Tiling around outlet?

[snowjim]

Hello,

I have laid some tiles before but never needed to lay them around outlets. Now I am going to tile the kitchen and there are 3 1 1/2 outlets that are recessed, how do you tile around these? Do you have to remove the cover? And if so, how do you ensure that the cover fits afterwards?

 

[thomasx]

Yes, you may remove the frame and also lift out the insert, tile, and then reinstall the insert and put the frame back on. If the tiles move the surface layer of the wall out compared to before, the electrical box in the wall will end up too far in. In that case, you should either move it out if possible or attach extension rings that are available for purchase.

 

[sir_daniel]

Or hole saw them, a tip is to take the hole saw and do it from the backside.

 

[snowjim]

So, then I have to turn off the power and remove both the protective cover and the inner part where the plug is mounted? Then I should just tile right over? This will make the outlet stick out further, which won't look very nice? Placing the protective cover on top of the tiles won't be easy considering the tiles are uneven (beveled edges)?

I thought you were supposed to tile around the outlet with the cover?

Using a hole saw on pieces that are 10x30 feels doomed to fail, unfortunately.

 

[Levin_m]

I would recommend completely removing the outlet, tiling as close as possible, then using an angle grinder or since they are quite small pieces, maybe cutting with a tile nipper. Then try to get the box out, if it’s new it might be adjustable or buy "förhöjningsringar" and mount them. Then grout up to the hole, it will be behind the outlet anyway. It's much better than tiling against the outlet.

 

[Cicaro]

And when you remove sockets for tiling:
1. Turn off the power
2. Put Ubåtar or terminal strips on the cable ends so they are isolated from each other and the surroundings before you tuck them into the box during tiling so that you can safely turn the power back on if you can't reinstall the socket immediately.

The latter is partly a safety issue and partly a convenience issue. If the phone rings or something else prevents you from putting the socket back the same day, you want to be able to turn on the power if it serves more than just one socket.

 

[thomasx]

So, do I have to turn off the power and remove both the protective cover and the inner part where the plug is mounted? Then should I just tile right over it? This would indeed make the outlet stick out further which is not very appealing? Placing the protective covers on the tile won't be easy considering the tile is uneven (beveled edges)?

I thought you should tile around the outlet cover?

Using a hole saw on pieces that are 10x30 seems doomed to fail, unfortunately.

Yep, turn off the power and remove both parts. The tiles that fall where the hole for the box is should be cut to fit around the hole. Be careful not to cut too much. Just as you say, the frame for the outlet will be on top of the tile afterward, exactly like you have it today, with the frame on top of the surface layer. If the tile is uneven, you can grout around the frame if you want.

An alternative is to do as you mention and tile around the cover. Then you will have a visible seam, but that can also be grouted. However, this is not the typical method.

A hole saw is a good idea when it works, but for you, a tile cutter or tile nippers may be a better option.

 

[thomasx]

Cut the pieces around the junction box BEFORE you tile them in place!

 

[prototypen]

Kinda like this, hope you don't have the same bad luck as I did when all 8 electrical sockets in the kitchen ended up in the middle of the tiles.

 

[thomasx]

Something like this, I hope you don't have the same bad luck as I did when all 8 electrical sockets in the kitchen ended up in the middle of the tiles.

I think you were lucky It's clearly the simplest, most convenient, and neatest. Just use a hole saw - done. Perfectly round hole in the right size at the right place without any fuss Much worse if you have to cut four tiles for each socket, that would mean cutting 32 tiles if you have 8 sockets :/

 

[prototypen]

Maybe it would have worked if I had gotten a hole saw, but at best it would have been 12.5 mm from the hole to the edge. It is 10x10 tiles. Doubtful if it would have held together. If you get the outlet in a cross, you grind a little on 4 tiles with a diamond disc. Now there are four small pieces around each box.

I am meticulous and patient, so it turned out well.

Protte

 

[snowjim]

What kind of hole saw should I use then? Otherwise, it feels like it might be easier to use the water cutter and cut a rectangle around where the outlet should be placed?

I do have hole saws, but they are for wood and probably metal as well.

 

[snowjim]

Is this the one you should buy: http://www.biltema.se/sv/Bygg/Kakel...klinkerkapar/Halsagsats-for-kakel-2000017325/

Not super cheap directly?

 

[prototypen]

Are you going to "fix" the socket?
If for some unknown reason you need to remove the socket, should you then chip away the joint?
If the socket breaks, can you get one with the same shape, as sockets are redesigned.

Water cutter? Is it NC controlled? In that case, it can make round holes.

Do not cut around the sockets, it gives what is called pizzeria warning.

Protte

 

[snowjim]

I saw that I used 75 and 85 mm hole saws to make holes in drywall and OSB. Which one is used for a 1 1/2 outlet? It's quite difficult to cut a hole for 1 1/2 in drywall and OSB, so it certainly won't be easier in tiles, which will also often need to be partially cut.

I still think that cutting rectangular with the water saw is the right way to go?