Scott, I don't know about any codes, but it seems to me the biggest question is, can you get a wire to the place you want the switch? Aside from any rules, I would place the switch were it is convenient.
Then, if there are too many studs, or something in the wall, but you can still get a wire there, I would not hesitate to chisel out enough space for the box. If there is that much stud there, I can't imagine you'd weaken anything. But a foot or so from the door shouldn't be a problem, if you can get into the wall better there. Blessings, Tom -----Original Message----- From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com]on Behalf Of Scott Howell Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 4:30 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] installing a new light switch in a bathroom Folks, I'm actually moving a switch from behind the door of the bathroom to just inside the door where it really should be. How anyone could have done such a silly thing is beyond me. Ok, so forget all the reasons, but I know why they installed it behind the door and it really comes down to not having either planned well or something prevented them from installing inside the door. Admittedly, it was easy to install I'm sure cause you can get to the wiring etc. from inside the utility room and they didn't even have to run through the beams, they just went around them. So, here is the issue and question. I made two small test holes and found there appears to be a stud about 3 to 5 inches or so from the door frame, which is kind of curious. I stuffed a coat hanger in there and tried to fish around to get some idea of space, but I swear I'm hitting more than a stud but short of cutting the wall open, I have no idea what the hell is in there and that may be just what I do. So, lets say for the sake of argument that I can't get a single gang box in there, how far from the edge of the doorframe can you place a switch? The question is twofold in that of course I need to check local code assuming there is one, but also I wouldn't want it to look funny either. Of course I could just leave well enough alone and the switches stay behind the door. Actually, what I have behind the door is the switches for the light and fan, a non-GFI outlet in a completely separate box, and finally a junction box with a blank plate that houses the amazing mess of wires that makes the whole thing work. Just to show how weird the whole thing is, I got someone to help install a three-way switch arrangement in the full-bath upstairs because the fan and light switches were not inside the door as you'd thing, but the builder put the switches on the wall the door opens against, which also has a door into the master bedroom. Any thoughts are appreciated. I guess I could always move. :) Well not yet, I think I'll have the next one built. :) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
