How Do I Add an Outlet to Drywall?

When you need to add an outlet to a drywall wall, there are a few different ways that you can do it. One of the most common ways is to install a new box onto an existing stud in the wall. This is a great way to add an outlet because it can be done without removing any drywall or plaster from the wall.

Another way to do this is to buy a plastic remodel electrical box ($2, The Home Depot). These boxes are molded to fit the openings in drywall and have screws on the back that you can use to fasten them to the drywall.

This is a much better option than trying to cut a hole in the drywall, because it eliminates all of the mess that comes with cutting holes in the drywall. It also saves you time because you don’t have to measure each time that you need to add an outlet, just cut the hole and insert the box.

To start, decide how far away you want the outlet to be from the floor. The typical distance for a plug is 12”-16”, but you can adjust this to whatever your outlet needs to be. Once you have determined this, mark the longer side of a sheet of drywall to that measurement and close to one edge of the drywall.

Next, trace an outline of the box on the drywall. You will need to cut out the outline with a drywall saw, so make sure that you are very precise in your cutting lines.

You can also coat the inside of the box with brightly colored lipstick to help you line up the drywall and cut out the outlet holes in the right spot. This method works best if you have a good drywall keyhole saw that can cut into both the drywall and the lipstick.

If you don’t have a drywall keyhole saw, you can use a utility knife to cut the hole in the drywall for the outlet. This will also allow you to easily make the holes in the drywall for the screws that hold the box to the drywall.

Once you have a good hole for the drywall screws, attach the remodeling box to the drywall by driving two screws through the front of the box and into the stud next to it. You may need to adjust the screw placement to ensure that the screw is flush with the drywall surface.

Finally, you will need to push the wiring into the new box. This can be difficult for smaller wires, but it is possible with a little patience and some practice. Once you’ve pulled the wires into the box, you can connect the wires to the outlets.

When you’re finished, be sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel box. This will prevent you from getting electrocuted. You should also label the wires as they go in to ensure that you know what wires are what. It’s always a good idea to keep a voltage tester around while working with electricity, as it can help you avoid an accident or injury.