Fan switch doesn't fit in the wall box!
#1
05-07-17, 09:40 AM
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: USA
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Fan switch doesn't fit in the wall box!
Hi - We put in a fan remote in our bedroom, which should be a fairly simple thing to do, but when I tried to push the switch back into the wall there are two small screws on the top and 2 on the bottom that block it from going in. I don't want to pull the whole darn thing out of the wall, but feel like maybe I need to. There doesn't seem to be any other choice - or is there?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Last edited by ray2047; 05-07-17 at 10:16 AM. Reason: Separate images.
#2
05-07-17, 10:08 AM
I don't see any screws. Can you circle the on your picture or give us the location? Make sure all your wire bundles are situated behind it in a way that won't keep it from going all the way back.
#3
05-07-17, 10:34 AM
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#4
05-07-17, 10:56 AM
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Those are the screws that hold the ears to the box. They can't be removed.
It's pretty rare a device hits them. Usually the box isn't deep enough.
You may need to consider using a two gang old work plastic box.
It's pretty rare a device hits them. Usually the box isn't deep enough.
You may need to consider using a two gang old work plastic box.
#5
05-07-17, 12:00 PM
That doesn't look like old work to me. I don't see any F clips, and it is installed right next to a door so more than likely it is nailed to the stud. Maybe at most the second gang was cut in later but that's no reason to need plaster ears.
#6
05-07-17, 12:18 PM
Group Moderator
The cut-in gems are nailed into the mason lath.
Those nails can be removed and the box can be replaced.
He needs a larger box to fit his fan switch.
Those nails can be removed and the box can be replaced.
He needs a larger box to fit his fan switch.
#8
05-07-17, 12:56 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
If that is a nail in box than screws can be removed but if a old work box they need to be there.
#9
05-07-17, 12:58 PM
If that is a nail in box than screws can be removed but if a old work box they need to be there.
#10
05-07-17, 01:14 PM
Group Moderator
#11
05-07-17, 02:57 PM
I thought nails, too, but I guess the shadows throw things off. I didn't see any securement method in the pictures provided, either. I, too, have never had a switch not able to be inserted into a box and secured because of the ear screws.
#12
05-07-17, 03:34 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Definitely an old work box. The screws may be in the other gang and/or at the bottom of the box.
#13
05-07-17, 03:44 PM
Yeah, the one on the right was original and the one on the left was added. You can tell by the paint around the one on the right and the chipping out of the plaster/sheetrock on the left.
