I have a 3 gang smart switch that I want to fit into existing junction box.... but... 

the yellow conduit intrudes a little into the box making the vertical clearance inside the junction box insufficient. 

 

I think it would be too difficult to remove the offending piece of conduit without mangling the wiring so I'm thinking I could remove a section of the bottom wall of the junction box.  I've outlined the section in the attached photo.  The AAC block/wall render meet the box bottom so it would have to be ground away at most .5cm to allow the switch to go all the way into the box.

 

Any suggestions for a method/tool to cut the metal box to remove the section shown below?

 

If I try to remove the whole box, I think I would create enough damage to require some render repair and painting.  Maybe I can avoid that.

 

Am I correct in my assumption that removing a portion of that box would not create any safety issue?

 

The picture showing my actual junction box is just one that I opened for a test fitting of the 3 gang switch.

I think it would be easier/cleaner to just remove the  bit of yellow pvc pipe that is in the way 

you could try a hot blade   but be very careful not to touch the wires

shield them with a tube of something else  a bit more heat resistant 

metal would be best IMHO

 

32 minutes ago, gamb00ler said:

 

 

 

 

Will the yellow conduit gland nut not unscrew.
 

 

 

Good suggestions. 🙂

Also you could  use a grinder and cut 2 vertical cuts in the render/block to give you more room to get at the nut.

After re-render and paint.

I wired my garage and used that paint to hide any repairs.

Can't see any repairs.

42 minutes ago, Fruit Trader said:

 

 

Will the yellow conduit gland nut not unscrew.
 

 

 

I thought it might be a nut, but wasn't sure..   I'll try unscrewing it now that I know.... Not much room to maneuver in there... 

Thanks a ton!   I unscrewed it using channel lock pliers.

1 hour ago, johng said:

I think it would be easier/cleaner to just remove the  bit of yellow pvc pipe that is in the way 

you could try a hot blade   but be very careful not to touch the wires

shield them with a tube of something else  a bit more heat resistant 

metal would be best IMHO

 

That's what I did, hacksaw blade with tape around to give it a handle, and carefully saw away the plastic conduit.

@gamb00ler  are you going to flash the Sonoff device with Tasmota or some other firmware ?