Ethan Clarke
Installing a blue plastic electrical box is a simple task that can be done by following a few steps. Blue plastic electrical boxes, also known as remodeling boxes or old-work boxes, are designed to be installed on existing walls, providing an easy way to add outlets or switches without the need for major renovations. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing a blue plastic electrical box, covering everything from safety precautions to the tools you'll need and the step-by-step installation process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Remodeling boxes, also called old-work boxes, are designed to be installed after drywall has been hung. |
| Safety | Before installing, turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel box and use a voltage tester to double-check that the power is off. |
| Tools | A stud finder, utility knife, drywall or jab saw, screwdriver, wire strippers, and non-contact voltage testers (or voltage tester pens) are recommended tools for installation. |
| Process | First, find and mark the installation spot, ensuring it is not next to a stud or pipes. Hold the box up to the drywall, trace its outline, and cut the drywall along the outline. Push the box inside for a test fit, and if it fits, run the wiring through the hole. |
| Anchoring | Old-work boxes have retention tabs and mounting ears located in opposite corners that anchor them in place. Once the box is inserted and the screws are tightened, the rear retention tabs open up and draw up against the back of the drywall while the mounting ears press against the front face of the wall. |
| Plastic vs. Metal | Plastic boxes are easier for DIY home remodelers to work with and less expensive, but metal boxes are stronger and better at resisting damage. Metal boxes are also better for mounting heavy items like ceiling fans or light fixtures. |
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the power at the circuit breaker
Before installing a blue plastic electrical box, it is essential to prioritise safety by turning off the power at the circuit breaker. This is especially important if you will be running live electrical wire to the new electrical box.
To begin, locate your home's electrical service panel, which is typically a large grey metal box attached to one of the walls in or around your home. It may be in a garage, basement, or utility area, and is usually placed in an out-of-the-way room. Once you've found the service panel, open it to reveal the circuit breakers.
The service panel will contain rows of individual circuit breakers, which look like toggle switches, and a main breaker on top. A list should indicate which parts of the house each breaker controls. Identify the circuit breaker that controls the circuit you want to turn off. If you are unsure, turn off the main breaker, which will cut power to the entire house.
To turn off the power, flip the lever of the circuit breaker to the "off" position. You should hear an audible click, and you may see a red or orange tab in a small window on the breaker. Once the power is off, test the device with a non-contact voltage tester to ensure it is safe to proceed with your installation.
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Mark the installation area
Marking the installation area for your blue plastic electrical box is a crucial step in the installation process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it accurately and effectively:
First, ensure your safety by turning off the power at your circuit breaker panel box. It is essential to confirm that the power is off at the electrical outlet where you will be working. You can use a voltage tester or a non-contact voltage tester pen to double-check. This step is crucial for your protection and should not be skipped.
Next, find the exact location where you will install the new box. Use a stud finder to ensure you avoid installing the box next to a stud or any pipes. Hold the blue plastic electrical box up to the drywall where it will be installed. Make sure the box is level by using a torpedo level. You can place it on the box while holding it against the drywall to ensure it is completely level.
Now, you will mark the area to be cut. Take a pencil and carefully trace around the box onto the drywall, creating an outline. This outline will guide your cutting process. It is important to avoid the box's "ears" or mounting tabs when tracing. These tabs are essential for securing the box in place, so be sure not to include them in your outline.
After marking the outline, you can prepare the surface for cutting. Use a utility knife to score the drywall paper along the pencil marks. This step helps to create a clean cut and reduces the risk of accidentally cutting any wires behind the wall. Go slowly and carefully during this process to ensure accuracy and safety.
Once the scoring is complete, you can move on to the next step of cutting the drywall to make way for your blue plastic electrical box.
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Cut the drywall
Before cutting the drywall, ensure that the power is off at the electrical outlet where you will be working. You can use a voltage tester to double-check. It is also important to note that installing a blue plastic electrical box is easier if done before the drywall is hung.
