Can I change a 1-gang electrical box to a 2-gang electrical box? [solved]
I live in a house built in the 50's in Maryland, US. Each bedroom contains 4 electrical outlets - configured in two 1-gang electrical boxes on opposing walls. However, with all the modern appliances, we really need more electrical outlets available in these bedrooms.
At this time, I don't want to open up the walls to install additional 1-gang boxes per modern building codes, but I know I'll have to at some point.
It's a 20A circuit. Can I just change out the current 1-gang electrical boxes for 2-gang electrical boxes?
As long as you keep your current consumption under the rating for the circuit, that's completely OK. Getting the old boxes out will be tricky, but can be done without too much damage to the surrounding drywall; if the old box is mounted to a stud, it may be easier for you to cut the nails than trying to pull them out. You'll probably have to use a remodeling box anyway, so the old nails won't get in the way.
Depending on your local codes, you may or may not be allowed to do the work yourself -- check with your city (or whatever authority applies) to be sure.
You can buy 1 gang to 2 gang converters here for example (UK site, but the equivalent should be available where you are).
Just turn off the power, unscrew the current plate and replace with the converter plate.
It will stick out a bit further from the wall than the current socket, but if you're not too confident about making the hole bigger they're ideal.
Niall's comment about not overloading the circuit still applies.
How To Replace A Single Gang Receptacle Box With A Double Gang Receptacle Box
Answer this question
