The primary purpose of the electrical box in which wall receptacles are mounted is to contain any arcing or sparking that might happen at the wire connections at the side or back or the receptacle. When combined with a cover plate, a fire-resistant box is created for safety. But if wood paneling or a wainscot is applied over an existing wall, then the wall receptacles have to be remounted forward of their original location. This exposes the wire connections to the flammable wood, as shown in the photo above. 

   The solution to this problem is simple: an electrical box extender, like the one shown below, which is also called a “goof ring” by electricians. It slides into the front of the existing box and extends the fire protection forward; then the receptacle is mounted to the extender with a cover plate over it.   Whenever you see wood paneling or a wainscot that looks like part of a remodeling, we recommend that you pull the cover plate to verify that either the  front of the original box is mounted flush with the surface of the paneling or an extender has been added.

    Also, see our blog post Does a home inspector remove receptacle outlet cover plates?

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  To learn more about electrical wiring, devices, and receptacles, see these other blog posts:

 • What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker?

• What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink? 

• Does an electric receptacle outlet in a storage shed require GFCI protection? 

• What are "self-contained" electrical receptacle outlets and switches?

• What is the difference between an electrical receptacle, an outlet, and a plug?

• Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection?

• What is the building code requirement for receptacle outlets at stairs and stair landings?

• Can I remove a 240-volt range receptacle and hard-wire the range? 

• What is a "backstab" receptacle outlet? 

• Why are some electric receptacle outlets upside down (ground slot up) in a house?   

• Why is there no bathroom electric receptacle in this old house?

• How can I tell if the electric receptacle outlets are grounded? 

• How far apart should the electrical receptacles be placed?

• What are the most common problems/defects found with electric receptacle outlets during a home inspection?

   Visit our ELECTRICAL page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

Illustration by Code Check