- Q.When you add a new layer of
finish, what is the easiest way to bring the electrical boxes
flush to the new wall surface?
A. Arlington
Industries (800/233-4717) and Lamson Home Products
(800/321-1970) both make an adjustable plastic box extender for
just this purpose. Alternatively, a utility (or handy) box
extension would provide almost 2 inches of added depth for a
single-gang box. For two-gang extensions, an extension ring for
a 4-inch square box at 1 1/2 inches deep is also available
(Figure 3).
Boxes are allowed to be set back only 1/4 inch if the wall
surface is a noncombustible material, such as drywall or tile,
but must be flush with the finished wall surface if it is
combustible, like wood paneling.