partially covering a switch box

[mike93lx]

I have a 3-gang box at my house's entryway with only two switches. I've had a cover plate in the third opening for a while, which works fine, just doesn't look great. I've thought about installing an outlet in the extra space, but I just don't need to plug things in often enough for it to be worth it.

I'm planning to install some wainscoting with a hardboard panel covering the existing drywall. Can I cover up 1/3 of the box with the hardboard and then use a 2-gang cover or is that not kosher?

 

[mm08822]

Not kosher. Change the box to 2 gang.

 

[CJ7VFR]

I you don't want to go to the trouble of changing out the box to a 2 gang box, you could always put a third switch in the unused spot, and buy a three switch wall plate. The third switch can be left unused until such a time as you think of something else to control.

Only you (and your family) would know the third switch is not hooked up to anything.

And it will cost you about $10 to buy a new switch and cover plate.

Jim

 

[mike93lx]

I you don't want to go to the trouble of changing out the box to a 2 gang box, you could always put a third switch in the unused spot, and buy a three switch wall plate. The third switch can be left unused until such a time as you think of something else to control.

Only you (and your family) would know the third switch is not hooked up to anything.

And it will cost you about $10 to buy a new switch and cover plate.

Jim

i already have a three switch plate on it with a blank cover. It's not a gaping hole right now.

 

[mike93lx]

Not kosher. Change the box to 2 gang.

thanks.

 

[CJ7VFR]

i already have a three switch plate on it with a blank cover. It's not a gaping hole right now.

You could also put in/wire in a simple "Night light" type device in the empty position. This would give you some light in that location for when you come home and the house is dark.

Or even a motion sensor in the empty spot to turn a light on in the entryway.

Jim

 

[mike93lx]

You could also put in/wire in a simple "Night light" type device in the empty position. This would give you some light in that location for when you come home and the house is dark.

Or even a motion sensor in the empty spot to turn a light on in the entryway.

Jim

good ideas, I've thought about stuff like that, but we come in via the garage, so a nightlight isn't necessary and the entry way is open to the living room (split entry ranch), so a motion sensor would probably be more annoying than helpful.

I can't remember what was in there when we bought the house, but i think there were two slots taken up for a timer on the outdoor light plus an override switch. I've since replaced that will an astronomical timer that has an integrated override, hence the extra slot.

maybe it's worth ripping out the box and replacing it.

 

[Dustball]

Simple- install a third light switch that's not connected to anything and don't tell anyone.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Installing a switch blank would be the easiest way. They're available at HD
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Blank-Insert-for-Toggle-Switch-White-R02-80700-00W/203296450
They also carry blanks for Decora style too.

 

[mike93lx]

Installing a switch blank would be the easiest way. They're available at HD
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Blank-Insert-for-Toggle-Switch-White-R02-80700-00W/203296450
They also carry blanks for Decora style too.

Yeah, already have one and mentioned it twice in this thread.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Is that what you meant by a blank cover?

 

[AntonLargiader]

Can you put a metal cover over the 3rd space and then wainscot over that?

 

[mm08822]

Can you put a metal cover over the 3rd space and then wainscot over that?

.NO.

 

[PressOn]

Well, I can't post a picture or a link.
So, search Amazon (or Google) for:
"Smooth White Three Gang Wall Plate - Two Toggle Switches One Blank"
and you will come up with another option.
Good luck.

 

[AntonLargiader]

.NO.

Why not? It would function like an offset mud ring.

https://www.garvinindustries.com/co...vice-rings/one-gang-offset-device-rings/52c11

OP, how thick is the wainscot? Maybe you can use some sort of mud ring.

 

[mike93lx]

Is that what you meant by a blank cover?

Yes, if the nomenclature was misleading or confusing, my bad.

Why not? It would function like an offset mud ring.

https://www.garvinindustries.com/co...vice-rings/one-gang-offset-device-rings/52c11

OP, how thick is the wainscot? Maybe you can use some sort of mud ring.

The hardboard around the switches will only be 1/8. Just installing it to cover some imperfections in the wall.

 

[mm08822]

Why not? It would function like an offset mud ring.

https://www.garvinindustries.com/co...vice-rings/one-gang-offset-device-rings/52c11

OP, how thick is the wainscot? Maybe you can use some sort of mud ring.

Gang boxes are installed to be flush with the finished surface to meet code for combustible surfaces.

How could you add a cover to one gang & not be seen from the surface while the other two gangs remain flush and open to the surface?

 

[AntonLargiader]

His existing surface is drywall so the box may not be flush. Is your objection that it is difficult, or that it's not allowed?

Mike, how flush is the existing box to the drywall? I think code allows it to be up to 1/4" recessed.

 

[mike93lx]

His existing surface is drywall so the box may not be flush. Is your objection that it is difficult, or that it's not allowed?

Mike, how flush is the existing box to the drywall? I think code allows it to be up to 1/4" recessed.

Not certain, but most of the boxes have been recessed at least 1/4". House was built in 1970.

