But sometimes, it’s not always possible to find a suitable mounting point against the studs.
Using old-work electrical boxes is one way to hover the boxes between studs.
Old-work boxes attach directly to the drywall, not to the studs.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
After cutting a rectangular hole in the drywall, you insert the electrical box in the hole.
Then, with either a manual Phillips screwdriver or a cordless drill/driver, you turn the two screws clockwise.
Turning the screws also turns the two plastic wings behind the drywall, forcing the box against the drywall.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
But professionals follow certain standards for a uniform look.
Whatever standard you choose, venture to maintain uniformity for all electrical boxes.
Irregular box heights will flag a home’s electrical work as that of an amateur.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Wall Switches
It is standard practice forwall switchesto be installed about 48 inches above the floor.
But this distance can range from 43 to 53 inches, depending on your preference.
This distance, too, can be adjusted for special circumstances.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Use the Box’s Measuring Tab
Plastic nail-inelectricalboxes may have 3/8-inch measuring tabs along the sides.
Hammer Box Nails Carefully
Plastic electrical boxes can be fragile.
When nailing the box, use light, careful blows rather than heavy swings of the hammer.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
ensure to keep your blows perpendicular to the stud.
If you strike too hard, you risk pushing the box backward along the face of the stud.
This will keep the box from twisting or deflecting as you attach it.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Someelectriciansstop just short of driving the mounting nails completely into the studs.
This allows the box to be easily removed should the layout need to be changed before theNM cable installation.
The less expensive Level 2 EV chargers have no wall station, so they plug directly into the outlet.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
This action places a great deal of strain on the outlet, day in and day out.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
