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What to do about new thick backsplash , outlets

48windsor

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Joined
Jan 24, 2013
Messages
407
Location
Olympia ,Wa.
Im about to get quarts countertops and backsplash installed.
What should I do about new thickness?
Should I tear out existing boxes and put winged outletboxes after install
 
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Wiz02

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Joined
Jul 13, 2007
Messages
2,399
Location
Southeastern PA
Im about to get quarts countertops and backsplash installed.
What should I do about newthickness?
Should I tear out existing boxes and put winged outletboxes after install
They sell spacers at the big box stores or electic supply houses, of varying thicknesses that you attach to the existing boxes like you attach an outlet or switch, to bring it flush with the new tile.

You detach the outlet or switch, pull it out a little, attach the spacer, then reconnect the outlet or switch to the spacers which has the same threaded holes like a regular box.
 

Wiz02

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Joined
Jul 13, 2007
Messages
2,399
Location
Southeastern PA
Thank you !! Wiz02 .
I really appreciate your reply.
Prob just saved me a bunch of work too.
Thus the thread.
Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing:


 

larry4406

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Jan 27, 2006
Messages
19,131
Location
Northern Virginia
Those don't do anything to support the outlet (they slip inside the box).
It's used on combustible walls to extend the spark protection when the boxes are recessed.
Quartz isn't combustible
Please tell this to all the inspectors in my area in both MD and VA.

They require those exact extension rings in quartz, granite, marble, or ceramic black splashes. We also use them when the outlets are in wooden baseboard which I agree is combustible.

OP - leave your boxes in the wall as normal. Install your splash with proper cutouts measured extremely well and not large. Use these extension rings and longer screws.
 
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alfredeneuman

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Mar 3, 2011
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4,580
Location
Fullerton, CA
Please tell this to all the inspectors in my area in both MD and VA.

They require those exact extension rings in quartz, granite, marble, or ceramic black splashes. We also use them when the outlets are in wooden baseboard which I agree is combustible.
But he's in Washington.
As I understand, VA residential (I don't about MD) electrical codes don't go by the NEC. they are governed by the "International Residential Code".
 

JohnX14

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Jun 2, 2014
Messages
553
Location
Boston 'burbs
Please tell this to all the inspectors in my area in both MD and VA.

They require those exact extension rings in quartz, granite, marble, or ceramic black splashes. We also use them when the outlets are in wooden baseboard which I agree is combustible.

OP - leave your boxes in the wall as normal. Install your splash with proper cutouts measured extremely well and not large. Use these extension rings and longer screws.
Agree totally - code requires them. But from a practical perspective, you'd be lining a stone wall covering with a plastic liner. I'd skip the box extender completely and just use longer screws. This would technically be a violation of the NEC. Now if it were beadboard, nickelgap, wood baseboard, or anything other combustible material, I'd absolutely use the box extension.
 

larry4406

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Jan 27, 2006
Messages
19,131
Location
Northern Virginia
I did this and eliminated most of the holes in my backsplash.


Wouldn’t load for me due cookies etc. Spam like.

If this is wire mold from cabinets above it looks great when just complete. No outlets in the splash. Then you move in and plug your devices in and forever see chords dangling from above.
 

Norcal

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Joined
Mar 16, 2008
Messages
13,753
I'm too cheap for that but I have been known to wrap #12 or #14 solid around a Phillips screwdriver to make a spacer or 12. 8/32 nuts work well as long as it only needs a couple of them.
#14 wrapped around a scratch awl, is easier they are tapered to make slipping the coil off & use dykes to cut to desired length.
 
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