If you are smart/brave/foolish enough to pull a city permit your current home improvement project, then you know it is all about keeping your inspector happy. Maybe “keeping” is not the right word. “Making” is probably a better choice, since I find inspectors are often unhappy. Apparently many inspectors feel trapped in a soul-sucking work environment also known as “working for the city.” I recently discovered my inspector does not let electrical boxes slide if they are too recessed into the wall. Something about the electrical code, risk of fire, and possible armageddon. Some of the walls on a current project are so thick that even the widest mud-ring still doesn’t go all the way flush to the wall surface. Luckily I found some great electrical box extension rings from Arlington Industries. They comply with 2002 NEC Article 314-20, and effectively level and support the wiring device where the box is set back from the wall surface. These rings adjust up to a 1-1/2″ box extension and may be trimmed if necessary. Available in both single and double gang configurations. At $1-$2 each at ASI Home, they are a cheap way to deal with extra deep boxes or extra thick walls. If only $2 bought us all a happy city inspector for all issues! Amazon also carries the seemingly identical Cantex EZ07ES Extension Electric Pvc Box for $1.39 each.

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Posted in Electrical