Now, to cut the drywall, you will need to first find and mark the place where the box will be installed. Use a stud finder to ensure you do not install the box next to a stud or pipe. Hold the box up to the drywall and trace around it with a pencil, marking the area to be cut. You can use a torpedo level on the box to ensure it is completely level.
Next, use a utility knife to score the drywall paper along the pencil outline. Be sure to score the drywall paper only, not the actual drywall itself. Then, use a drywall or jab saw to carefully cut out the hole. Go slowly and be careful not to cut any wires behind the wall.
If you are installing a new-work box, which is attached to the wall studs before drywall is hung, you will need to cut a larger hole in the drywall to accommodate the box. If you are installing an old-work box, which is designed to be installed on existing drywall, you will only need to cut a hole large enough for the box itself.
Once the hole is cut, you can push the box into the hole for a test fit. If it fits snugly and is level, you can proceed to secure the box in place. If you are using an old-work box, it will have retention tabs and mounting ears that will anchor it in place once the screws are tightened.
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Place the box
Before placing the box, it is important to understand the purpose and anatomy of an old work electrical box. An old work box is designed to be installed on walls that are already finished. They are often used when adding outlets or extending an electrical circuit in a room. Since these boxes cannot be attached directly to studs, they have a fastening system that uses retention tabs and mounting ears located in opposite corners of the box.
Now, to place the box, first, ensure that you have turned off the power at your circuit breaker panel box. Then, find and mark the place where you will install the new box. Use a stud finder to ensure you don't install the box next to a stud or pipes. Hold the blue plastic electrical box up to the drywall and trace around it with a pencil to mark the area to be cut. Place a torpedo level on the box while you hold it against the drywall to ensure it is completely level.
Next, use a utility knife to score the drywall paper along the pencil outline of the box. Then, carefully cut out the hole with a drywall or jab saw. Go slowly to avoid accidentally cutting any wires behind the wall. Once the hole is made, push the box inside for a test fit. If the box slides in smoothly and sits flush with the drywall, you can proceed to secure it in place by tightening the screws.
If you are installing a new electrical box and running live electrical wire to it, ensure the circuit breaker controlling the circuit is turned off before pulling and attaching the cable. Also, remember to cut the threads on the plastic retention tab to avoid putting excessive pressure on the wall when turning the screw.
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Connect the wiring
To connect the wiring for a blue plastic electrical box, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you are adhering to safety protocols. Before beginning any installation, it is crucial to turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel box. Utilise a voltage tester to confirm that the power is indeed off at the electrical outlet you will be working with. This step cannot be overemphasised, as your safety is paramount.
Now, you can begin the wiring process. Unscrew the faceplate from the existing outlet and gently pull it away from the box. Use a screwdriver to create a hole in the back of the old box at one of the knockouts, which are usually located in the corners. Feed your new wiring through this hole, ensuring that you leave approximately 1/4 inch of insulation beyond the cable clamp to protect the internal wires from damage.
The next step is to connect the new wiring to the outlet in the old box. Strip about 5/8 inch of insulation from the end of each wire using wire strippers. This will expose the conductive portion of the wire, allowing for a secure connection.
Finally, test your work. Once you have securely connected the wiring, you can turn the power back on at the circuit breaker to test if your new electrical box is functioning as intended.
Remember, always exercise caution when working with electricity, and if you are unsure about any steps, consult a qualified electrician.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a blue plastic electrical box:
- Turn off the power at your circuit breaker panel box.
- Find the place where you will install the new box, ensuring it is not next to a stud or pipes.
- Hold the box up to the wall and trace its outline with a pencil.
- Use a utility knife to score the wall along the outline.
- Cut the hole with a drywall or jab saw.
- Push the box inside for a test fit.
- If wiring is required, feed the wires through the box and out the other side of the wall.
- Connect the wiring to the outlet.
- Secure the box into the wall.
Blue plastic electrical boxes are a type of old work box, also known as a remodeling box. These boxes are designed to be installed on walls that are already finished, and they are often used when adding outlets or extending an existing circuit.
Blue plastic electrical boxes are easy to work with for DIY home remodelers. They are also inexpensive and some come with pre-attached nails for nailing into studs.
