Not all fixtures need to be attached to a wall he-man or joist . Lightweight mend can carry up on plaster or drywall if you have a remodel electrical box . Installing these handy box only takes about 15 instant and they give you the exemption to decorate your space exactly how you require . Try your hand at this small electrical labor using our stride - by - step instructions below .
Before you get started , plan the line carefully , as run line through walls covered with drywall or plaster can be unmanageable . Remodel boxes ( also called cut - in or quondam - work box ) clamp to the drywall or plaster rather than attach to a frame fellow member , making the work easier . However , they are only as strong as the wall surface to which they are clamped . If thedrywall or plaster is damaged , curve a larger hole and install a boxful that attaches directly to a stud or joist . Select boxes that meet local codes . For a roof rooter or a heavy light-colored fixture , buy a repair box that bind to a buff - rated brace . Before cutting a cakehole , use a stud finderto check that no joist or stud is in the path .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
Trace Box
For your guard , turn off powerbefore starting this labor . If the box does not come with a cardboard template , hold its face against the wall , apply a torpedo level to verify it is straight , and trace it . With a utility tongue skip the line deep enough to dilute through the wallboard theme .
Cut Hole
Cut the hole with a drywall sawing machine . Cut to the interior of the tongue slice to prevent fraying the paper . Test to make certain the old - work box seat fits in the muddle .
Thread Cables
lam cablegram through the trap . Strip 8 to 12 inches of sheathing and execute the cable’s length into the box . Whichever clamping method acting the boxful uses , ½-inch of sheathing should show inside the box . Tug to verify the cablegram clinch tightly .
Insert Box
Push the corner into the hole . If it fits tightly , do not pull it or you may damage the dry wall . If needed , utilize a public utility company knife to enlarge the trap in your bulwark .
Secure Box to Wall
This type of box has wings that widen outward when you set out to repulse the screw , then grasp the back of the dry wall as the shtup is reduce . constrain the screwing until you feel ohmic resistance and the corner is unwaveringly attached .
What If the Wall Is Made with Plaster?
Take your time cutting alath - and - plaster wallwhen installing an electrical box . It ’s easy to damage the wall area . Most plaster is confiscate to ⅜-inch - fatheaded wood lath , which cuts fair easily if it does not tickle . If it does vibrate as you saw , sections of plaster can loosen from the lath . It is hard to make a neat hole in plaster and lath , so have patching plaster on hand . If plaster is attached to alloy lath , cut all the manner through the plaster with a knife and then slue the alloy lath with side cutters .
Make several pass with a sharp knife . Drill starter holes at each recess and thencut with a saber saw . Press the saw firmly against the bulwark to minimize lath vibration . or else use a circular cutting tool fit out with a plaster - cut down bit . Practice first because it is hard to manipulate .
Remodel-Box Options
The pear-shaped plastic ceiling box ( left ) has " extension " that rotate out and behind the wall aerofoil . One metal boxwood ( center ) has a flange that springs outwards when the box is enter ; reduce a piece of ass brings the rim forth . A variation on this has side clamps that move out and toward the front as screws are tightened . Yet another type ( right wing ) apply separate mounting brackets that slew in after the boxwood is introduce and bend over the sides of the box to operate it in berth .
Credit: Edmund Barr
Credit: Dave Toht
Credit: Dave Toht
Credit: Dave Toht
Credit: Dave Toht
Credit: Dave Toht
Credit: Dave Toht
Credit: Dave Toht
