Electrical Challenges for DIY Backsplash Projects: Essential Safety Tips
Earlier, in the blogs here on our website in previous weeks, as we looked at a series of steps in the installation of backsplash tile, we mentioned that the job of kitchen backsplash installations is one of the easier types of renovation jobs. It’s something that can often be handled by a DIY homeowner.
We recommend this type of job for DIY work over most other types of work. However, there are a few particular difficult elements that we should mention as being out of the range of technical skills of most homeowners unless they also happen to be licensed contractors. When removing the existing kitchen wallboard or when installing new ceramic tile, the plates around the kitchen wall receptacles and switches need to be removed. This, in itself, is not always a dangerous job, but often there’s another related element that requires a bit more attention.
If the new tile is relatively thick, it will change the distance from the face of the existing receptacle and switches to the face of the wall and in those cases, the switches and or plugs must be slightly extended to be set flush with the new wall surface. As we mentioned above, feel free to reach out to our company if we can help, we’re happy to a part of kitchen and bath renovation type of work, and if this is a spot that is more difficult, we’re here to help.
Wall receptacles and wall switches can often be adjusted by using a mud ring extender. This electrical box modifying attachment will extend the placement of the device or fixture without necessarily modifying the position of the electrical box. If the electrical box actually has to be modified, it can be even more complicated because drywall and or plaster or tile backer board will then in most cases have to be removed to access the mounting nails or screws of the electrical box. We recommend that most homeowners do not do this type of work themselves, as we explained above.
There should be a few receptacles almost at least one on every wall of a kitchen backsplash. Picture below your typical layout for a kitchen wall.
The building code requires a receptacle being installed at least 24 inches of both sides of the kitchen sink and the grill or cooktop. And every area of countertop greater than 14 in and width is required to have one, by our building code, here in Washington DC
The picture below shows a picture of a wall mounted kitchen receptacle. This particular receptacle is a duplex receptacle and is being used to connect two different countertop appliances. In this case, an electric kettle and a toaster oven are plugged into this receptacle. The building code does not dictate or have mandates that prohibit types of electrical receptacles to be used most different types of appliances, as long as they are standard 110 to 120 volt regular portable appliances.
The particular receptacle happens to be installed next to a double switch. It’s more common to see single switches in regular residential applications, but in this particular case, to use less wall space, and avoid installing a three-gang or triple junction box, they used a double switch which stacks two switches within one area of space and economizes the overall wall space.
When installing the tile on the wall, if installing directly on top of existing drywall and if the electrical devices were installed to the depth of the drywall, they must be modified to allow for installation of the new tile. The new tile, in this case, has a thickness of roughly 3/8 of an inch, plus a mortar bed depth of roughly 1/8 of an inch.
Combined, it’s overall a total difference of 1/2 of an inch which requires the installation of a half inch mud ring extension and the loosening and partial removal of the existing switches and plugs and then later reinstallation after the new mud ring is installed. Without these electrical modifications, the existing switch and plug would sit ½ inch too deep within the wall now that the new tile has been installed.
Dupont Kitchen & Bath Can Help
As dedicated and local DC metropolitan kitchen and bath builders and installers, we pride ourselves on turning your visions into reality. Your kitchen can reflect your unique style and be designed with personalized aesthetics. It can be a process from creative designs to the realization of your dream space. Specializing in kitchen and bath construction, we bring expertise and skills to every project. If you’re contemplating a renovation, upgrade, or modernization in the local market, we’re happy to be your team. Consult with us, and we can start together on a path to redefine and elevate your DC living experience.
You can visit our company website at https://dupontkitchenbathdc.com/
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