Fix Loose Wall Receptacles By Using Electrical Outlet Spacers | Fun Times Guide to Homebuilding/Remodel Guide

Once again, I found myself in the middle of another home remodeling project when a small problem arose and I learned something new in the process.

This time the solution to the problem was cheap and simple: electrical outlet spacers.

I ran into this unforeseen problem while installing new beadboard wainscoting in our kitchen and breakfast room. The electrical outlets were recessed after I installed the wainscoting and I wasn’t able to install the faceplate properly.

It’s a seemingly obvious problem, but it’s one small thing that I hadn’t thought about when planning out the project. But if there wasn’t some sort of hiccup during the course of a home DIY project, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.

I discovered that the electrical outlet needed to be pushed forward, somehow, in order for it to become flush with the beadboard paneling.

I could loosen the screws on the electrical outlet to bring it forward — but that would leave it loose and that wasn’t an option.

I headed to the home improvement center in search of a product that would solve my little dilemma. I always assume that I’m not the first person to have the problem I’ve encountered. Therefore, I know that there will almost always be a product that will take care of my home remodeling problem. If there’s not a product, then I usually I find that a little improvisation and ingenuity will see me through.

I had something in mind made of rubber or plastic — for fire and safety concerns. A UL listed product would be the way to go for peace of mind.

TIP: Be sure to cut the power to the receptacles at the breaker box prior to installing the spacers. You can do this with the power on, but you’ll need to know what to touch and what not to touch. If you’re not 100% certain, cut the power at the breaker box.

Why You Need Electrical Outlet Spacers

Here are a few of the reasons that you should use outlet spacers:

Loose receptacles could result in arcing.
You want that professionally installed look. It’s the small details that make it all come together.
They provide support for your outlets when plugging in devices.
A receptacle that is not flush will result in cracked or broken faceplates.
You may find yourself in violation of a building code if you leave your receptacles recessed.

The electrical outlet spacers that I purchased are Made in the USA and UL listed. Those are 2 very good reasons to buy them.

pushing-the-electrical-outlet-spacer-onto-the-receptacle.JPG

There are other brands and types of electrical outlet shims that work in an identical fashion. Just make sure that they are UL listed.

Be sure not to touch the sides of the receptacle. You’ll get a nasty jolt if you haven’t disabled the electricity flow.

What’s cool about this product (and a couple others I’ve seen) is that they can be piggy-backed (just like Legos) to any desired depth.

If you’re installing stone, tile, or rock on your walls, you can put a few of them together to make it right.

More Great Home Electrical Tips

Randy Boerstler

Writing a home building blog that chronicles new homes during different phases of construction from a consumers' point-of-view is rather unique and loads of fun. Basically, my tips are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building a quality home. So let's have fun seeing what's new in the housing market these days!

first-time homebuyer

Thank you so much! I bought my first home just over a year ago and I have this exact problem with the wainscoting. I, not knowing the first thing about these things, didn’t have a clue how to fix this unsightly problem. So can’t think you enough for this advice.
- Randy
  
  Cool. Glad I could help.
  - billshoff
    
    I have a box of assorted size springs and I’ve used them to push the outlet forward. Just put the spring on the screw between the outlet’s tabs and the wall box and tighten.
    I’ve also used faucet washers; they’re plastic.
jerry ibey

Randy, check out our U.L. recognized spacers.
http://www.secura-lets.com

Thanks Jerry
Danielle Greenwood

I just did the exact same thing… did you have to enlarge some holes do dig out the sockets? A lot of mine are a tight fit, I’m not able to get them unscrewed becaues the metal part is behind the beadboard… Yikes!
- Randy
  
  Danielle…I did loosen the top and bottom screw of the receptacle to bring it forward so it looks flush to the wall. You might have to adjust it a couple of times to get it just right. Thanks for asking a great question.
Anonymous

I was once given a free sample of different spacers that can be stacked to the desired height, which are UL rated. The UL rated spacers that I am taking about are gray or sometimes black. I am a little reluctant to use the spacers that you are talking about Randy because I don’t see on the bags where it says that they are UL rated.
- Randy
  
  Work_N_Mike…I still have the leftovers in the bag and you’re correct. They are not UL listed. I assume that they would put that on the bag if they were. These are intended to be used on oversized openings, tile, marble, etc. It also reads “…are not intended to be used in lieu of standard means of support of when in conflict with governing electrical codes. DO NOT USE if finish is combustible (e.g. wood paneling) without proper fire barrier. Guess I’ll be replacing them soon. Nice catch.