electrical outlets after backsplash installation?
May 16, 2010
I’m about to tile my kitchen backsplash with glass tiles and was wondering how to deal with the electrical outlets. they will not be flush with the wall after the job is done. how do you make them flush and still be with code? longer screws? box extenders maybe? spacers? info much appreciated!
Posted in Glass Tile Backsplash
content rss
May 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
there is something called a socco ring.they are plastic so you can cut them to fit. they will bring the mounting screws closer to the surface
May 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
All you need to do is remove the two screws that hold the outlets in the box and pull them out while you are tiling.
After you are finished, wrap the connections with black electrical tape and push them back into the boxes. You may need longer screws, depends on you tile thickness. Glass is not a conducter of electricity so you should be fine. The tape is to protect the outlet and keep the wires in place should a screw work it’s way loose.
If the wires are the type that were not screwed on but inserted through a hole in the back of the outlet, now would be a good time to change them.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Myself, I would have brought the boxes out if I was tiling there. If it adds a 1/2" or so to that depth then moving them out first would have been best. There are box extenders available, if the right depth for the needs in your kitchen project that should hopefully fit well you would need take your trusty tape measure along to determine what depth would work best for you. Generally, any extra depth of only one 1/2" or less over flush I will simply use longer screws and be done with it. Code? It depends on the inspector, if you have chosen to do everything by the book and include the permit but most people dont bother as long as they can get away with it, lol.
Michael
May 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
get half inch longer screws my man,
probably 6-32 1inch .25?
the key is to cut the tile so u leave an opening for the screws
to go into,that wasy the metal outlet will rest against the tile
May 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Take the outlet cover off and loosen the 2 screws holding the outlet in. and pull the outlet out the thickness of you tiles and thinset. When done tiling and grouting simply tighten the screws and replace your outlet cover. Just be sure to cut the tile and not to cover up the screw holes.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
longer screws.the tile is fire proof.no problem.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
You can take the boxes that are there out and use an adjustable box which has a screw on the side of it allowing you to move the box in or out simply by turning the screw. Box extenders would also work, you just need some longer screws (6-32s) to go with it. 2 1/2” screws should be enough. You may have to lengthen the wires, which you can easily do by pig-tailing. Good luck!