Centering a Switch in a 2-Gang Electrical Box - Here's How

For whatever reason, you have a 2-gang electrical box with only one switch or outlet, and you'd like it to be centered.

The solution for covering a single device in a double box depends on what type of box you are covering.

Note the location of the screw holes on each box type as well as the dimensions of the boxes.

We'll now look at how to center a device in each of these types of boxes.

2-GANG STANDARD BOX:

A standard box has tabs that the electrical devices mount into.

Typically, you would install your switch on one side or the other, and cover it with a plate that has 1 blank side.

There is no place to mount the device in the middle, so in order to do so in this type of box, you'll need a specialty switch plate that the device will mount to from underneath.

Then, the plate mounts to the box in the standard way.

Shop these links to get a cover for this box type, based on what type of device you're installing (rocker switch, toggle switch or duplex outlet).

1. centered rocker cover for a 2-gang box (for rocker switch or block/GFCI outlet)
2. middle position toggle switch cover for 2-gang box (for toggle switches)
3. middle duplex outlet cover for 2-gang boxes (for outlets with center screw)

4" x 4" JUNCTION BOX:

In 4x4 junction boxes with screws in opposite corners, you need a mud ring to center your switch or outlet.

The mud ring (also called a plaster ring) slips underneath the diagonal screws to secure to the box. The device then mounts to the ring and the cover plate goes over as it normally would in a single-gang box.

Shop the links below to get these covers, which are all compatible with this center-mount mud ring for 4x4 boxes:

1. 2-gang plate for centered rocker devices
2. 2-gang switchplate for middle toggle
3. 2-gang outlet cover for 1 center duplex

4-11/16" JUNCTION BOX:

For larger junction boxes, you'll use this large plastic ring and oversized covers for centered devices (larger than the ones linked to for the 4x4 box above).

Although these boxes have 4 total screw tabs, you'll only be using 2 screws (in opposite corners) to attach the mud ring.

You can shop the links below to buy oversized covers. Each are compatible with this mud ring for large boxes:

1. oversized centered rocker gfci outlet covers
2. oversized center toggle switch wall plates
3. oversized centered duplex outlet faceplates

Now you know how to cover these different types of 2-gang boxes and where to buy the parts.

Shop Kyle Switch Plates for all your electrical device and cover plate needs.