How to remove selector switch cover

[REO]

I am trying to remove a gen/ shore power selector switch. I think it is Blue Seas. How do I get the cover plate off without damaging it?

 

[Comodave]

Have you taken the whole panel off and looked at the back of the black plate? That is where I would start. Really have no idea but there may be some way to loosen it up from the back.

 

[Peter B]

View attachment 126038
I am trying to remove a gen/ shore power selector switch. I think it is Blue Seas. How do I get the cover plate off without damaging it?

Reo, I took the liberty of moving your post out of the 'How to use the forum, etc', section, and into 'Electrical, etc', where it will get a wider viewing and hopefully more replies.

 

[REO]

Thanks for both replies. The manufacturer drawing shows the plate only removable from the front. It looks like it just snaps in, but a screwdriver in the place where I can pry has put small dents in the plate without loosening it. Am I being too gentle?

 

[Nick F]

Can you post the drawing?

 

[REO]

https://shop.pkys.com/Blue-Sea-9019-AC-Selector-Switch-240V-63A-OFF-2_p_2036.html

This is the switch detail on their web site. I emailed blue seas and the reply was to pry at the middle of the bottom. I have tried that. This is an expensive switch, and I am really afraid that I will crack the face plate. Has anyone removed one of these after it was in for 10 years? Any trick or tool I'm not thinking of?

 

[SteveK]

View attachment 126038
I am trying to remove a gen/ shore power selector switch. I think it is Blue Seas. How do I get the cover plate off without damaging it?

The picture you provided suggests to me that the switch is placed in a location where the an original hole was too large. The plate with screws at the corners covers the original hole.
You probably removed a nut after removing the actual switch which would normally have allowed the plate to be removed exposing the main switch body access.
My guess is the smaller black plate is now glued to the larger on. Do as Dave suggested and remove the larger plate/cover.

 

[koliver]

Your boat was built 38 years ago. Was Blue Seas around then? I doubt it. Some other manufacturer's switch was in that spot, then replaced with your present switch, which, as suggested above, required a modification to cover the hole left by the bigger one being removed. Once you have it off, you will have the whole picture.

 

[REO]

Glued on. That would explain why the face plate will not budge. I wanted to get the switch out to move it to a new panel in another location. I can do that If I remove it with the big plate. The screws that hold the switch to the big plate are under the glued on face plate. I guess I will have to incorporate the big plate that it's attached to. I'm going to the boat today to get it out. Thanks for helping me figure out what to do.

 

[REO]

Got it out. I'll have to use the big backing plate, but that will work. Thanks.