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Hi all - Anyone got into a situation where you...
Hi all - Anyone got into a situation where you needed an spacer/extender to install smart switches?
+20
votes
asked
Apr 24, 2020
by
tetanize
(
1.4k
points)
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
install
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15
Answers
+3
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
supporter
(
5.8k
points)
Best answer
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
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
gere4
(
1.5k
points)
It looks half arsed because it is half arsed, and a fire hazard.
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
oruro378
(
1k
points)
@
gere4
especially with a home made extender.
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
sidney
(
4.6k
points)
@
supporter
yup it does
commented
Apr 25, 2020
by
supporter
(
5.8k
points)
@
sidney
Insteon devices are half the depth of Lutron or GE or most others. They would fit nicely
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+9
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
maclay
(
1k
points)
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.
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+3
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
latterll
(
620
points)
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.
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+2
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
mastoiditis924
(
490
points)
I have had a situation where the box didn’t work, but I pulled it out and put in a deeper one
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+4
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
dru26735
(
3.3k
points)
Is UL approved?
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
sudor48
(
4.6k
points)
@
dru26735
nope. Any fire and insurance won’t cover damage.
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+5
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
tetanize
(
1.4k
points)
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
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
yakutsk
(
570
points)
Take the hammer out :)
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
untidy
(
2.4k
points)
@
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
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
untidy
(
2.4k
points)
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
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+3
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
intinction10598
(
340
points)
You run into problems like that when you settle for cheap DIY switches
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
tetanize
(
1.4k
points)
I dont see the Zooz Zen30 and TP Link HS200 would be a cheap option.
commented
Apr 24, 2020
by
intinction10598
(
340
points)
@
tetanize
in comparison to lutron or control4 or any other custom lighting switch
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+12
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
gigantism60581
(
370
points)
I have a 3d printer I can make this easy
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+7
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
thiel133
(
720
points)
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
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+1
vote
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
enzootic
(
590
points)
Jesus pull the box out and do it the right way!
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+15
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
deck7
(
2k
points)
Had to use one in my laundry room cuz the wall was too thin to put a deeper box in
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+4
votes
answered
Apr 24, 2020
by
richard
(
330
points)
Similar I need one for a light fixture over a medicine cabinet. I have decided to remove the medicine cabinet.
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0
votes
answered
Apr 25, 2020
by
supporter
(
5.8k
points)
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
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+8
votes
answered
Apr 25, 2020
by
meliorism9409
(
330
points)
Easier to just buy one
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+17
votes
answered
Apr 26, 2020
by
shanty49422
(
1.3k
points)
3D print it
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