How to Drill When Installing Electrical Outlets

If you're installing new outlets, you need to run wire to a new area for electrical outlets. The key to any project is proper planning. Remember that when you run new wire, you always need to do some drilling to create an area for the wire to pass. You need to drill through the ceiling to get to the floor above.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pencil
• Power drill
• Auger bit
• Fish line

1. Measure the area. Lay out the room on paper and decide where to put the outlet. Take measurements to determine where to drill the hole. You want the wire to pass inside the wall so it is extremely important that you have the right measurements.

2. Remeasure to make sure you're accurate. Check the location above and below the place where you drill. You definitely don't want a hole in the middle of the room above.

3. Check the area for any plumbing or heat ducting. Check the upper level before drilling. Follow the path of the ducts and plumbing on the upper level before drilling a hole for the electrical outlet.

4. Mark the spot that you measured off. Double check the mark before you drill.

5. Use a flat spade bit or auger bit in your power drill to make the hole in the ceiling joist. The auger bit makes your job go faster.

6. Grab a fish line and fish the wire through the hole that you just drilled for the wire to the electrical outlet.