Installing Electrical Boxes In Plaster Walls

How to Install Electrical Boxes For a Smooth Finish: The result will be a smooth finished look of the wall and the electrical devices. By: Dave Rongey

Positioning Electrical Back Boxes For a Smooth Finish

Electrical Question: When fitting an MK3704 Mounting frame do I have to sink the back Box further into the wall rather than flush to the plaster? I ask because, when screwed to the box, the mounting frame seems to sit proud of the back box and as such the plastic switch cover does not look as if it would sit flush to the wall.

This electrical question came from: Brian, a Handyman from London England.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Brian.

How to Install Electrical Boxes For a Smooth Finish

Application: Installing Home Electric Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits, Extension Cords, and a Ladder as needed.
Safety: All personal safety measures must be taken when performing remodel projects where you may come into contact with hazardous materials and environmental contaminants such as fiberglass insulation, vermiculite and asbestos, molds or mildew, as well as dust.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the type of wall coverings and structural construction and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring or upgrading existing electrical circuits and wiring should always be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Installing Junction Boxes for a Flush Finish

• Yes Brian, You want the edge of the finished box ring to be flush with finished surface of the wall.
• The result will be a smooth finished look of the wall and the electrical devices.
• The electrical box should be securely mounted.
• The face of the junction box should be flush with the surface of the finished wall.
• If the box appears to flex slightly then more support should be added to the mounting or stud side of the box.

Electrical Junction Boxes

Light Switch Wiring

Wiring Diagrams

Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring

• Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for.
• Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance.
• One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed.
• The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.

For more information about Home Wiring
Home Wiring

Home Wiring
Basic Home Wiring Diagrams with Pictures

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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