 

[mm08822]

His existing surface is drywall so the box may not be flush. Is your objection that it is difficult, or that it's not allowed?

Mike, how flush is the existing box to the drywall? I think code allows it to be up to 1/4" recessed.

1/4" is the limit for non-combustible surfaces - which drywall is. Recessed is better than protruding so I think most favor a slight setback.

Once the OP adds wainscoting, the surface becomes combustible and boxes need to be flush to the surface.

I would say it is not allowed as I don't believe a listed cover like that exists - unless of course we are talking cover plates which the OP doesn't want anymore.

One could easily be made but it would not be listed.

 

[mike93lx]

1/4" is the limit for non-combustible surfaces - which drywall is. Recessed is better than protruding so I think most favor a slight setback.

Once the OP adds wainscoting, the surface becomes combustible and boxes need to be flush to the surface.

I would say it is not allowed as I don't believe a listed cover like that exists - unless of course we are talking cover plates which the OP doesn't want anymore.

One could easily be made but it would not be listed.

Interesting, thanks.

Might be best to cut the old box, patch the 3rd gang and install an old work box once the new paneling is up. That solves the sizing and "flushness" at once.

An aside, since fire code is being discussed...on the ceiling of an attached garage, which requires type-x, can one install box-less wafer led's? The ones that you cut a 4ish" hole and snap in the fixture? If yes, is there a qty or surface area restriction?

 

[Slupie]

https://www.garvinindustries.com/co...rwW00nvsg_kDP1EZoOtPgdKV6xshsmZRoCClUQAvD_BwE

In Cook Co, IL single mud rings https://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-Square-Single-Device-Mud-Ring-Raised-5-8-in-8768/100582949 are used everywhere on 2 gang boxes.

 

[mike93lx]

https://www.garvinindustries.com/co...rwW00nvsg_kDP1EZoOtPgdKV6xshsmZRoCClUQAvD_BwE

In Cook Co, IL single mud rings https://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-Square-Single-Device-Mud-Ring-Raised-5-8-in-8768/100582949 are used everywhere on 2 gang boxes.

Thanks. Neither will work in this application though

 

[Norcal]

https://www.garvinindustries.com/co...rwW00nvsg_kDP1EZoOtPgdKV6xshsmZRoCClUQAvD_BwE

In Cook Co, IL single mud rings https://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-Square-Single-Device-Mud-Ring-Raised-5-8-in-8768/100582949 are used everywhere on 2 gang boxes.

Crook County is in EMT land, so will not apply much in residential much outside Chicago & it's suburbs. Those are not 2-gang boxes, they are 4 square or regional trade slang referred to as 1900 boxes.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

If you already have a switch blank there, it sounds like the problem is already solved. If yiu really don’t like it, your options would be a dummy switch, nightlight, or USB receptacle and put a little shelf above or below it for charging phones or a small flashlight. Or remove the box and install a 2-gang box.

 

[alfredeneuman]

If you already have a switch blank there, it sounds like the problem is already solved.

How is it solved when he's covering 1/3 of the box with wainscoat.
He would couldn't remove the coverplate to access the box.

 

[checkthisout]

I have a 3-gang box at my house's entryway with only two switches. I've had a cover plate in the third opening for a while, which works fine, just doesn't look great. I've thought about installing an outlet in the extra space, but I just don't need to plug things in often enough for it to be worth it.

I'm planning to install some wainscoting with a hardboard panel covering the existing drywall. Can I cover up 1/3 of the box with the hardboard and then use a 2-gang cover or is that not kosher?

Is this what you have already? If it is, stop trifling. Any solution other than this requires box tear out and replacement.

Tearing the box out would be easy as your wainscot will cover up the hole you made and a remodel box will pop right in.

View media item 91130

 

[mike93lx]

Is this what you have already? If it is, stop trifling. Any solution other than this requires box tear out and replacement.

Tearing the box out would be easy as your wainscot will cover up the hole you made and a remodel box will pop right in.

View media item 91130

No, i have a three switch wall plate with a blank switch filler plate. But essentially the same result, neither look good

 

[AntonLargiader]

Were you thinking of running the new switch plate over the wainscot? Or cutting it out so the switch plate was on the original wall and the wainscot wrapped around it? I’ve seen it both ways.

The first option is more work because of all the depth mismatches and it would probably be easier to just replace the box. Way better looking, though. The second way I can see covering the third space with a metal plate under the wainscot. It’s gotta be safer than the wooden switch covers that are sold and used everywhere.

 

[mike93lx]

Were you thinking of running the new switch plate over the wainscot? Or cutting it out so the switch plate was on the original wall and the wainscot wrapped around it? I’ve seen it both ways.

The first option is more work because of all the depth mismatches and it would probably be easier to just replace the box. Way better looking, though. The second way I can see covering the third space with a metal plate under the wainscot. It’s gotta be safer than the wooden switch covers that are sold and used everywhere.

I want the plate on top of the hardboard, so i'll likely cut out the box and replace with an old work

 

[checkthisout]

I would fish a new wire to the box then to an outside outlet for lights and such.