Flush Mounted Outlets—Your Questions Answered
In this episode of NS Builders Podcast, I’m going to address a few questions that viewers had regarding the flush mount electrical outlets we used in our Back Bay project. The TRUFIG single and double gang fascias are designed to provide a flush finish when used with TRUFIG mounting platforms and trim components. The fascias attach to the trim components using neodymium magnets. They’re really cool. Some viewers were super impressed, some intrigued, and some had questions and concerns about overall functioning.
Let’s dive into this mini Q&A session.
WILL THE EXTRA THICKNESS RESULT IN LOOSE-FITTING PLUGS?=
This was a great question: Are these outlets adding extra thickness, resulting in the plugs not fitting correctly? Plugs are designed to insert to a certain depth. So if a few mm were added with the fascia or plate covering, it might seem to create a problem.
No worries—these products are tested, are ETL certified, and meet UL requirements. They are designed to work correctly with any traditional plug. Speaking from personal experience, we’ve plugged into these outlets vacuum cleaners, tools, etc., and have not had one issue arise. We’ve used them on multiple projects, including in stone backsplashes, and we’ve painted them. At the Back Bay project, we used them throughout the entire home—and they look epically beautiful. And there is no functional loss whatsoever. Everything works exactly the way it was designed to do.
WILL PAINTED PLATES GET CHIPPED AND SCRATCHED AROUND THE SOCKETS?
Another excellent observation and question. Typically, sockets are slightly beveled to guide the prongs home. If it is flat and painted, will it end up getting scratched or have blemishes in the paint from repeated use? What about oil from your hands transferring to the plate?
Just as a painted wall might need a touchup now and then, you can certainly touch up the painted plate. Or you could leave the covers unpainted and simply wipe them clean. For our project, it made perfect sense to paint them and have them match the room colors and texture. It is a decision based on design aesthetic and visual appeal. These TRUFIG outlets are more expensive and not super easy to install and adjust. However, it really comes down to personal decisions in design and what upgrades are important to the homeowner as well as ourselves. With a little care and maintenance, these painted outlet plates will look great for a long time.
WHY FIX WHAT ISN’T BROKEN?
So more than a few viewers shared this opinion: Why go with flush mount outlets when the standard outlets work just fine, are cheaper, and have been around forever?
My answer to that is simple: Why settle for ordinary? Isn’t our industry all about broadening our view of construction? Discovering new and exciting ways to build and finish? Pushing the design elements to the edge and then watching with awe what can be accomplished? Challenging “old” construction methods with the benefits of modern, energy-efficient, and innovative ways to build?
At NS Builders, we never want to fall into the trap of mediocrity or complacency. Everything can be improved upon. It’s up to us as builders and the architects, tradesmen, and vendors to look for ways to take what works and make it better. Do it smarter. Make it cooler. Raise the bar aesthetically. And listen to our clients. What is their vision? What matters most to them? Where do they want to spend the most money? Because in the end, some things—like flush mount outlets—have little to do with function and more to do with style and comfort. And if a client wants to spend a little more to achieve that level of cool, then we’re going to go the extra mile to make that happen.
It’s not about fixing something that isn’t broken; it’s about creating something unique that is visually stunning and works just as well.
ARE THEY WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY?
That’s like asking: Is a walk-in closet worth the extra money? Are stainless steel appliances really necessary? Or is a coffee bar in the master suite just another example of throwing your money away?
Yes, yes, and no. If a homeowner has been dreaming of a walk-in closet complete with mirrors and lights, then yes, it’s going to be worth the extra money to them. If a client hires us to build an upscale gourmet kitchen, then definitely yes, stainless steel appliances are necessary. And if a coffee aficionado wants a coffee bar in the master suite of their new home, then most certainly no, that is not throwing money away. It’s spending their hard-earned money in a way that will make them most happy. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the things you’ve worked for and can afford.
Your home—including the outlets—is a huge but worthwhile investment. So why not enjoy it?
It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally craft for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen.
—Nick Schiffer