How to Cut a Hole for Installing an Electrical Outlet

You don't have to be a professional electrician to install an electrical outlet. You just need to know the basics and use some common sense.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stud locator
• Pencil or marker
• Measuring tape or yardstick
• Level
• Drill and drill bits
• Jigsaw or drywall saw

1. Determine the best location for your electrical outlet and shut off the power to that area.

2. Find the wall studs with a stud locator and mark their location. The electrical outlet box will be installed between the studs in existing construction.

3. Mark the four edges of what will be the electrical outlet. Use a level to verify that the edges are straight. However, you can trace an outline of the outlet box onto the sheetrock.

4. Mark the four edges of what will be the electrical outlet. Use a level to verify that the edges are straight.

5. Drill through the floor and into the cellar at the outlet's location and near the studs, if the home has a basement. Otherwise, drill through the top plate into the attic so the electrician can connect the wire to the panel via the attic.

6. Cut a hole for the electrical outlet box in the wall, sheetrock or baseboard with a jigsaw or drywall saw. Drill through the hole for the outlet box with an extended spade bit.

7. Remove the center portion. Insert the outlet into the box and verify its fit.

8. Enlist the help of a licensed electrician to run wire, install in the plug and connect the electricity. Restore the power to the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider making a standard size cardboard template to have on hand the next time you install an electrical outlet.
• Do not install an electrical outlet box to a stud unless it's new construction, or else it's very difficult to get electrical wire to the box and also make up the connection inside the box.

[Schrlau]

on 2/27/2008 Thank you, I have been wanting to do this. I have been needing to do this, my wife will be so happy & proud... Thanks for making it easy.