What can be modified - home wiring devices

[dogbob]

My layman understanding is that you shouldn't modify electrical devices, because you could introduce risk. I read that 110.3B says that devices must be used according to manufacturer's instructions and manufacturers don't talk about modifications.

In my home, I have lots of electrical outlets and switches. Each outlet and switch is in a box with a fitting screw-on cover. I can understand that the outlet and switch may not be modified. What about the box? What about the cover?

As a trivial example, I found someone selling artistically painted switch covers. The back of the cover says (UL) so it has been tested and listed without paint. Is this a modification that can cause an AHJ to object?

Another example, some people paint the front of the electrical outlet and avoid getting paint into the contacts. Again, this is modifying a listed device. Is this a modification that can cause an AHJ to object?

I'm not asking about today. I'm worried about the future, when I try to sell the house or do work and AHJ comes through to inspect. I understand that any inspector can object to anything if it concerns them. I'm asking more about liklihood of inspector problems.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Thank you for your help.

 

[James]

In the U.K., it is not unusual to paint over socket boxes but not the faces of the sockets.

 

[littlespark]

If my understanding of American outlets, you can take the front cover off easily and either paint it, or replace it with a decorative one.

It’s just a flat bit of plastic ?

In the future, you can simply revert them back to plain white if that’s required.


UK homeowners have a bad habit of painting a wall without masking off the switches… so there’s paint up the sides, and all over…. Basically glueing the switch to the wall.. making it impossible to remove with making a mess