My Guidelight isn't installing over my outlet
So you are having difficulty getting your Guidelight to fit over your outlet? Below you will find a step by step guide to help you get your Guidelight working properly. Before we get started let’s quickly review how the SnapRays Guidelight works and where it gets its power from. Once you know this, you should be able to get your Guidelight installed and working in no time.
Always turn off the power at the circuit breaker and test that the power is off before working around outlets.
How the SnapRays Guidelight works
The SnapRays Guidelight is designed to be installed over the standard duplex or décor outlet with side screw terminals. These screw terminals are where the Guidelight get its power from.
The Guidelight is equipped with two insulated power prongs located on the back side. Both power prongs are equipped with a conductive rivets designed to make contact with the screw terminals in order to pull power form the outlet.
As the user installs the Guidelight over the outlet, the "Power Prongs" on the back side of the Guidelight slide inside the electrical box and around the outlet receptacle, making contact with the screw terminals located on both sides of the outlet. Both rivets need to make contact with the screw terminals on the outlet in order for the Guidelight to work properly.
There must be a clear path and enough room between the box and the outlet screws in order for the Guidelight to install properly.
Now that you understand how the Guidelight works, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you may be having difficulty getting your Guidelight to install over the outlet.
1 - Non- compatible outlets
Remember, the Guidelight is only compatible with the standard duplex or décor outlet with side screw terminals regardless of the manufacturer or year (These types of outlets make up the vast majority of outlets in North American homes). If you are attempting to install your Guidelight over any other type of outlet it will not work and may prevent you from gettting your Guidelight to install over the outlet.
Here are two examples of what the standard duplex and décor outlets look like:
Compatible Outlets
Examples of Non-Compatible Outlets
Here are a few examples of non-compatible outlets. Your Guidelight will not work if you are attempting to install it over these types of outlets.
2 - Internal Obstructions
Anything that obstructs passage of the prongs around the outlet or prevents the prongs from entering inside the outlet box can prevent the Guidelight from installing completely over the outlet.
In order for the Guidelight to install completely over the outlet there must be a clear path between both sides of the outlet and the outlet box.
A) Sheet Rock or Sheet rocking mud
Sheet rock or sheet rocking mud may partially or completely cover the outlet box. This can prevent the prongs from passing around the outlet and making contact with the screw terminals. Most of the time this can be solved by carefully installing the Guidelight and manuevering the prongs between the sheetrock and outlet. Be sure that the prongs enter inside the outlet box.
Sometimes there may not be enough room between the sheet rock and outlet to allow you to get the prongs inserted into the electrical box and around the outlet. In general, mud can be removed and sheet rock can be trimmed to allow access to the outlet. If you are unsure of how to do this properly or are uncomfortable doing so, consult an electrician.
