large gap between electrical box and outside fixture

just installed a small fixture outside and theres about a finger of space between the box and the fixture. it's installed per directions. i understand some silicone is appropriate but didnt think there should be such a large gap. Also, if i ever need to remove the fixture without damage i'm worried how that would work out without harming the back of the fixture. .

Oil Rubbed Bronze 1-Light Outdoor Dusk-to-Dawn Wall Light-BPN1691P at The Home Depot

 

Did you install a mounting plate or a siding box behind the fixture?

 

Is the fixture installed over lap siding or perhaps vinyl siding? Is the box flush or does it protrude from the siding?

 

box like this is mounted on top of my permastone. i had talked with the home depot guy and he even took the fixture out and showed me how it all would line up, i just didnt see the gap then. i also have a 2nd uninstalled light and been playing with it on the dining room table. just no way it can be mounted with this kind of box and not have the gap..perhaps he told me the wrong kind of box? it needs to actually be recessed into the box a bit id think...but then again, if that's the case, i dont know how id even get back there to caulk since would be so tight..it's like a catch 22




1-Gang 5-Hole Round Electrical Box-PRB57550WH at The Home Depot

 

Your fixture should have some kind of mounting strap that screws across diagonal holes in the box and your fixture probably then mounts to that strap. The problem is what you have is a 1 1/8" deep surface box (taken from box specifications). Your fixture was intended to mount to a strap on a flush box with the edges of the fixture contacting the siding for support to make a solid installation. The 4" round box you have is intended for something like a double flood that basically has the same diameter as the box. I see no way that fixture you purchased will propely mount on that box and look good. I think what you got was typical Big Box store advice.......but he made the sale!

Is there any way a box can be installed flush to the surface? OR....maybe someone else will have a better idea.

 

i have no issues with any box mounted on the surface and things sticking out, no biggie, i just want the proper box. i guess i blew 10 bucks on bad boxes because i already poked out the center holes...i dont mind 'rigging' something to make it waterproof. and like i said i could caulk it and def make it watertight but removal would likely mean destruction and be quite the mess on the inside of the box or the back plate of the fixture i'd assume

 

If you could mount something like this on the face of the box the fixture would have a flat surface to mount to.

Siding Mounting Blocks | Siding Electrical Boxes and Plates | 8100LP

 

thats an interesting pic, i guess the spacer plate will take up the empty space i have now and thus it will make the fixture 'flush'

i'm still thinking about ways to use the current box if possible but i really doubt it..if i could grind down the holes maybe it would lower the cross brace lol...i just need it to be secure, not be pretty..but maybe ill go to the big box again and see what recessed kind of stuff they have anyway now that i know what i'm looking for

 

christmas brings much advice from relatives. to at least get me through the winter someone gave me some thin pieces of tin which of course are very malleable. i can definitely make a half moon and caulk or silicone it to/on top/ of the opening so unless water travels up and under (not likely on that side of the house), i should be ok for a while. or maybe even permanently wont know until i try it.

but i already have an issue where one light doesnt work so the need to keep things 'accessible' is all too apparent