After I was done sealing the grout, it was time to finish up with the electrical. I would replace all the ivory-colored outlets, switches and covers with the white ones Because of the thickness of the tiles, I needed to purchase longer screws so I could screw all the new switches and outlets back in the boxes. Somehow, I was short two switches and a cover plate. I would need to go back to the home improvement store.
There were a few outlet and switch boxes where I needed to add tile so the switch or outlet could sit flush with the backsplash. Since these tiles would be hidden, I did not attach them. I just used them as shims. However, I noticed that there were two outlets where the tiles would be visible. I decided I would use silicone caulking and the grout matching-colored caulking to finish those areas. No need to make another batch of grout for two tiles, and you could not tell the difference between the grout and caulking.
I did have a little problem when I tried to screw in the switch for the pendant lights, the breaker would shut off. Well, that’s not good. I pulled out both the dishwasher switch and pendant light switch and noticed some loose wires. I am glad I caught it, but how did they get loose or were they always loose. I tried to tightened down the wires on the pendant light outlet/switch, and the screws were stripped out. I needed a new outlet/switch unit. I checked the dishwasher unit, and it had loose wires because the screw was stripped out on this on too. That was it! I was going to go with a double switch unit and a separate outlet. I needed to take care of this mess I made.
The next morning I went to the home improvement store and bought a double switch unit and a commercial duplex outlet. The commercial outlet allowed me to back wire it. Now I did not need to double up on the side screws of the outlet. It was a little more costly, but it was a better and safer solution. I also bought the two switches and cover plate I was missing.
That night I rewired the box and got rid of all the excess jumper wires for the hot and neutral wires. The commercial outlet allowed me to back wire the multiple wires. I also hooked up the pendant lights to the dishwasher wire just to make my life easier. Just a small jumper wire from the hot wire of the dishwasher switch to pendant light switch. I turned on the breaker, and everything worked. I screwed the units into the box, and I could use the same cover as before. I also replaced the switches that I also bought that morning. I was done with electrical, I hope.