How to Install an Electric Box in a Block Retaining Wall

Block retaining wall usually contains blocks of concrete masonry and primarily depend on the force of gravity to keep them upright. Retaining blocks are more convenient, more economical and more aesthetically pleasant an option than poured concrete walls and the blocks are available in a wide variety of colors or shades and in many textures too so as to suit or blend in with your ambience perfectly. Installing an electric box for electrical wires in a block retaining wall is usually a mandatory job assuring that the wires remain intact and safe.

Step 1 - Take Measurements and Mark

Begin off your project by taking accurate measurements which would help you throughout your task. Position your tape measure’s blade on the floor and take the distance from that point of the floor to the top of the wall. It is recommended that you double check the positioning using your level against the blade and alter or fine-tune the tape measure from one side to the other in order to attain a set of vertical marks. Once you have taken the measurements, proceed by placing a visible mark towards the center of a mortar joint above which you will be mounting your fixture later on. Follow up this mark by making more marks on your wall after every 2 feet, but see to it that you place all of them in mortar joints.

Step 2 - Drill and Install Plastic Anchors

Once you are through with placing the marks, use your masonry bit to drill holes into these marks. Your holes should be about ¼ an inch deeper then the length of the plastic anchors which you will be placing. Hence, after the drilling, shove an anchor through every hole with the help of your thumb and use your hammer to strike them flush.

Step 3 - Work on the Wires and the Conduit

Now, glide a rope through the 3/4 inch conduit and link up the end of this rope with the end of your wires but assure that you wrap them well and tight with duct tape. Once done, drag the rope through your wires and into the conduit but be sure that you take necessary safety precautions like wear leather hand gloves along with a face mask during this step. Proceed by cutting the duct tape that you placed using a razor knife and get the rope free from all attachments. Then, pull a sufficient quantity and length of wires through so as to assure that they don’t slide out when or while the conduit is being mounted.

Step 4 - Place the Straps

Clasp the conduit to your wall and cut a ¾ inch conduit strap onto it. Using a Phillips screwdriver, install a retaining screw which would enable you to fasten the conduit strap to a plastic anchor and lastly, connect a strap to each and every plastic anchor installed in your wall.