How to Attach a Faceplate Into Drywall Without an Electrical Outlet Box

There's nothing more frustrating than finding that someone didn't put an outlet box in when the outlet was installed. The outlet box supplies the support for the outlet to screw in. The outlet then has a screw hole in the center and the faceplate fits there. The faceplate and electrical outlet are unstable if the box is not there. Read on to learn how to attach a faceplate into drywall without an electrical outlet box.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Metal flashing
• Measuring tool
• Pencil and paper
• Metal cutters
• Nails
• Board the same thickness as the sheetrock
• Hammer
• Power drill
• Bit the size of the screw
• Screwdriver

1. Find a piece of metal flashing. Metal flashing is used on roofs and can be found in the hardware department.

2. Measure the width of the opening and subtract 1/4 inch to find the width. Measure the thickness of the sheet rock. Add 3/8 inch, the thickness of the sheetrock and 1 inch. Cut the flashing to this length. Use metal cutters to cut the flashing.

3. Create your own brace to stabilize the faceplate and electrical outlet box. Find a board the width of the sheet rock. Lay the metal on the wood with one inch over on one side and 3/8 inch on the other. Tack the metal to the wood for stability. Don't drive the nails all the way in because you'll remove them later.

4. Hammer both sides down to the sides of the board. Measure the distance of the screw holes on the electrical outlet wings from the edge and the top of the sheetrock. You use the side measurement less 1/8 inch and the other to drill a hole through the metal, wood and other side of the metal for the screw. Create the hole large enough for the screw that connects the outlet to the sheetrock.

5. Remove the nails and lift the brace you just created off the wood.

6. Make a second brace in the same manner. You reinforce the sheetrock with the brace and stabilize the both the faceplate and the electrical outlet with the metal plate on the top and the bottom.

7. Slide the brace over the sheetrock on the top and the bottom of the opening. Screw the outlet into the brace, through the sheetrock and the other side of the brace. It may take a longer screw. Attach the plate.

Tips & Warnings

• It's best if you ask your electrician to install an electrical outlet box. Unstable outlets can be easily pulled away from the wall and create a hazard.

[jamesgill]

on 1/4/2009 they already make devices that do this so you don't have to do your own fabrication they are called madison clips or also known as hold its you can find them at any home depot or lowes hardware stores