How to Add Space Behind a UK Socket or Light Switch for Wiring - 2026

If you have ever tried to refit a plug socket or light switch and found that the wiring simply will not sit neatly behind the faceplate, you are not alone. This is one of the most common reasons people end up looking for socket spacer plates to solve the problem cleanly and safely. Tight back boxes, modern wiring, and additional components can all make it difficult to safely refit a faceplate without strain.

This guide explains why there may not be enough space behind a socket or switch, why forcing it is a bad idea, and how spacer plates can be used on the surface of the wall to create extra room for wiring.

Why there is not enough space behind a socket or switch

Lack of space behind a faceplate is a very common problem, especially in older homes. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Shallow metal or plastic back boxes, often found in solid walls
  • Additional wiring added over time
  • Thicker modern cables compared to older wiring
  • Smart switches, USB sockets, or dimmers that require more depth
  • Earth wires and connectors that take up extra room

When everything is pushed back into the box, the faceplate can sit unevenly or refuse to screw flush to the wall.

Why you should not force the faceplate

It can be tempting to push the wiring harder or tighten the screws aggressively, but this can cause problems:

  • Damaged or crushed cables
  • Loose connections over time
  • Faceplates that crack or bow

From a safety and longevity point of view, sockets and switches should sit comfortably, not under pressure.

The correct solution - adding space with spacer plates

In many cases, the simplest and safest fix is to use socket spacer plates that sit on the surface of the wall behind the faceplate.

Spacer plates sit between the wall and the faceplate, moving the faceplate slightly forward. Our socket spacers are designed specifically for this purpose and are commonly used for both plug sockets and light switches. This creates extra room behind the faceplate for wiring to sit naturally, without being forced.

They are commonly used when:

  • Wiring is too bulky for the existing box
  • Installing a deeper box is not practical
  • You want a neat, reversible solution

For many installations, a light switch or socket spacer provides exactly the extra clearance needed without major work.

How spacer plates work

A custom-made light switch and socket spacer plate matches the shape of the faceplate and uses the same fixing screws. It simply brings the faceplate forward by a small amount, typically a few millimetres.

Because spacer plates sit on the surface of the wall:

  • No plastering is required
  • The original back box stays in place
  • The installation can be reversed easily

Our spacer plates are fully customisable, allowing you to choose the thickness, width, height, and corner radius to suit your specific socket or switch. This makes them ideal for both DIY upgrades and professional electrical work.

Close-up of two black socket spacers / extension frames with different corner radiuses, showing there are options for how rounded the corners of the plates are (2mm radius or 5mm radius).

How much extra space do you need

Choosing the correct spacer thickness is important, which is why our custom socket spacers can be made to your exact requirements.

Spacer plates are available in different thicknesses of 2mm to 20mm. The most common options are:

  • 2mm - useful when wiring only just fails to fit
  • 4mm - 8mm - ideal for thicker cables, USB sockets, or tight boxes
  • 10mm - 20mm - may be required for some slimline faceplates or smart switches

In many cases, even a small increase in depth is enough to allow wiring to sit correctly.

Spacer plates vs deeper back boxes

Replacing a back box with a deeper one is sometimes suggested, but it is not always practical.

Spacer plates are often the better option when:

  • The wall is solid masonry
  • Chasing the wall would cause damage or mess
  • The socket or switch is already wired
  • You want a quick, clean solution

In these situations, spacer plates provide extra space without major work. You can view the full range of socket spacer options here, including fully custom sizes.

Step-by-step: how to add space behind a socket or light switch

  1. Isolate the power
    Switch off the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before starting any work.
  2. Remove the faceplate
    Loosen the fixing screws and gently pull the socket or switch forward to expose the wiring behind.
  3. Fit the spacer and organise the wiring
    Position the spacer plate between the wall surface and the faceplate. For double gang spacers, you may be able to install them with the wiring still connected by slipping them over the faceplate, but otherwise you will need to carefully disconnect and reconnect the wires as you move the spacer past them.
  4. Refit and secure the faceplate
    Insert the screws through the faceplate and spacer and secure them back into the electrical back box. The spacer moves the faceplate forward, increasing the usable space behind it.
  5. Check alignment and finish
    Tighten the screws fully and ensure the faceplate sits level and secure against the spacer.

If you are unsure about electrical safety at any stage, always consult a qualified electrician.

Similar problems

If your issue is not tight wiring but a recessed or sunken socket or light switch, you may find our guide on fixing recessed faceplates helpful, as it covers a different but closely related problem and solution approach.

Final thoughts

If there is not enough space behind a socket or light switch for wiring, forcing the faceplate is never the right answer. Adding space behind the faceplate using spacer plates is a simple, effective, and tidy solution that avoids damage and improves safety.

Used correctly, spacer plates make refitting sockets and switches easier, neater, and more reliable, especially in older homes or modern retrofits.

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