Electrical switch paint protector

thingiverse

I designed this because I'm tired of my painter and decorator getting paint on the lighting and power switch plates. I prefer all my electrical switches to be screwed off the wall so that the wall can be painted behind them. The issue with this is the switch often 'droops' on the attached wires and touches the wall below it, creating a mark in the freshly painted wall. I created two files to solve this problem. One file is for Double Sockets Outlets (13a DSO's) with two spaces, 5mm and 10mm, while the second file is universal and can be used for Double Socket Outlets, Single Socket Outlets, and light switches, also with two spaces of 5mm and 10mm. This design allows for different width face plates to fit. The gap can either be left open or a bit of tape can be used to cover the face plate to stop any paint splashes. **V0.4** update: The universal model has been changed so that it fits a standard single switch (SSO). For larger switches (DSO's), simply break the two halves apart. The spacers can be easily broken off, and you can select which ever spacer is suitable. If the existing screw is long enough, both spaces can be used together to create a total spacing of 15mm from the back box lugs. Safety Note: If unsure about removing switch plates, get an electrician to do this for you. The electrical supply must be switched off to the circuit before any work on the electrical switches takes place. Warning: Unscrewing electrical switches may look easy but can result in wires coming loose from the rear terminals of the unit. If unsure, ask an electrician to do it for you.