Installing An Electrical Floor Box

When you need to install an electrical floor box, you will find that it can be done very easily with a few basic tools. A new electrical floor box is very useful in keeping wires organized in a computer room or for outdoor living spaces. Typically, an electrical box will be installed in a wall. However, an electrical floor box can also be installed in a deck, patio, or other area where there are no walls.

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Step One - Determine Location for Electrical Floor Box

The electrical floor box is easier to install if it is in a wood, or rug flooring. A tile, slate, or cement installation will call for much different installation techniques. Determine the exact location. This should be somewhere that is out of the main traffic area, and preferably hidden from view if you are going to have devices plugged into the outlet most of the time.

Step Two - Cut Hole in Floor

Cut the hole in the floor. With a pencil, or marker, outline the bottom of the electrical box onto the floor. Simply trace the outline of the electrical floor box for the most accurate transfer of dimensions. With a utility knife, cut out the rug section.

After the rug section is removed, or if you do not have a rug in this area, drill a pilot hole just inside the line. Use a jigsaw to cut out the rest of the hole.

Step Three - Wire in Box

Since the electrical box houses the outlet, you will need to have the wire inside the box for the outlet installation. Thread the wire into the area where the electrical box is going to be. Knock out the bottom tab and thread the wire into the box. Pull enough wire through so that there is at least six to eight inches of extra wire hanging out of the box.

Step Four - Set in Hole

Once the wire is thread through the back of the box, you can set the electrical floor box into the hole. With a screwdriver, screw in the mounting tabs. These will spin out when you begin to tighten the screws and will tighten up to pull the electrical box into the floor for a tight installation.