ive bought some new metal light switches which will be flush with the wall, however the decrease in space between the plate and box in the wall leaves a little gap which obviously is not safe.
I think you can square piece of plastic which sits between the wall/ box and the plate for the light switch but not sure what is is called and where i can get them from.
ps based in uk
2007-08-29 23:50:20 · 12 answers · asked by johnmyers001 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You want to try "City Electrical Factors" (CEF) they are an electrical trade suplier but you can do cash sales without an account.
http://www.cef.co.uk/
2007-08-29 23:59:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flush Light Switch
2016-11-04 03:26:54 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patress plates from an electricial wholesalers
they will not look good
why isn't the switch pulling up against the plaster ? If the switch is pushing against the wires or back box you would be better replacing the back boxes with deeper ones. More hassle, but you'll get the best effect for your flush metal fronts.
2007-08-30 00:07:14 · answer #3 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, you can get spacers, but they will not look good with metal switches. Suffer it for now, with a plastic spacer. When you go to decorate the room, put power off the house, very carefully chip out the old box, beware of the cables.... remove the old box, get a deeper box, fit it and sorted.
2007-08-30 22:34:01 · answer #4 · answered by johncob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seems a waste fitting thin plate switches with packers!! Try re-arranging the cables in the box to make more space, or better still fit deeper boxes. If you MUSt use a spacer they are called 'Finger sheilds' probably get them in B & Q? though I must say I hate the sight of them.
2007-08-30 05:21:28 · answer #5 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to remember that switches and outlets tighten to the cover and not the box so back out the screws that are holding your switch to the box evenly and a bit at a time till you have the fit you desire. They do also make spacer for this but I have never had a need for them
2007-08-31 01:35:44 · answer #6 · answered by francis507 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loosen the swrews that hold them in the box .When you put the cover plate on they will tightenn up and work fine. This is common when someone replaces switches they over tighten the screws that hold them in the box.
2007-08-30 00:00:02 · answer #7 · answered by getrdone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you investigated the fact that the fixing screws are simply to long? Trim a little off with a pair of nippers or hacksaw, if it is the back of the switch that is bigger you will need deeper boxes, hope this helps.
2007-08-31 09:05:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What about using those little lightweight foam squares that are made to stop air leakage in light switchs?
Or could that be what you are talking about.Or maybe cutting some pieces of clear plastic like they use for making stencils.? These you could get a Michael*s craft storesss.
Maybe try Google; light switch air blockers?
2007-08-30 00:01:13 · answer #9 · answered by llittle mama 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to increase the depth of the wall box.
Flush mounting light switches often need to be mounted with deeper wall boxes because of the reduced clearance. This is the only safe way to wire them - had to do it myself.
2007-08-29 23:59:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can purchase small sheets of plastic in various thicknesses at hobby supply stores and hardware stores. Not only can you find plastic in sheets, but in several colors, hopefully you can find a perfect match of accent.
2007-08-30 00:01:26 · answer #11 · answered by ZoneRider 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