Move box 1/2"

liquidvw

Thanks for any replies. I have a 2 gang box in my kitchen that is 1/2" lower then all other boxes. I would like to fix it prior to installing a new back splash. But there is an issue. The wires come from both the top and the bottom so and there is no slack in the cable.

Now my question. Do they make a box that is larger but will still take a standard 2 gang wall plate? So 1/2" of the box would end up behind the finished wall. Maybe the product doesn't exist, but I hope it does. Or maybe there is another way to do this without rewiring.

Thanks.

secutanudu

Do you have an unfinished basement below the kitchen? If so, might be easiest to splice in a longer cable from the bottom so you can gain the slack needed to raise the box.

__________________
Andrew

liquidvw

It's finished but a drop ceiling. I'll see if I can access that cable. That might be an option. Assuming that the cable comes from the basement. It might come from another box and if that's the case, then that wont work.

secutanudu

Just make sure you put that splice in an accessible junction box (ground the box if metal) and to use the appropriate gauge wire. Above a dropped ceiling is considered accessible as far as I know.

15A circuit - 14g wire
20A circuit - 12g wire

__________________
Andrew

oleguy74

accesable means accessable.in other words you can get to it without removing anything such as drywall, roofing ect.

liquidvw

Thanks for the suggestions. I went down to the basement and the cable isn't there. It must feed from another box. So back to my first question. Is there such a box that is made for this purpose?

nap

Unless the wire in the box is already too short, I would simply feed the 1/2 out of the box as you moved it up. While I typically don't suggest people do things against code, I would see this as such a minor violation that, personally, I wouldn't get all that bothered by it.

We are talking about a 5 1/2" tail of wire in the box rather than a 6" tail.

junkcollector

I've had pretty good luck once the old box is removed from the wall to reach inside of the wall and CAREFULLY pull the staple(s) out next to the box on the cables with my angled dikes. Sometimes this frees up all the wire you need.

DangerMouse

nap has the right idea, depending on if the box is plastic or metal with clamps, just loosen the clamps (if applicable) and lift up gently, you should be able to get ½" of play easily, and I don't see how this would be any kind of violation.
remount box and go!

DM

__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Click
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
to see some of my original magic tricks and trick boxes!

Kev05211

It's a half inch. I mean unless the outlets are side by side how did you even notice? I'd leave it and move on to something that could really use attention like those pesky drafts lol.

michaelcherr

And if the wires are so tight that a 1/2 inch does make a difference, make the splice in that box rather than a second box below as previously suggested.

nap

when you install a back splash, it really show off differences in height between the receps.

liquidvw

Thanks for all the replies. I think I might try to remove the box then the staple to see if that will free up some slack.

As far as seeing the 1/2" difference. I can see it. My wife says I'm crazy but for some reason I notice these things and it would bother me to install a back splash and not have it perfect.

DangerMouse

The stapled wires shouldn't need to be moved at all, the slack you need is inside the box. Po)
If it were me, I'd probably just make sure the box is not mounted to the stud, and the wires are not clamped, then remove the screws from the switches/outlets to give them room to wiggle around inside easily, then raise the box, reMOUNT the box and reset the outlets/switches.

I agree with YOU though, I'D surely see that ½" difference every time I looked at it, and it'd just GNAW at me until I fixed it. LOL


DM

__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Click
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
to see some of my original magic tricks and trick boxes!

Kev05211

Your house is your castle if it bothers you then good luck hope all turns out well. If you cannot get the wire maybe you could lower the other boxes to meet as a last resort.