I have an outlet that I’ve replaced before, however it’s an extremely tight fit in the old metal box. It doesn’t get completely tight causing it to move around an arc/charred the outlet. The box itself is wobbly. And when u put the new outlet in it’s almost touching the sides of the box.
What’s the best course of action, ripping out the metal box which I’m sure is a pain and putting new bigger plastic box in?
The wiring doesn’t have a lot of extra play either.
Power is currently off to that circuit.
Replies
How old is this plaster, wood lath behind?
House was built in 67’, it’s rock lath wall.
In my house I would replace the box. But you could try wrapping the outlet with electrical tape. Maybe even add tape to the side of the metal box
I have tried the electrical tape route and it did not prevent the arcing
If you’ve wrapped the receptacle in tape and it’s still arcing, you’ve wrapped it wrong. Electricity doesn’t arc through electrical tape. I never install a receptacle without wrapping it. You can cut the old box out and replace it with a new plastic box made for old work. Then patch if necessary.
That’s exactly what I did, thanks for all the help, was somewhat of a bugger to get that old metal box out but did it without too much wall damage!
Glad it worked out!
Next time you have this problem the short and quick way is don't take the handy box out. Cut the power to the circuit, remove the receptacle, remove the wire clamp entirely, push the wire out of the way, put a piece of 2 X 2" in the box, and smack it with a hammer until the box is behind the drywall. Use a bar between the stud and box to pry it over, reach in and remove the wire. Leave the box in the wall.