- A stack of 3-4 spacers is usually sufficient to extend the outlet out far enough for most backsplash tiling.
- You need 2 stacks of spacers—1 to put underneath each screw that holds the outlet in place.
How do you use a box extender to extend an outlet?
Once you are sure the power is off, remove the mounting screws holding the outlet receptacle or switch to the electrical box. Gently pull the device out of the electrical box. Slip the box extender over the device and slide it into the electrical box. The fit should be tight.
Can you extend an outlet with tiles on the wall?
These are the brackets that screws go through to hold the outlet to the outlet box in the wall. Don’t try to extend the outlet before the tiles are on the wall because it will be very difficult to get the spacing just right if you do it that way.
How do I mount the tiles around an electrical outlet?
Mount the tiles around the outlet as close as you can get them to the edges of the outlet box without covering up either of the mounting straps. [1] The outlets mounting straps are the 2 metal brackets at the top and bottom or left and right of the outlet, depending how it is oriented.
Are box extenders necessary for remodeling?
Box Extenders Are Helpful For Remodeling Projects. The electrical code requires that all electrical boxes, including those holding outlets, switches, or light fixtures, must be installed so that the front face is flush with the wall surface. This is to ensure that the box is sealed and the wires inside properly protected.
Does backsplash need outlet extender?
A tile backsplash is a classy way to spruce up any kitchen or bathroom wall. If you want to install wall tiles around an electrical outlet, extend the outlet so it sits flush against the face of the new backsplash, rather than sinking into the wall.
How do you cut electrical boxes for tile?
0:004:27How to Cut Tile Around Outlets (Easy Accurate Cuts!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's always important to know the specifications of the grinder in the diamond blade this is theMoreIt's always important to know the specifications of the grinder in the diamond blade this is the fine wsg. Seven one one five this angle grinder is specifically meant for four and a half inch.
How do I extend my electrical conduit?
2:406:41How To Extend an Electrical Outlet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe conduit that just snaps into the other part and then when you tighten the cap there you go youMoreThe conduit that just snaps into the other part and then when you tighten the cap there you go you have a watertight connection very very slick. No need for any tools at all for. That.
How do you cut an outlet for a backsplash?
0:2210:42How To Cut Tiles Around Outlet --- Irregular Subway Tile BacksplashYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can take take these out but in general you're going to want these tabs of the electrical outletMoreYou can take take these out but in general you're going to want these tabs of the electrical outlet to sit on the tile. That's going to bring the outlet out to the appropriate height.
Can you tile over electrical outlets?
2:077:39How to tile around an electrical outlet, Kitchen backsplash - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou always want to make sure that you let the ears of the plugs sit on top of the tile. So that whenMoreYou always want to make sure that you let the ears of the plugs sit on top of the tile. So that when you tighten it down it'll sit flush. Next one and this is what it looks like before I put it in.
Can I extend electrical wiring?
Solution: Extend wires | If you run into short wires, there's an easy fix. Simply add 6-in. extensions onto the existing wires. The photo shows a type of wire connector that's easier to install in tight spots.
How do you extend a junction box?
17:2825:38How to Install Junction J-box Extend Wiring in Wall for Light Fixture RomexYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis will be covered by a faceplate a white faceplate. So I'll just do my wiring in here strip thisMoreThis will be covered by a faceplate a white faceplate. So I'll just do my wiring in here strip this slice it onto here patch this hole up I'll. Go put my bracket on from now in my lamp. And then.
How do you extend electric wires in a wall?
0:191:03Dealing With Electrical Wires That Are Too Short - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe spring clips inside the connectors. Hold the wires in. Place. Once you've made all theMoreThe spring clips inside the connectors. Hold the wires in. Place. Once you've made all the connections push. The connectors towards the back of the box and hook up the new switch or outlet.
How do I tile around electrical outlets?
0:122:41How To Extend Electrical Outlets Over Tile - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to be able to tighten the outlet or switch down we need to install a spacer behind the outletMoreSo to be able to tighten the outlet or switch down we need to install a spacer behind the outlet mounting straps. This product or one like it is sold at most hardware.
How do you cut ceramic tile around an outlet without a wet saw?
1:108:365 Ways to Cut Tile - Everything You Need to Know for Your ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can cut porcelain with these tools you'll just need a bigger stronger version one thing to noteMoreYou can cut porcelain with these tools you'll just need a bigger stronger version one thing to note here is that the edge of the tile won't be perfectly smooth.
How do you put an outlet cover on tile?
0:052:25Install Electrical Box Extenders for Tile or Stone - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you've got any outlets where your stones going you might want to get some of these electrical boxMoreIf you've got any outlets where your stones going you might want to get some of these electrical box extenders they're really cheap a couple bucks and basically it brings out that outlet.
