Electrical Outlets are set back too deep
JFink
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Hey everybody,
I’m not much of an electrician, so when I had a guy come in to work on my latest basement remodel job he set the boxes flush with the studs and (stupidly) I didn’t notice until after I had the drywall in place.
So now I have electrical boxes that are about a 1/2-in. back from the surface of the drywall…which makes it damn near impossible to set the cover plates properly.
Any clever solutions?
Justin Fink – FHB Editorial
Replies
J,
I aren't a electrimicacian eeder, but,
Longer screws?
SamT
I take it your guy didn't install drywall rings to attach the devices to? Curses!
There are spacers you can buy from Home Repot or any electrical supply store which fit over the screws that attach the device to the box. They will build up the 1/2" or so gap between the surface of the gyp bd. and the box. You might need to get longer screws than those on your device, too. I believe the size is 6-32
DW rings (aka mud rings, plaster rings) are not what he needs. They go on larger boxes and both reduce the opening and also have an extension on them.What he needs are called Box Extenders. Commonly available in the electrical supply houses, but the box stores also have some.
Dang it, Bill, you hit 'post' a minute ahead of me. Knew I shouldn't have looked for a pic ;)
jt8
It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. --Chinese proverb
Would a box extension work for you? Pictured one is good for 1/4"-1" extension.
View Image
jt8
It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. --Chinese proverb
You can use box extensions (available at elect. supply) and longer screws for the devices.
I'm just finishing a new home that had nearly every wall (interior and exterior) sheared both sides. HO and his brother did the wiring and set all the boxes with 1/2" reveal off the studs....The brothers had to go back and extend over 200 boxes after the rock was hung!
While they're expensive, I really like the adjustable boxes in these applications. They have over an inch of travel and can save a lot of time.
Big boxes and electrical supply houses sell plastic box extenders that have the same sized opening as the original box. They come in varying depths and are color-coded. So, if you need to extend all your boxes exactly 1/2", you could go that route. Easy.
Personally, I use the metal ones that John posted the picture of. They sleeve inside the original box and, as he wrote, are more versatile by being able to make up different depths.
With those metal extenders, though, a word of caution. I prefer to wrap the outlet or switch with a couple wrappings of electrical tape to cover the terminal screws. It'd be very easy to short an outlet/switch with a poorly installed metal extender if the screws were not covered.
Thanks guys, I knew there had to be an easy solution....now I just have to make sure I don't get electrocuted
...did I mention I'm not much of an electrician? :)Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
don't U know any good subs?
U oughta get out more ... make some builder-guy friends ...
find a website 'er something.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
You need box extenions, 1/2 or 5/8" deep to match the DW thickness accordingly. You should be able to find what you need at an electrical supply house.
RELAX... The work can wait... The fish might be biting...