Best Metal Clad Sockets for Workshops and Garages: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner, OR Electrics & 18th Edition Electrician
In many of the properties I visit—especially the Victorian back-to-backs here in Leeds—chasing wires into solid brick walls is incredibly messy and time-consuming. Often, the honest and practical solution for cellars, garages, or utility rooms is surface-mounted metal clad wiring. It's robust, looks neat if conduit is used properly, and offers far superior protection against impact than standard plastic.
However, not all metal clad sockets are created equal. Some have sharp edges that strip cables, whilst others have poor terminal screws that snap under torque. When you are dealing with mains electricity, you want confidence that the earth continuity is solid, especially since the box itself is conductive.
In this review, I'm looking at three options I've come across on job sites: a budget single socket for simple repairs, a quality twin-pack for larger installs, and a unit with a neon indicator for when you need visual confirmation of power.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Knockouts & Entries"
"Metal boxes simply push out the 20mm knockouts for easy cable entry."
Cheap units often have knockouts that are welded too tight or leave jagged burrs. I always use a file and a proper rubber grommet or compression gland to protect the cable insulation. Never feed raw cable through a sharp metal hole.
The Spec: "Heavy Duty / Impact Resistant"
"Metal clad sockets are indestructible."
They are tough, but they can dent. The biggest risk is actually rust if installed in damp Leeds cellars without appropriate seals or if the powder coating is chipped. For very damp areas, you should be looking at IP-rated waterproof gear, not just metal clad.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Metal Clad 13A 1G DP Switched Socket
Knightsbridge
This is a solid, no-nonsense single gang socket. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It's perfect if you just need to add a single point in a garage or replace a damaged unit without spending a fortune.
The Good
- Double Pole (DP) switching is safer as it isolates Live and Neutral
- Very affordable price point
- Decent powder coated finish resists scratching
The Bad
- Knockouts can be a bit stiff to remove
- Space inside can be tight for 2.5mm twin and earth if not dressed properly
Installer Tip:
Always ensure you install a 'fly lead' (a short piece of earth wire) connecting the earth terminal on the socket front to the earth terminal in the back metal box. Even if the strap screws mechanically connect them, a fly lead guarantees earth continuity, which is vital for safety.
Priced at £5.54 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon2 x 13 Amp Metal Clad Socket 2 Gang Switched Socket Outlet
Mega Socket
When I'm fitting out a workshop in an industrial unit in Leeds, I need reliability and stock. This twin pack from Mega Socket offers great build quality. The inclusion of twin earth terminals is a professional touch that makes looping circuits much easier.
The Good
- Twin earth terminals allowing for high integrity earthing
- Robust construction compliant with BS 1363
- Comes as a pack of two – excellent for larger projects
The Bad
- Slightly pricier per unit than the cheapest budget brands
- Industrial look might be too harsh for a domestic utility room
Installer Tip:
Use 20mm conduit (PVC or metal) to feed into these. If you are feeding from the bottom, ensure you haven't blocked the mounting holes. These boxes are deep (42mm), which gives you plenty of room to arrange your cables neatly without crushing the insulation.
Priced at £18.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonKnightbridge Metal Clad 13A 2G DP Switched Socket with neon
Knightsbridge
This is my problem-solver for noisy environments. The neon indicator light shows you immediately if the socket is live. This is brilliant for workshops where machinery might be loud, or for checking if a freezer or heater is actually receiving power at a glance.
The Good
- Neon indicator provides instant visual power check
- Double Pole switching for safer isolation
- Durable powder coated surface resists corrosion
The Bad
- Neon lights can eventually dim over many years
- Wiring is slightly more crowded due to the neon components
Installer Tip:
When tightening the terminals on this unit, be gentle with the neon indicator wires. They are fine and can be pinched if you aren't careful pushing the front plate back onto the metal box. Ensure the neon cables are tucked away from the main screw terminals.
Priced at £12.43 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to earth the metal back box?
Can I use these in a damp cellar in Leeds?
Why use Double Pole (DP) switches?
Are these difficult to install on brick walls?
Do I need an electrician to install these?
How much does professional installation cost?
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