• A box flush with the wall is neat and safe.Light Switch and Outlet image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com
  
  

The Design May Vary

• Wall designs and functions of electrical receptacles vary: a homeowner may add or remove wall material, such as tile or paneling, to or from the drywall wall surface. It is laborious to adjust every electrical outlet receptacle to the thickness of the wall.
  
  

Safety First

• A deeply set electrical outlet will not sit properly in the box. In addition, the finished face plate will not secure to the outlet to provide protection from dust entering the box. Most importantly, a protruding outlet is a safety hazard; the electrical connections will be exposed.
  
  

Bottom Line

• Despite the wall surface design and the function of the receptacle, the National Electric Code requires that electrical boxes be mounted flush with the finished wall surface. In so doing, the electrical outlet will rest properly in the box, and the face plate will properly cover the hole, provide protection and be flush with the wall.