Electrical Outlet Stand-off Spacer

NOTE 2025-04-23:     I just uploaded a depth gauge, which will make it very easy to determine the gap between the wall and electrical box faces. This gauge makes selecting the correct spacer thickness quite easy. That model is here:  

NOTE 2024-04-08:     I just uploaded a new version of the outlet alignment tool (referred to in the “NOTE: 2024-03-14” below), which incorporates a bubble level vial on the tool, making it easier to hold the tool in place while adjusting an outlet:

UPDATE 2024-03-14:     Added five additional models (7.0, 8.25, 9.5, 10.75 & “2.0 to 10.75 - 10 of Each.” After going through  ~50 outlets in a new home, I found that EVERY outlet needed some type of spacing! I also found that with MANY of the outlets, I needed to stack/double-up spacers because the gaps were so wide. So, I have added these wider spacers. Additionally, I found that many of the gaps varied between the top and bottom spacings (why nail in straight an outlet box, when you can install it crooked and save a few seconds? :| ).

NOTE: 2024-03-14:     If you are installing or adjusting electrical outlets (in the U.S)), I just posted an alignment tool that makes it a lot easier to install the outlet straight, meaning perpendicular to the floor (or wall if you are mounting it sideways):

UPDATE 2024-03-10:     I have included an additional model that yields 20 each of the two spacers (4.5 & 5.75mm). I have found that these are the sizes that I use the most (at least this is the situation with my house).

UPDATED DESIGN:     I redesigned the spacers in the following ways:

• The rectangle notch is now a smoother cut-away, which allows for cleaner prints.

• A thicker, 5.75 mm spacer was added (for the new design).

• An "Assorted Sizes Print” .stl was added so that an assortment of spacers can easily be printed without needing to multiply and arrange all of the pieces in your slicer; there are 2 pair of each size of spacer included, totaling 16 pieces in one print.

-----

Original Description:

These are stand-off spacers that fill the gap between the electrical outlet's plate arms/"mounting straps"/"surface ears"/"wings" (whatever they are called) and the face/front edge of the outlet wall box. Often, the wall box is inset from the wall face/surface, which makes a gap. This gap leads to wall damage and loose outlets because it is difficult to tighten sufficiently the outlet screws, to firmly secure the outlet into the box. By filling the gap with these solid, stand-off spacers, it makes it possible to tighten the screws better,  which will make the outlet more secure. This reduces the sloppy wiggle that some outlets suffer from, which ultimately improves the safety of the outlet, and reduces the chance of a short circuit, or worse. 

I have tightened up various outlets in my home using these spacers, and I have found that it works best to use a spacer that is slightly thinner than the gap. Using a spacer that is too thick will cause the outlet to be extended out too far beyond the wall surface, and the cosmetic outlet plate/cover will not fit flush against the wall.

Specifications and Cautions:

• There are four thicknesses of the new smooth notch/cut-away spacers: 2.0 mm, 3.25 mm, 4.50 and 5.75 mm.

• There are three thicknesses of the original/old rectangular notch spacers: 2.0 mm, 3.25 mm, & 4.50 mm.

• If different thicknesses are needed, and one has access to a 3D design program, custom thicknesses can easily be made.

• The other dimensions of all three thicknesses are the same: 20 mm x 10 mm.

• The notch in the spacer is to help with fit; some outlets have a small plastic tab on the top and bottom of the plastic outlet housing, this notch helps the spacer sit flat against the metal outlet plate arms. The notch or cutaway faces the body of the outlet – the top faces down, and the bottom faces up, for a traditional vertically installed outlet.

• The screw hole is elongated to help with the fit.

• Two spacers are generally needed for one outlet.

• If the wall box is not mounted parallel with the wall surface, different thicknesses of spacers can be used to help make the outlet face parallel to the wall.

• Multiple spacers can be stacked to fill larger gaps, but many electrical codes set a limit as to how far an electrical box can be inset from the wall surface.

• CAUTION:     Using these spacers may require replacing the original outlet screws with longer screws, to achieve a tight fit; this is because the width of the spacers uses up additional threads, making it so that there are fewer screw threads that enter the wall box screw holes.

• CAUTION:     When working with electrical wiring, be sure to observe all necessary safety precautions. Household electrical current can be deadly.