If you’ve ever tried to plug something in to an outlet box that sticks out too far from the wall, you know how frustrating it can be. These boxes are notorious for being difficult to reach and even more challenging to plug things into. But there is a solution! This blog post will show you how to fix an outlet box that sticks out too far from the wall. So read on for tips and tricks that will help you make your electrical outlets more accessible.
Fixing an outlet box that sticks out too far from the wall is important for a few reasons. First, it can be challenging to plug things into an outlet if the box sticks out too far. Second, outlet boxes that stick out too far are more susceptible to being damaged or knocked out of place. And finally, an outlet box that sticks out too far can be a safety hazard, as it makes it easier for people to touch the wiring accidentally.
Summary: Fixing an outlet box that sticks out too far requires several steps, including gathering tools, determining how far the box sticks out, marking cut points, cutting metal conduit (FMC), removing the old outlet box, installing ground screws, inserting wire connectors, attaching FMC and pulling wires through FMC. Then reattach the outlet box and trim FMC before enjoying how much your new outlet box sticks out!
Required Materials
To fix an outlet box that sticks out too far from the wall, you’ll need the following materials:
- Level
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Circular saw
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Screw anchors
- Outlet box
- Screws
How to Fix an Outlet Box that Sticks out Too Far Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Tools
If your outlet box is sticking out too far, you will need to gather a few tools to fix it. These tools include channel locks or pliers, a stud finder, and a drill. Some people also recommend a hammer, but all you need is one of the first three items listed.
You can also use a hammer and level for this work, though the hammer is optional. It can be helpful for tapping the outlet box back into place if needed. The level can help ensure your outlet box is straight before attaching it to the wall.
Step 2: Determine How Far the Box Sticks Out
To find out how far an outlet box sticks out, you can measure the distance from the edge of the box to the surface it is mounted on. Another way to determine this is by using a level. First, make sure the level is plumb (or perpendicular) against the wall. Then, hold it up to the outlet box to see how far it sticks out.
Also, when measuring from the edge of the box, make sure you measure from where the cover would be, not from where the wires come out.
You can measure how far the outlet is sticking out from its set point. This will be how much you need to shorten the flexible metal conduit (FMC).
Step 3: Mark Cut Points
Use a marker or pencil to mark 2 points on your FMC where you wish to cut it. Make sure that the marks are on the same side of your FMC and that they will both be in a straight line after you make the cuts.
Step 4: Cut Metal Conduit (FMC)
You can see how to do this in video five below. Be sure not to cut yourself when cutting metal conduits, as they can be very sharp.
Step 5: Remove Old Outlet Box
The next step involves removing the old outlet box. Turn off the power to the outlet by flipping the breaker switch in your home’s main electrical panel or fuse box. You should then remove the center screw that holds your current wiring devices. Once this is done, the old outlet box should pull right out of the wall.
Step 6: Install Ground Screws
You need to put some screws in the ground where your outlet box was. You can figure out how deep the screws need to go by taking the height of your outlet and dividing it by two.
Step 7: Insert Wire Connectors
Your next step involves inserting the wire connectors in the main electrical panel box to allow you to attach your flexible metal conduit (FMC). You can use pliers to do this if they are not self-threading. These connectors should be placed between where your circuit breakers are.
Step 8: Attach FMC
Next is to attach the flexible metal conduit (FMC) to your main electrical panel box and your new outlet box. You can do this by using a drill with a screwdriver bit to run screws through female threads on the side of the FMC. Make sure that you tighten these screws well.
Step 9: Pull Wires Through FMC
Your next step is to pull the wires through your flexible metal conduit (FMC) and attach them to the new outlet box. This can be done by removing a knockout pin from one side of your FMC with a hammer and a screwdriver bit. Your wire should then be able to fit inside.
Step 10: Reattach Outlet Box
Your final step is to reattach your outlet box by screwing the center screw back in and attaching your new wire connectors inside the main electrical panel box. You can then turn on your power switch to test how much the FMC sticks out from where it originally was. If you want to know more about how to fix an outlet box that sticks out too far, keep reading.
Step 11: Trim FMC
Step 12: Enjoy How Much Your New Outlet Box Sticks Out!
After all the steps are complete, you should be able to enjoy how far your outlet box can stick out without breaking any rules or electrical codes in your area. It would help if you also were happy that how much it sticks out will not affect how far your outlet plugs can reach.
Can You Fix an Outlet Box That Sticks Out Too Far
As with any home improvement project, you should shut the power off to the outlet before attempting any work. This is a very simple task if you are working with one outlet box, but if you are working with multiple outlets, it’s a good idea to mark each one before shutting the power off. It will make it easier for you to remember which light switch goes to what after everything has been put back together.
Here, we had an outlet box that sticks out too far. I read that following any standards, the builder nailed a 2×4 to the wall and installed the outlet there. We had to work around this when we added in our new light fixtures and ceiling fans—Kee reading for more information about how to fix an outlet box that sticks out too far.
Frequently Asked Question
How Do You Fix a Recessed Outlet Box?
There are a few ways to fix a recessed outlet box. You can use a wider box, you can use shims, or you can use a recessed outlet cover.
How Far Should an Electrical Box Stick Out?
The electrical box should stick out about 1/4 inch from the surface. If it sticks out too far, it can be a safety hazard.
How Do You Fix an Oversized Outlet in Drywall?
If the outlet box is too large for the hole in the drywall, you can use a wider box. You can also use shims to raise the box up, so it is even with the surface of the drywall. If either of these solutions works, you can use a recessed outlet cover to hide the oversized outlet.
How Do You Fix an Oversized Outlet in Drywall?
If the outlet box is too large for the hole in the drywall, you can use a wider box. You can also use shims to raise the box up, so it is even with the surface of the drywall. If either of these solutions works, you can use a recessed outlet cover to hide the oversized outlet.
What Is the Maximum Distance that A Receptacle Wall Box Can Be Set Back from The Finished Surface?
According to the National Electrical Code, “a receptacle wall box can be set back from the finished surface a maximum distance of 2 1/4 inches.”
You Can Check It Out To Fix Door Trim that Is Too Short
The Conclusion Paragraph
If you have an outlet box that sticks out too far and is in the way of your furniture, here’s how to fix it. Â R moves the screws from both sides of the faceplate with a screwdriver. Pul off the cover plates on each side by sliding them up and then pulling straight back (put these somewhere safe). Move anything blocking access to all four wires coming into or going out of this junction box; if necessary, loosen any clamps holding wiring in place.
Next, remove one wire at a time until there are only two left – they should be white and black/neutral-colored for 120 volts AC systems red and black/hot color for 240 volts AC systems. You can try these tricks to fix an outlet box that sticks out too far. Call an electrician if you still have problems after trying all of the tips! Thanks for reading our post about how to fix an outlet box that sticks out too far.