Electric outlet extension rings

Added new wall tile or paneling?and now your electrical outlets are in too deep??

Have you recently added new wall tile or wood paneling and now your electrical outlets are set in too deeply? Here's how to bring them out so that they're flush with the wall -- without taking them out. The easy answer is a plastic or steel extension ring -- an add-on collar that attaches to the existing box and brings it forward another inch or more. To install one, first turn off the power; then remove the cover and unscrew the receptacle; pull the receptacle forward and out of the box, but do not remove the wires; slip the extension over the receptacle and wires; then reinstall it using the longer screws that are included; add the face plate; and turn on the power. You now have a flush outlet without having to open up the wall or reposition the electrical box. And that's the On The House Tip for today.

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