How to Line a New Electrical Outlet Box

It's easy to put in a new electrical outlet box during a new home construction, but adding one to an existing house brings a whole new dimension to the project. Though it's more difficult, you can install an electrical outlet box in an existing room after a bit of careful planning and positioning.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Outlet box
• Stud finder
• Drill
• Drywall saw

1. Buy an old work or remodel electrical outlet box. These come equipped with little flaps that flip out when you tighten the screws, so you don't have to worry about attaching your box to the wall stud in order for it to stay in place.

2. Locate the edge of your stud with a stud finder. Measure a few inches away from the stud and 12 inches up from the floor, and place a mark for the edge of your electrical box.

3. Hold the electrical outlet box on the wall at the mark you made in Step 2. Trace around the outside of the outlet box.

4. Drill holes in the drywall at all four corners of your tracing marks to ensure that you aren't next to or on a stud. Cut out the space for the new electrical outlet box with a hand saw or a drywall saw. You're now ready to install the unit.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your city about requirements for how far above the floor you must place your electrical outlet box.
• Using a jig saw to cut out the section of drywall may inadvertently lead you to slice through a wire that may be just beyond the wall.

[oldhandyman]

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