Can you cut tile with an angle grinder?
Angle grinders and rotary tools are effective ways to cut tile while it's still glued to the wall or floor. Mark the location of the cut with a marker or pencil. Fix a piece of masking tape along the mark to make the line easier to follow and help prevent chipping.
Why do you need to install an electrical box?
The electrical code requires that all electrical boxes, including those holding outlets, switches, or light fixtures, must be installed so that the front face is flush with the wall surface. This is to ensure that the box is sealed and the wires inside properly protected.
What is a box extender?
Box extenders are metal or plastic rings available in varying sizes and depths to fit snugly around or just inside an existing electrical box. When installed over an existing box, they extend the box so it is flush with the front face of the wall, thereby creating a code-approved enclosure for the wire connections inside.
How to reattach a switch to a box?
The holes for the mounting screws on the extender should match up exactly with the holes on the existing box. Push the switch or receptacle back into place, so the mounting holes on the strap line up with the holes in the box, then reattach the device to the box, using the mounting screws. If the existing screws are too short, you can replace them with longer screws to accommodate the added depth created by the extender.
How to check if an outlet is off?
Check the outlet or switch for power using a non-contact circuit tester. Once you are sure the power is off, remove the mounting screws holding the outlet receptacle or switch to the electrical box. Gently pull the device out of the electrical box by pulling on the mounting strap.
Can an electrical box be recessed back into the wall?
Sometimes an electrical box is improperly installed so that the front edge of the box is recessed back into the wall —a problem that occurs most often during remodeling, such as when new paneling or backsplashes are installed over an existing wall surface. Fortunately, there is an easy fix—a device known as a box extender .
Can you use an extender on a recessed box?
Your extender needs to cover the gap around the box fully, and it may overlap the box slightly when you insert it. It doesn't matter the material of your box, you can get a box extender in either material.
Where to mount tiles around outlet?
The outlets mounting straps are the 2 metal brackets at the top and bottom or left and right of the outlet, depending how it is oriented.
How to space an outlet with a coiled piece of wire?
If you used a coiled piece of wire, washers, or nuts instead of spacers to space the outlet, just slide the improvised spacers over the screws after you put the screws through the holes in the outlet's mounting straps. The process is the same as using the plastic spacers.
What is a tile backsplash?
A tile backsplash is a classy way to spruce up any kitchen or bathroom wall. If you want to install wall tiles around an electrical outlet, extend the outlet so it sits flush against the face of the new backsplash, rather than sinking into the wall. With some handy plastic spacers made just for this job, this is a project you can easily do yourself ...
What to do if you aren't sure which switch controls power to the outlet?
If you aren’t sure which switch controls power to the outlet, you can try testing different switches until you find the right one or just turn off the master power switch to shut down everything.
Can you extend an outlet before tile?
Don’t try to extend the outlet before the tiles are on the wall because it will be very difficult to get the spacing just right if you do it that way. It’s much easier to wait until the backsplash is done so you can space the outlet perfectly according to the thickness of the tiling.
Can you over tighten a faceplate?
Be careful not to overtighten the faceplate or you could damage it, especially if it is plastic. Just tighten the screws enough to hold it flat against the backsplash.
Can you wrap wire into a coil?
If you can't find any spacers, you could wrap a piece of wire up into a coil until it is thick enough to extend the outlet.You could also stack up some small metal washers or nut-type fasteners. The concept is the same as using the plastic spacers. ...
How far back can a metal box extender be?
If you're in an area that follows National Electrical Code (NEC), the boxes cannot be set back more than 1/4" (6 mm).
Where can I find electrical outlet spacers?
You can google a product called the "Electrical Outlet Spacer" or find it on Amazon. I used these for the purpose of bringing my outlets and switches flush with the new tile surface after installing a new back splash in my kitchen. They worked great and were easy to size properly.
How far from finished surface can you use spacers?
If the box is less than 1/4" from the finished surface, you can use as many spacers as needed to mount the receptacle in such a way that the yoke is held rigidly at the finished surface.
Getting outlets to sit flush after adding a backsplash
Just a few months ago, my uncle was in town and helped me to upgrade most of the outlets in the kitchen to GFCI. I knew that I’d probably need to extend them out slightly once the tile backsplash went in.
Another option for outlet extensions after tiling or loose outlets
I tried installing the extender to see if this would fix my wiggly outlet problem. Instead, I realized I didn’t seem to really need an extender at all.
Outlet extension spacers
There are little nubs on each piece that let you connect and stack multiple units together.
