Replacing a single gang switch box with a 2 gang switch box
#1
10-16-09, 03:24 PM
Replacing a single gang switch box with a 2 gang switch box
Hi,
I'm adding an additional switch for a new fixture in a bedroom. There is an existing single gang new work metal switch box that I will be replacing with a two gang switch box. Since I am replacing a new work box that is already mounted to the stud, is it easier to just expand the drywall hole and mount a new work 2 gang box to the stud, or get a 2 gang old work box instead? Any recommendations?
Thanks.
I'm adding an additional switch for a new fixture in a bedroom. There is an existing single gang new work metal switch box that I will be replacing with a two gang switch box. Since I am replacing a new work box that is already mounted to the stud, is it easier to just expand the drywall hole and mount a new work 2 gang box to the stud, or get a 2 gang old work box instead? Any recommendations?
Thanks.
#2
10-16-09, 04:16 PM
On Ask This Old House I saw an electrician expand a single gang box into a double gang box with out making such a big hole it had to be patched. I don;t see how he did it but I guess he did it because the original cable was MC and he would have had to use a metal old work box.
Assuming only NM-b in my opinion a lot easy to just remove the old box by cutting the nails with a Sawzall or just cutting a new hole to fit a double old work box. The new wider hole usually gives enough room to just pry the original box off.
Assuming only NM-b in my opinion a lot easy to just remove the old box by cutting the nails with a Sawzall or just cutting a new hole to fit a double old work box. The new wider hole usually gives enough room to just pry the original box off.
#3
10-16-09, 08:22 PM
Group Moderator
I saw that one too but if you look closely I would bet it would have required a jumbo plate. 
I suggest removing the old box and install a new remodel box. a 2x3" gangable switch box would work well.
I suggest removing the old box and install a new remodel box. a 2x3" gangable switch box would work well.
#4
10-16-09, 08:35 PM
Originally Posted by Tolyn Ironhand
I saw that one too but if you look closely I would bet it would have required a jumbo plate.
.
.
#5
10-16-09, 11:37 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
Posts: 16,321
Received 38 Upvotes
on
30 Posts
I also saw that episode and I would have been ashamed to be that electrician.
To answer the original question, it would probably be easier to use an old-work box and do some minor patching.
To answer the original question, it would probably be easier to use an old-work box and do some minor patching.
#6
10-17-09, 06:17 AM
Thanks for the recommendations. My only hesitation about using an old work box is that last time I put one in, the cover didn't sit exactly flush with the wall. There was probably an 1/8" gap between the wall and edge of the cover.
#7
10-17-09, 06:32 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
When using an old work style box the ears on the device are broken off to allow the trim plate to fit flush. Some trim plates are dished deeper also and fit better to the wall.
I am really starting to prefer the old work style box that screws to the studs for a more secure mounting.
I am really starting to prefer the old work style box that screws to the studs for a more secure mounting.
#8
10-17-09, 08:30 AM
Group Moderator
Originally Posted by furd
I also saw that episode and I would have been ashamed to be that electrician.
I think maybe he did the same for stripping the wires?!
Originally Posted by jwwest
Thanks for the recommendations. My only hesitation about using an old work box is that last time I put one in, the cover didn't sit exactly flush with the wall. There was probably an 1/8" gap between the wall and edge of the cover.
