Rigid outlets for Heavy cables


Many fans of high end power cables end up with very heavy cables plugged into very tight outlets in less than new outlet boxes. Whatever your choices in outlets and cables are you may find that you already have loose or recessed outlet problem, or are worried about the tabs on the outlet and drywall not lasting for many insertion cycles.

If you’ve ever replaced an old outlet with a fresh hospital grade outlet and felt it get mushy or make crackling sounds (from the drywall breaking) when you tried to insert your fresh cable you know what I’m talking about, or if you have some outlets which are proud of the face and some which are recessed this post is for you.

Hubbell makes a wall plate called Flush-Fit ($8 for 3)which is available from Amazon or Lowe’s (probably others).

I also use these little plastic screw spacers in some situations, where the metal plates won’t fit or for plain old light switches and outlets where I’m not expecting heavy duty use or where I have multiple outlets / switches in a single box. They are surprisingly effective and available at almost any hardware store.

I’ve used both while re-doing all the outlets and switches in and out of my home. I can recommend them from personal experience. Also, they make your outlets and switches look fresh because of the clean flush-fit result.

erik_squires

Thanks Erik.  I'm planning to replace a lot of outlets in my home soon--especially the ones the cleaning lady plugs the vacuum cleaner into.  and some are not very flush. 

Jerry

@carlsbad2 You are welcome.  As you probably already know, Tamper Resistant is now a requirement for homes.  I use Eaton commercial/residential.  If you buy in bulk (10x) from Lowe's they are a little cheaper.

@carlsbad2 Also, same, the cleaning lady (i.e. me) had several outlets around the house which were probably spongy for that same reason.  Too much vacuuming.

I use the heavy duty Furutechs outlets and covers  from vh audio with their HD outlets which don’t give since it’s only one time spend a bit extra.

whatsoever ever .I put in a great 4 wire awg  dual awg 20 amp breakers and dual ground a common and a insulated isolated ground my Audiophile Electrician installed dead quiet ,