Need a deeper back box, what are my options?

[DanMcLiverpool]

I've swapped out a traditional switch for a smart switch. As you can see, the back box is nice and full, there's no chance it'd fit and I don't fancy pushing my luck and squashing everything.

I think there's breeze block right behind this box so I don't think chipping away for the additional depth is an option. Before I bin this new switch, are there any options around this?

I'm happy to stick a blanking plate on the front of it and make a second hole to house this smart switch and just the cables it needs, but not sure if that's a common approach or even if I can get everything I need to that second back box without it being busy again.



Any advice appreciated.

 

[Andy78]

Replace standard switch and get an electrician to come in after lockdown to install a deeper box by chiselling out the wall behind.

 

[westward10]

As above refit the old switch until better times, cables entering the top and bottom makes it a bit more tricky so expect some refinishing of the wall.

 

[DanMcLiverpool]

Thanks both!

You're right, electrician will be booked in as soon as this madness blows over.

In the meantime though someone sent me a link to a spacer which is a great idea so might look into that. Would need to be at least 20mm but I'm sure I can find one.

 

[littlespark]

Or two at 10mm.... a couple of long screws and you’re good to go.

good to see a smart switch question that doesn’t start “help, I need a neutral!”

 

[DanMcLiverpool]

Or two at 10mm.... a couple of long screws and you’re good to go.

good to see a smart switch question that doesn’t start “help, I need a neutral!”

haha god knows why I didn't think of that! Brilliant.

Thanks!

Don't worry, I went through my "I need a neutral" pain a couple of weeks ago! You'll notice there's no neutral going into that smart switch. It works on wizardry.

EDIT: I did notice there's a neutral there available to me, but there wasn't elsewhere and wanted my switches to match.