How can I repair my electrical switch plate?
by
Louise
+4
I took my switch plate off a while back because I was doing some touch up painting but I decided until I got around to finishing the job, I'd put another switch plate on, but as you can see, the plate and the electrical unit don't match up. Consequently, I can't use the bottom plug in for my hair dryer that has one of the larger plugs that hangs down beyond the opening -- I don't know what they're called. How can I remedy this? Do I need to call my electrician or can I do something without electrocuting myself? BTW, I have NO skills with anything electrical.
Louise...Unless you know something about change the plugs out and electricity I would call an electrician.
Turn power off. Remove the cover you will see a screw on top and bottom holding the outlet to the box. Loosen the outlet screws a little until the cover is flush with the outlet. Just a little trial and error.
You can get plug extenders from the hardware store. Easy to use, and with instructions. To be on the save side turn off the electricity to that part of the house. What these is you will take off the face plate, and loosen the 2 screws to the plug on the top and bottom. The spacer folds and fits behind the mounts to the plug which allows the plug to extend outwards. You might need to use more than one behind the mount depending on how far away the face plate sits.
Yes turn power off at the breaker box for the outlet.