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Professional Guide

Best Screwless Flat Plate Sockets for Sleek Finishes: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Fully Qualified Electrician

Published 18 December 2025

If you have recently painted a room or installed a new kitchen, those chunky, yellowing white plastic sockets can stick out like a sore thumb. Screwless flat plate sockets are the modern standard for a high-end finish, sitting almost flush against the wall with no visible screws.

However, as an electrician working across Leeds, I have to be honest: these aren't always a straight swap. In many of the older Victorian terraces I work in, the back boxes recessed into the brick are often too shallow for flat plate accessories. These sockets need room for the wiring because the faceplate is so slim.

In this review, I'm looking at British General's (BG) screwless range. I fit these regularly because they strike a good balance between build quality, ease of installation, and price. I will cover a budget single socket, a high-spec USB option, and the standard double socket essential for renovations.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Flat Plate / Low Profile"

The Theory

"Sits 5mm or less from the wall for a seamless look."

The Reality

Because the front is thin, the mechanism sticks out further at the back. You absolutely need 25mm deep back boxes (35mm for USB versions). If your current boxes are 16mm, you will need to chisel out the brickwork.

The Spec: "Screwless Design"

The Theory

"Clip-on front hides all fixing screws."

The Reality

This is great for painting—you can clip the front off, paint, and clip it back without messy masking tape lines. However, the wall must be perfectly flat. If the plaster is bumpy, the plate won't clip on securely.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

BG Electrical Single Switched Power Plug Wall Socket, Screwless Front Plate, Slim Profile, Premium Flatplate, Brushed Steel, Grey Inserts, 13A, FBS21G

Budget Pick
BG Electrical Single Switched Power Plug Wall Socket, Screwless Front Plate, Slim Profile, Premium Flatplate, Brushed Steel, Grey Inserts, 13A, FBS21G

British General

This single socket is an excellent entry point for upgrading utility rooms or smaller bedrooms where you don't need double gangs. The brushed steel finish is forgiving on fingerprints compared to chrome, making it ideal for busy households.

Price£5.70 (at time of writing)
FinishBrushed Steel
Warranty25 Years
The Good
  • Very affordable for a metal finish socket
  • Moisture gasket prevents tarnishing on fresh plaster
  • Clip-on plate makes decorating much easier
The Bad
  • Only a single gang (most modern homes prefer doubles)
  • Requires earthing to the front plate (essential safety step)

Installer Tip:

Always connect the earth wire from the supply AND a 'fly lead' from the back box to the socket earth terminal. With metal plates, this is a critical safety requirement to ensure the faceplate effectively earthed.

Priced at £5.70 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

BG Electrical 22W Double Switched Power Wall Plug Socket with Fast Charge Type A and C USB Ports, Screwless, Flatplate, Polished Chrome, White Inserts, 13A, FPC22UAC22W

Quality Choice
BG Electrical 22W Double Switched Power Wall Plug Socket with Fast Charge Type A and C USB Ports, Screwless, Flatplate, Polished Chrome, White Inserts, 13A, FPC22UAC22W

British General

This is the premium option for living rooms or bedsides where charging phones is a daily necessity. The 22W output is genuinely fast (unlike older USB sockets), and the polished chrome finish looks stunning in contemporary setups, though it demands a clean finish.

Price£20.74 (at time of writing)
TechUSB-A and USB-C (22W shared)
FinishPolished Chrome
The Good
  • High speed charging (PD) for modern smartphones
  • Smart USB standby mode saves energy when not in use
  • Angled terminals make it easier to see what you are doing
The Bad
  • Polished chrome shows every fingerprint
  • Requires a deep back box (35mm recommended) due to USB transformer bulk

Installer Tip:

Do not attempt to fit this into a 25mm back box. The USB components on the back are bulky. If you force the wires in, you risk crushing the insulation and causing a fault. Measure your wall depth first!

Priced at £20.74 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

BG Electrical Double Switched Power Plug Wall Socket, Flatplate Screwless, Brushed Steel, Grey Inserts, 13A, FBS22G

Problem Solver
BG Electrical Double Switched Power Plug Wall Socket, Flatplate Screwless, Brushed Steel, Grey Inserts, 13A, FBS22G

British General

This is the workhorse of the range and solves the specific problem of decorating mess. The integrated moisture gasket allows you to install the functional part of the socket onto damp, new plaster without the metal tarnishing, then clip on the pristine front plate only after you have finished painting.

Price£9.90 (at time of writing)
ConfigurationDouble Socket (2 Gang)
DesignScrewless Brushed Steel
The Good
  • Gasket protects metal from reaction with new plaster
  • Clip-on design hides messy wall edges
  • Standard double size fits existing ring mains easily
The Bad
  • Needs a very flat wall to clip on flush
  • The grey inserts might not suit warm colour schemes (white is available)

Installer Tip:

When tightening the terminal screws, double-check them. Copper wire can compress after the initial tightening. I always give them a second 'nip' to ensure a solid electrical connection that won't overheat later.

Priced at £9.90 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do screwless sockets need special back boxes?
They don't need 'special' boxes, but they do require deeper ones. Because the front plate is so thin, the mechanism sits further back. You usually need a minimum depth of 25mm for standard sockets and 35mm for USB sockets. In many Leeds terraces with shallow original boxes, this often means chopping out the brickwork to fit a deeper box.
Are metal flat plate sockets safe?
Yes, provided they are installed correctly. BS 7671 regulations require that metal accessories must be earthed. This means ensuring the earth wire connects to the actual socket terminal, which bonds the faceplate to earth. If you have old wiring without an earth continuity conductor (CPC), you cannot install metal sockets.
Can I install these myself?
You are allowed to replace existing sockets and switch faces yourself in the UK, provided you are competent to do so. However, if you need to move the socket or alter the circuit significantly, this may become notifiable work. Always isolate the mains at the RCD/Consumer Unit and prove the circuit is dead before touching anything.
Why won't the front plate clip on properly?
This is a common issue with screwless plates. If the wall is uneven or the plaster is bumpy, the back frame twists slightly when you screw it to the wall box. This twist stops the front plate from clipping on. You may need to loosen the fixing screws very slightly to let the frame settle flat against the wall.
How do I clean brushed steel sockets?
Never use wet cloths or sprays directly on the socket—water and electricity don't mix. Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe away dust. If you must remove a stubborn mark, apply a tiny amount of cleaner to the cloth (not the socket) and wipe gently, ensuring no moisture gets behind the plate.
Is it worth paying more for USB sockets?
If you have limited socket outlets (common in older houses), they are a lifesaver. They free up the 3-pin plugs for lamps or appliances. Just ensure you buy the 'quality' ones like the BG model listed, as cheap unbranded USB sockets often have slow charging speeds and annoying coil whine noises.

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