The outlets mounting straps are the 2 metal brackets at the top and bottom or left and right of the outlet, depending how it is oriented. These are the brackets that screws go through to hold the outlet to the outlet box in the wall. Don’t try to extend the outlet before the tiles are on the wall because it will be very difficult to get the spacing just right if you do it that way. It’s much easier to wait until the backsplash is done so you can space the outlet perfectly according to the thickness of the tiling. This method can be used to extend any kind of electrical outlet, including those with plugs or light switches.
Breaker boxes are typically located in your garage, basement, a utility closet, or sometimes a kitchen. If you aren’t sure which switch controls power to the outlet, you can try testing different switches until you find the right one or just turn off the master power switch to shut down everything.
Depending how far you end up extending the outlet and how long the screws are, you might be able to reuse these screws to reattach the outlet after you space it.
You can purchase switch and receptacle spacers at a home improvement center, hardware store, or online.
If the mounting straps of the outlet rest flush with the backsplash using only 2 spacers, you don’t need to add any more spacers to the stack and can skip the next step. If you can’t find any spacers, you could wrap a piece of wire up into a coil until it is thick enough to extend the outlet. You could also stack up some small metal washers or nut-type fasteners. The concept is the same as using the plastic spacers. [6] X Research source
A stack of 3-4 spacers is usually sufficient to extend the outlet out far enough for most backsplash tiling, creating the appropriate amount of space between the outlet and wall to be flush with your tile. You need 2 stacks of spacers—1 to put underneath each screw that holds the outlet in place.
If the outlet’s screws aren’t long enough to reach the holes in the outlet box with the spacers installed, purchase a longer set of screws to use. If you used a coiled piece of wire, washers, or nuts instead of spacers to space the outlet, just slide the improvised spacers over the screws after you put the screws through the holes in the outlet’s mounting straps. The process is the same as using the plastic spacers.
If the outlet is oriented vertically, starting with the top screw is easiest. If it is oriented horizontally, start at whatever side is more comfortable for you.
Be careful not to overtighten the faceplate or you could damage it, especially if it is plastic. Just tighten the screws enough to hold it flat against the backsplash.
