Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Light switch alignment with cover plate

Hi everyone,

I've been updating some light switches in my home and I seem to be having some issues with the alignment of the actual switch with the cover plate. I'm using the wide rectangular type of switches and they tend to end up either crooked, too far in, or too far out in relation to the cover plate. Any tips on getting them to line up better?

Here's a photo that illustrates my problem:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/anotherJay/home/IMG_0813-1.jpg

Things like how the wires are dressed and how flush the box is to the surface will affect the fit and finish of the devices and coverplates. There are box extenders made that will make the box code compliant if it sits too far back from the surface and help the device fit better.

The box can only be set back 1/4" in non-combustible finishes.

The wall looks rough at the right edge of the cover plate, which is probably holding the cover plate too far out from the switch.

Thanks for the replies!

There are box extenders made that will make the box code compliant if it sits too far back from the surface and help the device fit better.

Is that something I can find and my local hardware store (i.e. Home Depot)?

I have seen some at HD. They are color coded according to thickness and are normally near the electrical boxes.

Arlington makes ones called BE-1 that are adjustable. They look like this. http://www.arlcatalog.com/Miscellaneous/images/Box%20Extenders.jpg
You may need to get these from a supply house.

That's some great info. Thanks pcboss!