Outlet cramped for space


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Old 12-27-17, 05:29 PM
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Outlet cramped for space

Hi, I installed a new Outlet with USB plugs included a few weeks ago, and it works fine. Problem is the new outlet is larger and fills up most of the receptacle. There is little extra space for wires and the whole outlet bulges out crooked from the wall. Any suggestions?
 
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Old 12-27-17, 05:43 PM
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First, what is your level of experience in installing receptacles in cramped boxes? There are many techniques that you mostly learn-as-you-need for maximizing the space. You can cut the wires down a bit (but they still must be long enough to use) and use Wago-type push-in connectors instead of wirenuts. Those save a LOT of space by eliminating the twisting of the wire so you can use shorter wires more easily. Fold the wires with care so they fit better in the back of the box.

If it's a grounded steel box, you can eliminate the ground wire to the receptacle itself.

If you are landing both an incoming and an outgoing feed to the receptacle for pass-through, you can often have an easier time if you make up the wires in the back of the box carefully, and have just a tail that comes to the receptacle. it's an extra wire, but it folds more easily.

If all that fails, there is a Wiremold extension box that will bring the whole thing a bit out of the wall.

This would have been a lot quicker to type on my end if the question had already been very specific with what you were dealing with.

Clarification on terms:
What you installed is a receptacle. It's a type of outlet. It's installed in a junction box.
 
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Old 12-27-17, 05:55 PM
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Some electrical boxes are just too shallow to accept receptacles like that. If you can't manage the wires in the box carefully then you may need to have the box replaced with a larger one.

Allowing the device to push directly on the wiring is a sure way to develop a short.
 
 

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