Electrical & Electric

How to Install After Work Electrical Box 

You can add additional light switches or electrical plugs by installing an after work electrical box.

This is called an “after work” electrical box as the task is performed after the electrical wiring in completed and the wallboard is installed. The boxes are often called remodel electrical boxes as their installation is associated with remodeling.

Installing an after work box is not a difficult DIY task for most DIY homeowners. It involves running an electrical wire to the location, cutting a hole to mount the box into, and installing the box. After work electrical boxes come in many different sizes from a single gang box for a single switch or a plug and a multiple gang box for multiple switches and plugs as seen below. The boxes are plastic with mounting two mounting tabs that secure the box flush inside the wall. As the mounting tab screw is tightened, the tabs will engage on the back side of the wall board securing the box in place.

How to install an after work electrical box:

Use the box as a template and mark the wallboard where you want the box.

Cut out a hole in the wallboard using a razor knife or a wall board saw.

Run the electric wire to the hole.

Pull the wire through the hole and into one of the box wire holes.

Install the box into the wall and tighten the tab screws. As you tighten the screws a wind tap will turn in place behind the wallboard securing the box to the inside of the wall.  

After the after work box is secured inside the wall, strip the electrical wire and install the desired light switch or plug(s) and install the cover plate, and attach the wires to the power source for the circuit. Before attaching the wire to the power source insure that the circuit breaker is open to avoid electrical shock.

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