How to install an electrical box in drywall

Follow these expert tips to install an electrical box into drywall or plaster without the need for wall studs or joists. Not all fixtures need to be attached to a wall stud or joist.

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. Installing electrical boxes is one of the first stages in electrical rough-in work. Electrical box installation is regarded as easy work—more like carpentry than electrical wiring. But there are still some common errors that do-it-yourselfers frequently make. Follow these easy tips to make sure your electrical box installation looks professional and meets code requirements.

How to install an electrical box in drywall

Adding an electrical box to your existing wall for a switch or outlet is easy when you have the right materials and know a few tricks. And you don't have to remove any drywall. The walls can stay in place. The key is to purchase an electrical box called a remodel box or an old-work box rather than a new-work or new-construction box. Many of these old-work boxes from home centers and other big home improvement stores do not come with paper templates. Either you make your template, transfer measurements to the wall with a ruler, or use the box itself as a template. Because these boxes taper from smaller to larger, you cannot use the back sides as templates. Fortunately, you can use the face as a template, since the face is flat. Tape the box to the wall with painter's tape, face-first. Apply tape to the top and bottom. It's not necessary to tape the sides.

It is standard practice for wall switches to be installed about 48 inches above the floor.

.

Follow these expert tips to install an electrical box into drywall or plaster without the need for wall studs or joists. Not all fixtures need to be attached to a wall stud or joist. Installing these handy boxes only takes about 15 minutes and they give you the freedom to decorate your space exactly how you want. Try your hand at this small electrical project using our step-by-step instructions below. Before you get started, plan the job carefully, as running cable through walls covered with drywall or plaster can be difficult. Remodel boxes also called cut-in or old-work boxes clamp to the drywall or plaster rather than attach to a framing member, making the work easier. However, they are only as strong as the wall surface to which they are clamped. If the drywall or plaster is damaged , cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist. Select boxes that meet local codes.

How to install an electrical box in drywall

Adding an electrical box to your existing wall for a switch or outlet is easy when you have the right materials and know a few tricks. And you don't have to remove any drywall. The walls can stay in place. The key is to purchase an electrical box called a remodel box or an old-work box rather than a new-work or new-construction box. Many of these old-work boxes from home centers and other big home improvement stores do not come with paper templates.

Lana parrilla swingtown

Begin by slightly pushing out the nails on the box by hand, so that when you place the box against the stud, the tips of the nails lightly pierce the wood. For your safety, turn off power before starting this project. Cut to the inside of the knife cut to prevent fraying the paper. For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture, buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan-rated brace. If you strike too hard, you risk pushing the box backward along the face of the stud. Related Articles. Drill starter holes at each corner and then cut with a jigsaw. List of Partners vendors. Make sure to keep your blows perpendicular to the stud. It is standard practice for wall switches to be installed about 48 inches above the floor. In new construction, attaching a strip of drywall to the front face of studs can serve as a guide for attaching wall boxes. Measure advertising performance. But sometimes, it's not always possible to find a suitable mounting point against the studs. Trending Videos. Alternate Blows Between Nails.

.

There are no precise code guidelines for how high wall switches or outlet boxes should be positioned. With any type of larger, V outlet, it's often best to use a metal box, especially for cords that are frequently removed and replaced. Make several passes with a sharp knife. For switches and outlets above countertops , install them so the bottoms are about 4 inches above the countertop surface. With your straight edge, connect horizontal and vertical lines to make a complete outline. Adding an electrical box to your existing wall for a switch or outlet is easy when you have the right materials and know a few tricks. Cut to the inside of the knife cut to prevent fraying the paper. Use limited data to select advertising. Whether nailed to the studs or screwed in with adjustable brackets, boxes on studs tend to stay in place for a long time. This allows the box to be easily removed should the layout need to be changed before the NM cable installation. Create profiles to personalise content.