How To Install An Electrical Box

An electrical box is a housing unit containing the electrical outlet. This outlet then connects certain wiring points in the home to the main power source. Through this metal electrical box, you receive the power you need to run appliances, tools, and other electrical devices in the home.

Most of the time, there will be enough electrical boxes installed in your home. However, the occasion might arise when you'll to install a new electrical box in a different part of your home. Installation of a new electrical box is a process that most professional electricians will do themselves, but it can be done yourself when you take some precautions and follow these basic steps.

Step One - Determine Location for Electrical Box

The first step to installing the electrical box is to determine the exact location. With today's plastic electrical boxes, you can install them where ever you it's needed.

To choose a location for your box, determine what you need. Is it for a light switch or an electrical outlet? A light switch typically is at a comfortable position about shoulder high. An electrical outlet is usually located 8 to 10 inches from the floor.

Step Two - Cut Hole in Drywall

After you have located the position of the outlet box, cut a hole in the drywall. First, turn the box around so that opening is facing the wall. Place a small torpedo level on it to make sure it is straight. Then, trace around the opening with a pencil.

Once you have the opening for the box traced on the wall, you can begin cutting out the hole. With a drywall saw, place the very tip along the top corner of the box outline. Push the point of the blade through the drywall and begin sawing down. Cut the corner the same way. Once the hole has been completed, pull out the piece of drywall that has been cut.

Step Three - Thread Wire

Thread the wire to the point where the electrical box is going to be located. Knock out the tabs in the back of the electrical box. Thread the wire into the box through the back tab. When you insert the wire it will usually hit the back of the box. Bend the box down. This will bend the wire so you can then pull it through. Leave at least six inches of wire hanging out of the box face.

Step Four - Attach Electrical Box To Drywall

Set the box inside the hole. There will be two screws - one in the upper corner, one in the lower corner. These screws operate the tabs that will secure it to the drywall. Once the electrical box is set in the hole, screw in these screws. The tabs will pop up and then tighten against the back of the drywall pulling it tight to the face.