What Size Screws are Used in Electrical Sockets and Light Switches?

So you’ve been doing some decorating and like all diligent painters you have carefully removed the light switches and plug sockets – it’s easier than painting around them and it makes for a better job, right?

The problem is, you’ve mislaid a couple of screws – must have hoovered them up by mistake. Now what? Surely you don’t have to buy a whole new switch?

Here’s the good news – you don’t.

All modern sockets have standard size M3.5 (3.5mm) diameter screws. The lengths can differ, so measure one that you haven’t lost just to be sure. If you’ve lost them both, unscrew one from another nearby socket or switch.

Screws for electrical sockets and switches have what is known as a raised countersunk head, and are usually nickel or zinc plated – or occasionally brass.

You can order them here on our website. We don’t sell them individually but it is always useful to have a few spares in the screw box.

Oh, and next time – tape them to the back of the electrical fitting when you remove it!

SCREWS FOR ELECTRICAL SOCKETS