Socket and switch cut-outs in a glass splashback

A socket cut-out is a rectangular opening in the glass for a socket, switch or outlet. You give its width and height and the position of its centre, X from the left edge and Y from the bottom edge. The cut-out is sized to the back box in the wall, and the socket's plate covers the edge of the glass. Every cut-out is made before the glass is toughened, so measure them all before you order.

Which products take a socket cut-out?

Splashbacks and mirrors. Shower and bath glass does not take socket cut-outs, and the configurator refuses one on a shower or bath pane. Every splashback we make is 6 mm toughened glass, and our glass splashbacks guide covers the colours and glass.

How do I measure a socket?

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose two edges and keep them

   Measure every socket from the same two edges every time, usually the left-hand end of the splashback and the worktop. Write down which two edges you used.

2. 2

   Step 2: Find the centre of the socket

   Measure to the centre of the socket plate, across and up. X is from the left edge of the glass, Y is from the bottom edge.

3. 3

   Step 3: Measure the plate

   Measure the width and height of the plate. Tell us the plate size, and we size the cut-out to the back box behind it.

4. 4

   Step 4: Turn the power off and look at the back box

   With the circuit isolated by a competent person, unscrew the plate and check the back box. A box set crooked or proud of the wall changes how the plate sits over the glass.

5. 5

   Step 5: Label each fitting

   Give each socket, switch and fused spur a letter (A, B, C) on your sketch, and use the same letters when you enter them, so each cut-out on the drawing can be checked against the wall.

6. 6

   Step 6: Enter each cut-out

   In the configurator, add a cut-out for each socket or switch with its width, height, X and Y. The drawing shows each one, viewed from the room side.

Why is the cut-out sized to the back box?

The plate of a socket is larger than the box in the wall. If the glass was cut to the plate, the plate would have nothing to sit on and the edge of the glass would show. With the cut-out sized to the box, the glass runs under the plate and the plate covers the cut edge. Most sockets then need slightly longer screws, because the plate now sits on the glass. Ask your electrician.

What does the configurator check?

• The whole cut-out sits on the glass. A cut-out that runs off the edge is refused, with the reason.
• It does not run into a corner notch. A cut-out that overlaps a square corner cut is refused, because part of it would be where there is no glass.
• Holes are clear of the edges and of each other. For any holes on the same piece, the configurator checks the spacing and tells you the numbers if one fails.

If a cut-out fails, read the reason and check it against the wall. Do not move a cut-out on screen just to get a price if the socket will not move with it: ask us with your sketch instead. For an awkward outline or several cut-outs close together, the template route may suit better.

Can sockets go close to the end of a splashback?

A cut-out near an end or the top leaves a narrow strip of glass beside it, which is weaker. Keep sockets clear of the edges where you can, and tell us when a strip will be narrow so we can check it before cutting. The measuring a splashback guide shows how to plan the run around them.

What if I move a socket later?

Toughened glass cannot be cut once it has been made, so a socket that moves after ordering means a new pane. Settle the electrics, the worktop and the cupboards before you measure. If an electrician is moving sockets, measure after the boxes are in their final place.

Electrical work is for a competent electrician. Our drawing shows where the glass is cut; it is not an electrical design and does not approve the sockets, wiring or clearances. Give your electrician the drawing and the glass thickness so they can check the fittings will sit correctly.

Where to go next

• Add your cut-outs: open the splashback configurator
• Measuring a splashback
• Holes, notches and cut-outs
• Hobs, heat and splashbacks

Questions we get asked