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Home » Home & Garden » Electrical Outlet Spacers For Loose Wall Receptacles

Fix Loose Wall Receptacles By Using Electrical Outlet Spacers

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

This time, I learned something new in the process — before this, I didn’t know anything about electrical outlet spacers!

electrical wiring can seem overwhelming but many jobs aren't as difficult as they seem to fix

I ran into this problem while I was 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. (Then again, 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.

Here is some electrical wiring in need of outlet spacers

Outlet Spacers To The Rescue

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

Turns out the solution for this type of problem is an affordable set of electrical outlet spacers!

Gardner Bender electrical outlet spacers

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

beadboard-wainscoting-installed-over-electrical-outlet-spacers.JPG

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 an electrical outlet spacer onto the receptacle.
  • Installing electrical outlet spacers isn’t difficult at all!

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

i was able to tighten up the electrical outlet spacers with a screwdriver

What’s cool about this product is that these spacers can be piggy-backed (just like Legos) to any desired depth — so if you’re installing stone, tile, or rock on your walls, you can put a few of them together to make it right.

what the electrical outlet spacers look like from the side

More DIY Home Electrical Tips

  • How To Replace An Electrical Outlet
  • How To Insulate Your Wall Outlet With A Foam Gasket
  • Video: Step-By-Step How To Replace A Wall Receptacle
  • 7 Electrical Safety Tips Homeowners Should Know
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Here's an easy fix for loose outlets... DIY electrical outlet spacers!
Randy
Randy

I started as a home-stalker… visiting brand new homes under construction in the neighborhoods near my house. That inspired me to write about home building and home renovation projects — chronicling homes during different phases of construction from a consumer's point-of-view. Basically, the tips you'll find in my articles are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building or remodeling a quality home.

Fix Loose Wall Receptacles By Using Electrical Outlet Spacers
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Filed Under: Home & Garden, Remodeling, Maintenance & Home Decor Tagged With: Cool Products, DIY, Electrical, Home Maintenance, Home Safety

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RandyI started as a home-stalker... visiting brand new homes under construction in the neighborhoods near my house. That inspired me to write about home building and home renovation projects -- chronicling homes during different phases of construction from a consumer's point-of-view. Basically, the tips you'll find in my articles are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building or remodeling a quality home.

Randy: View My Blog Posts

LynnetteMy husband and I have been through the home building process... from scratch... more than once! (And we still have a few pieces of property that we might build on in the future.) So we definitely have some helpful tips to share when it comes to designing your dream home and building a house from the ground up. We've also learned that the 'fun' doesn't end once the house is built. Our clever home maintenance hacks will save you time and money each year that you live in the home. And... since everyone's house eventually needs a little remodeling (as has ours), we've got some ridiculously helpful home renovation tips as well! Whenever I’m not DIYing something around the house or adding to my Dream Home Wish List, you can find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

Lynnette: View My Blog Posts

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