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How to align electrical boxes/plugs?

Home Improvement Asked on March 12, 2021

A wall of a second-floor full bath (in TX) has the following outlets.
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The middle box is for a phone wire! I plan to remove this box. This box is nailed to a 2 by 4 above it that is running between the studs.
There is also a slightly slanted 2 by 4 below the now-removed mini wall vanity/shelf. The shelf is to be placed back.

The double plug on the left is nailed to a stud to its left.
The triple switch is nailed to a stud to its right.
All incoming or outgoing wires are through the bottom of the boxes.
The studs are about 14 inches apart.

The plug and switch are not level with each other. They are off by about 1/2 inch.
Their boxes also are not flush with the drywall, they are inset too much and there is a gap between the face plate of the triple switch and the switches.

I am planning to replace the plug and switches but I want

(a) for them to be flush with the drywall

(b) for the plug and the triple switch to be level

What is the best way to achieve this?

One Answer

  • Turn off the power at the breaker
  • Rip the wall open
  • Pull out the devices from the boxes and label the wires of the devices
  • Remove the devices
  • Unclamp the cables and pull them back
  • Pry off the boxes
  • Place new boxes
  • Insert and clamp the cables
  • Repair the wall
  • Replace the devices following the labels applied earlier
  • Turn breaker on and verify correct operation
  • Install cover plates

Note that a small drywall repair is typically at least as much work, if not more work, than a large drywall repair - A sheet is 4x8 feet, so feel free to go (up to) that large if it simplifies your re-wiring at all.

Correct answer by Ecnerwal on March 12, 2021

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