well under a leftpondian dollar in Leftpondia. Availaber on US-ebay, shipping under 20$, so that may be a viable source if you order enough... )

Thomas Prufer

Richard,

That's uncommonly kind of you. Thanks!

To blank off a US-size backbox, of course. It used to house one of several controllers which are part of an American multi-room audio system: I've moved the controller to a new location (using a spare backbox) but I want to retain the possibility of re-using the original placing, hence the desire to use a blanking plate rather than an offcut of plasterboard, some plaster and a bit of paint.

"cbf"? I must look that up...

OK, that wasn't helpful. I have thought about cutting down a UK double-gang blanking plate, but I'm not sure I could do that and retain the surface finish.

Another possibility is to buy from a US supplier, I suppose.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Car Body Filler.

No more nails, with ATTITUDE.

car body filler...

Hard plastic would cut well on a table saw, and the edge sanded round, the whole then sprayed in a suitable color, giving a uniform finish. As the color on these is either white, "ivory", dark grey, or brushed stainless, some painting may be needed even if you buy one.

Thomas Prufer

I remember ages ago trying to find US standard electrical bits in the UK. For use with a US built bit of equipment, which was supplied with a

Ah, but would the fixing holes be in the right place? Though it's a good idea. I could go from scratch with a piece of sheet plastic or Perspex too.

Thanks.

Ah, that makes a lot more sense than the alternatives thrown up by Google. Thanks.

I was surprised to find so few sources, at least in the UK. And those suppliers I found were trade only. As I said, ordering from the US would be a possibility, albeit one carrying the risk of import tax (not that that would be very much, I imagine).

A DIY solution might be the easiest way.

I assumed it was a trick question and did not wish to display to all and sundry my ignorance - or at least, not again so soon.

If you are willing to contemplate an import of unknown provenance and specification from the distant Orient there are

No, it was a serious enquiry. Thanks for the links; I tried an eBay search of course but didn't find those.

Bit of melamine cutting board, cut, edge, spray paint, done?

Thomas Prufer

No import duty or tax on imports less than about £18.50. while we are in the EU that is, when we leave we may not use EU rules and have to pay on lees value (or more, but the gov will want as much cash as it can get).

UK tax and duty are charged on all imports with a value of GBP15 or more, including carriage. Anything less than that should breeze in unhindered: anything over that will probably also be clobbered by admin charges from the carrier for handling the payments to HMRC

Ebay USA have blanking plates but the carriage costs look extortionate and it is touch and go whether the total value would scrape under the wire.

Amazon USA, on the other hand, have some fairly bland ones but they are cheap and the carriage to the UK is tiny. Go over to their site and look at ASIN B00ADU58TK if you think that might do.

Nick

It used to be that - one of the meanest thresholds of any developed country - but a couple of budgets ago it was actually reduced to £15. More people are buying more little things from overseas - because it is so easy to do - and the Treasury considered they were not getting their share.

Nick

Value Added Tax (VAT) - Import VAT is charged at the same rate that applies to similar goods sold in the UK and applies to commercial goods over £15 in value, and on gifts that are over £39 in value. ... basic value of goods, plus. postage, packing and insurance, plus. any import (Customs or Excise) duties charged.18 Jan 2018

Many thanks for all the new replies. I've now taken the quick, easy, probably lazy but undeniably faster and cheaper option of fitting a UK slimline double-gang plate (eighty-odd pence from Toolstation). It's not significantly larger than the US equivalent and looks perfectly OK.