Wifi switches: backbox size

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North Yorkshire
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United Kingdom
Hi,

I'm looking to replace a standard 2-gang light switch with a wifi one. Most of them suggest you need a 35mm back box, but our house (probably like most UK ones) have 25mm back boxes.

How have folk got round this; is there an adaptor plate of 10mm that you can use, or have you thought of a way around this?
 
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You can replace the back box with a deeper one. Spacer frames, sometimes called biscuit frames are available to go between the wall and the switch, but these often look untidy.
 
I had to replace the old wooden MK back box with a modern metal one and remove the lugs top and bottom. Tried to get old one out intact, but failed, if it hadn't had MK on it I would have assumed a DIY back box.
 
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You can replace the back box with a deeper one. Spacer frames, sometimes called biscuit frames are available to go between the wall and the switch, but these often look untidy.

Thanks... having not done this I wasn't sure what the general opinion was on Spacer Frames (and the proper name for them). I imagine they stick out more anyway. I guess the best solution is to deepen the back of it. Cheers.
 
I'm kinda interested on why folk don't like wifi switches on here?

I've used a couple outside the house for lighting up my cabin in the garden, but this would be the first one in the house.
 
Maybe we can't understand the advantage of them.
What could be easier than flicking a switch on a wall?

There are other issues though:
1) Some require a neutral at the switch, which is rarely available
2) Some aren't available in 2 way
3) The backbox size required.
4) It's a developing system, and things will be different in 5 years time
5) spending money and messing around for no good reason
6) DIYers fitting them, and ending up in a worst state
 
7) Having electronic devices all over the fixed wiring makes electrical testing a PITA.
8) I've seen more exploded electronic switches than mechanical ones.
9) Triac based electronic switches can be damaged when a bulb/lamp fails leaving the output permanently on.
 
I'm kinda interested on why folk don't like wifi switches on here?

I've used a couple outside the house for lighting up my cabin in the garden, but this would be the first one in the house.
One of the main draw backs is with a power cut it auto switches off, there must be some current through the switch at all times, remove the bulb it auto switches off, but not really isolated, just makes testing a nightmare.

Yes I have used one, and will likely since I have one stuck in a draw, refit it in this house some day, I would use for bedroom, or outside lights, would never use one on the stairs or landing, in the main they can be used where there is a lack of wiring or so you can control lights from the car, but one has to consider where they are fitted.
 
Hmm, ok. Some really interesting comments, so thanks all.

The lights would be for outside, so I can turn them on whilst on the way home from somewhere.

Plus, there’s the idea that doing ‘stuff’ for the sake of it is good.
 

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