Light switch covers don't fit on newly tiled backstop?
Question:I tiled my kitchen counter and backstop and when I went to put the light switch covers back on I realized they don't fit any more because the tile is too thick. The covers don't reach the sockets. Any way to fix this? Thanks
Answers:
you need 6-32 screws 1 1/2 long place the screw through the strap on the switch and put a nut on it , then screw it in to the box the nut will make it so your switches and outlets do not rock . you may not need the nut behind on the switches but you will on the outlets.
them green shims they make for outlets cost more and do not work as good and are harder to install.
you do not need a box extention because the tile is non flammable there is no issue of going against any electrical code .
trim them...
Buy longer screws and reinstall the outlet itself so it is further out. It will seem loose but when the cover it put back on it will tighten up.
There can be a problem with the cover cracking if the outlet is plugged and unplugged often. You may have to look into maybe putting washers behind the outlet on the screw for more solid support.
Release the screws from the box the outlet is in. At the hardware store they sell these backplates. Pull the box out to meet the tile, but the backplate around the box and screw the outlet box into it. Easy job.
Yea, you can buy a box extender at Lowe's or Home Depot. They look like a thin box with an open back. Screw it up to your old box, pull the wires through and mount the switch.
Get longer screws.
Yes. You can unscrew the switch from the box and put washers as spacers behind it. It will move the switch forward, and it will still work fine. Did it in my kitchen for the same reason. I didnt even need a longer screw.
Longer screws.
You will probably have to unscrew at the top and bottom of the sockets, and put something under the screw that extends the socket forward farther. I think there are extenders. Check at the tiling section, or electrical section of a big hardware supply store. They will know for sure.
yes you need to shim the sockets or outlets take sockets lolose screws will stay in ose a small plastic nut or anything you can use as a shim no need to take wires off make sure electric is off be for you work on these have done this many times .i think home depot has what you need i think they make shims for exactly what you need
you need to shim the switch out,,
i think they call it a mud ring
made for moving plugs and switches out
HAS ANYONE READ THE TOP CONTRIBUTOR??
HOW DID THEY GET TO BE A TC WITH STUPID ANSWERS LIKE THIS??
PS to vincent on code--what is this??
314.20 In Wall or Ceiling
In walls or ceilings with a surface of concrete, tile, gypsum,
plaster, or other noncombustible material, boxes employing
a flush-type cover or faceplate shall be installed so that the
front edge of the box, plaster ring, extension ring, or listed
extender will not be set back of the finished surface more
than 6 mm (1⁄4 in.).
You will have to pull the outlets, & switches out from behind the tiles, & remount them (maybe using longer screws) so that the mounting flanges are resting on the tile surface. Then the covers will reach.
If you tiled over the mounting flanges then you will have to try to chip away as much of the tile that is necessary to free up the outlets, & switches. Don't worry if the edges are rough, you should have enough leeway because the covers will hide the damage as long as you are careful.
There will be enough wire inside the box to allow you to pull the outlets, & switches out far enough to clear the tiles & then some.
Take care!
There are plastic extension that insert into the box just for this purpose they sell them at home depot this will protect the wall and tile from electrical arch be safe get these extensions they will allow the plug to set firmly in place. GOOD LUCK
What you probably need is to go to your hardware store and buy an extension for your box. What that will do is bring the face of the electric switch box out to where it should be. This way your switch will still be solid and secure not out in open space.
Or you can do what everyone has said get longer screws. They make both.
You should have taken all reciprocal, switches loose and put the tile behind them . Then replaced them and the covers would work.
Unless you can get the plugs loose and out to face of tile (you will need longer screw maybe) You can just get longer screw for cover but there will be void to the rec.
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