Question

Hi all - Anyone got into a situation where you needed an spacer/extender to install smart switches? Im looking something like this to buy,  
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3...43708

Answer 1

If you can pull out the old box and put in deeper cut-in box it’s worth the trouble because this looks half-assed  

Comments

It looks half arsed because it is half arsed, and a fire hazard.  

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@gere4 especially with a home made extender.  

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@supporter yup it does

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@sidney Insteon devices are half the depth of Lutron or GE or most others. They would fit nicely

Answer 2

Yes. I've had to for a dual switch in single gang box. Just not enough space with wires. It's in a corner so doesn't look too bad.  

Answer 3

Find someone with a 3D printer and ask them to make you some. They'll usually only charge you for the filament (which is pennies for a project like this) and they love doing it because it gives them something to print.  

Answer 4

I have had a situation where the box didn’t work, but I pulled it out and put in a deeper one

Answer 5

Is UL approved?  

Comments

@dru26735 nope. Any fire and insurance won’t cover damage.  

Answer 6

Looks like I will have to change to a deeper one in the long-term. Need to do this in 3 rooms and is in concrete  

Comments

Take the hammer out :)

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@tetanize after struggling for a couple of years, I finally broke down and put in bigger boxes. A huge dust mess . 5 in concrete but I'd you are serious, it is the only option. Do the concrete all at once, just because of the dust

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Also had a little trouble getting some of the metal conduit connected firmly to plastic box. A couple were challenging. If you can"t get that right, call in a pro

Answer 7

You run into problems like that when you settle for cheap DIY switches

Comments

I dont see the Zooz Zen30 and TP Link HS200 would be a cheap option.  

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@tetanize in comparison to lutron or control4 or any other custom lighting switch

Answer 8

I have a 3d printer I can make this easy

Answer 9

Had the same, couldn’t go deeper cause the studs, but could go wider, ended up putting a 3 gang and the wires fit in the other gangs, luckily the switch fit in the shallow gang though

Answer 10

Jesus pull the box out and do it the right way!  

Answer 11

Had to use one in my laundry room cuz the wall was too thin to put a deeper box in

Answer 12

Similar I need one for a light fixture over a medicine cabinet. I have decided to remove the medicine cabinet.  

Answer 13

A last resort is to what we call “fir out the wall” if it’s not too long. Lay strips of 1 X 2’s and put new sheetrock on it to thicken the wall a bit. Still better than this if it’s your home and you want to keep it nice

Answer 14

Easier to just buy one

Answer 15

3D print it