How to add a bigger Back Box | on ElectriciansForums

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Lordy9099

Hello All,

Happy New Year! Anyway I have just bought a 2 way LightwaveRF dimmer switch, it is suppost to be used with a 35mm back box but the one installed is currently only 16mm and no way can I get it to fit, so my main question is how can I make the current 16mm hole into a 35mm hole without making a big mess. Also how do you make a cable bigger if it is getting a little too short, Choc block?

Thanks
 
To the OP -

it's not a hard job to do, but it does take a bit of practice to 'not make a big mess' as you say. Firstly, you need to tell us what the type of wall is - block/brick or stud partition? I'm guessing brick/block for now. Second, you need to measure the thickness ('leaf') of the wall and check that it's deep enough to accept a bigger box to start with.

Then, and only then.... turn off the power, remove the old fitting and box, use a 6mm ish size drill to stitch drill around the existing hole, have one big hammer and chisel session to remove the rest of it.

But before you do any of that, you'll want to check that you have a neutral at the existing switch if the dimmer needs one.
 
I tested the dimmer yesterday and it worked fine with the existing cables. How do you check the 'leaf'?

- - - Updated - - -

To the OP -

it's not a hard job to do, but it does take a bit of practice to 'not make a big mess' as you say. Firstly, you need to tell us what the type of wall is - block/brick or stud partition? I'm guessing brick/block for now. Second, you need to measure the thickness ('leaf') of the wall and check that it's deep enough to accept a bigger box to start with.

Then, and only then.... turn off the power, remove the old fitting and box, use a 6mm ish size drill to stitch drill around the existing hole, have one big hammer and chisel session to remove the rest of it.

But before you do any of that, you'll want to check that you have a neutral at the existing switch if the dimmer needs one.

I tested the dimmer yesterday and it worked fine with the existing cables. How do you check the 'leaf'?
 
buy yourself a fein multi master ÂŁ 150, tightly cut round the box, chisel through into the next room, bang in a 35mm box using plasterboard adhesive. total cost around ÂŁ200. or pay a spark ÂŁ50 to do the job. no brainer.
 

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