Spacer plate for light switch?

Mike Tomlinson

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Mar 26, 2011, 2:26:29 AM3/26/11

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Went to fit a dimmer switch to replace an existing lightswitch, but the
backbox is too shallow to take the bulk of the dimmer. Just redecorated
so chopping out and replacing the backbox isn't an option.

Is there such a thing as a spacer which could be placed between the
switch and the wall to give a bit more clearance? It would only need to
be a few mm thick.

Of course, longer fixing screws would be needed.

Had a google with no luck.

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Bob Eager

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Mar 26, 2011, 4:43:55 AM3/26/11

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Yes, there are. Go to cpc.co.uk, for example, and search for 'panel
frame'.

Best thing is to go to a good electrical distributor (e.g. TLC or CEF)
near you, and ask. Preferably get one made by the same manufacturer as
the switch, as it'll look better and fit properly.

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Dave Plowman (News)

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Mar 26, 2011, 7:35:32 AM3/26/11

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In article <NOcQXoBV...@jasper.org.uk>,
Mike Tomlinson <mi...@jasper.org.uk> wrote:

Think they're called a mounting frame - but not all makers do them. Or
perhaps not all wholesalers stock them - try a small local one rather than
TLC etc.

But if it is only one, you can fit a deeper box without damage to the
decoration - it just requires a lot of care/time.

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Owain

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Mar 26, 2011, 5:42:43 PM3/26/11

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On Mar 26, 8:43 am, Bob Eager wrote:
> > Is there such a thing as a spacer which could be placed between the
> > switch and the wall to give a bit more clearance? It would only need to
> > be a few mm thick.

> Yes, there are. Go to cpc.co.uk, for example, and search for 'panel
> frame'.

Like this
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK2134.html

You can also get them in wood or wood effect if that would be more
decorative
http://www.theinternetswitchstore.co.uk/view-product.php?id=XKBOXSM

I think I've seen those in B&Q.

Owain

John Rumm

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Mar 26, 2011, 7:26:32 PM3/26/11

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CPC have them in 10mm which may be better for a light switch:

http://cpc.farnell.com/bg/817/backbox-1g-10mm-spacer/dp/PL08924

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Cheers,

John.

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Mike Tomlinson

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Mar 27, 2011, 3:33:58 PM3/27/11

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In article <NOcQXoBV...@jasper.org.uk>, Mike Tomlinson

<mi...@jasper.org.uk> writes

>Is there such a thing as a spacer which could be placed between the
>switch and the wall to give a bit more clearance?

Cheers Bob, Owain and John.

The InternetSwitchStore seems a bit confused about backboxes and
pattresses. If I could get the part linked to:

http://www.theinternetswitchstore.co.uk/view-product.php?id=XKBOXSM

in a light-coloured wood, that would be perfect, for example the single-
gang version of:

http://www.theinternetswitchstore.co.uk/view-product.php?id=XKBOXDA

but what is shown for single gang is different:

http://www.theinternetswitchstore.co.uk/view-product.php?id=XKBOXSA

I'll drop them a line in the morning.

Otherwise, the CPC item linked to, PL08924, looks like it'll do the job.

Many thanks again.

mazb...@aol.com

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Sep 22, 2015, 6:12:16 PM9/22/15

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Thank you Bob Eager, went on www.cpc.co.uk and found the 2cm thick switch mounting frame.