Thick switch causing a gap between wall and plate

[mark32]

Hey guys,

I installed a TP Link/Kasa smart switch in a two gang old work box, and the yoke of the switch (plastic) is so oddly thick, that a gap is created once a standard plate is installed. The switch comes with a deep plate, but it can only be used in single gang installations. I contacted tech support, but they do not supply/offer a two gang plate to solve this issue. I see Kyleswitchplates stock deep metal plates, but a two gang Decora is $20, and shipping is $9, so I really don't want to drop that much on a single plate unless I have to. Thus, I'm hoping someone here has experienced the same issue and has a solution for me. Thanks!

 

[LarryFine]

Trace around the device and/or box ears, take the box out of the wall, remove about 1/8" (or necessary amount) of the surface of the drywall inside the traced areas, reinstall the box.

I always remove the ears from standard device yokes with old-work boxes for this reason. The back of the yoke or plate should be on the same plane as the wall surface.

 

[mark32]

Trace around the device and/or box ears, take the box out of the wall, remove about 1/8" (or necessary amount) of the surface of the drywall inside the traced areas, reinstall the box.

I always remove the ears from standard device yokes with old-work boxes for this reason. The back of the yoke or plate should be on the same plane as the wall surface.

Ooh lala Larry, that's a great idea! I will give it a shot when I return to the job. Thanks!

 

[James L]

Same thing happens with a Lutron Pico wall bracket. I've had good success trimming the plastic yoke to fit

 

[Little Bill]

It's 95% the old work box!

 

[James L]

It's 95% the old work box!

Yes, but if the yoke is plastic, sometimes it's best just to trim it down to fit. Sometimes not possible, but many times yes

 

[Little Bill]

Yes, but if the yoke is plastic, sometimes it's best just to trim it down to fit. Sometimes not possible, but many times yes

I understand that, I was pointing out you are already a lap behind when you start with an old work box. I've had a few that the plate fit just fine, then had lots that left a gap.

 

[James L]

I understand that, I was pointing out you are already a lap behind when you start with an old work box. I've had a few that the plate fit just fine, then had lots that left a gap.

I'm remodeling my own house, adding a bunch of receptacles using screwless plates. There's a stiffener on the backside, and it hits the front lip of a Legrand cut-in box - all 4 sides