In the bygone era, when people wanted to install electrical boxes inside their homes, they commonly had to choose between 2 options – old work electrical boxes and new work electrical boxes. Both of these types of American Electrical Boxes do the same thing: They secure electrical wires and outlets in your wall safely but get installed differently.
How To Install Old Work Electrical Boxes Here is a step-by-step installation guide of an old work box:
Old work electrical boxes are intended to be installed into an existing wall. This means you can introduce them into your home without having to knock down any walls or perform any major renovations. How to Install Old Work Electrical Boxes In this article, we will show you how to install an old work electrical box in your home.
First you need to designate a place for you to install the electrical box on the wall. Be sure to measure carefully with a level to be certain the box will be straight.
Next, use a dry wall saw to make a hole in the wall that fits the electrical box. Cut carefully to prevent damaging wires or other electrical elements residing in the wall.
After cutting the hole, push the old work electrical box into the wall until it is snug and use the provided screws to keep it in place.
Last but not least, screw on the outlet or switch to the electrical box and hook up the wires based on the manufacturer's directions. Always disconnect the power before working on any electrical parts of anything.
Benefits of new work electrical boxes for your wiring projects:
Old work electrical boxes are excellent for adding an outlet in the middle of an existing wall, but new work electrical boxes work better for new construction or major remodels. Well these are some of the benefits for using new work electrical boxes:
Simple installation - In new construction, electrical boxes are mounted into materials such as wood and plaster before the wall or ceiling is covered, making it easier to run the wiring where it needs to go during construction.
Added security - New work electrical boxes are screwed to the wall studs, which is stronger and they are less likely to work themselves out over time.
Versatile- new construction electrical boxes are available in different sizes and shape which makes them ideal for multiple uses in wiring jobs.
How to replace old work to new work electrical boxes:
Or, if you need old work Canadian Electrical Boxes for your house but will have a major renovation or new construction project, you might want to use new work electrical boxes. Here’s how to make the chang e:
Plan your installation – Long before you begin your project, carefully consider your wiring applications and decide which electrical box is the most ideal for your needs.
Ask a pro - If you aren’t sure about how to change out old work for new work boxes, it’s best to consult with a licensed electrician.
Weigh the cost — New work electrical boxes are typically more expensive than old work boxes, but also provide extra security and flexibility — it can be a valuable added element for many homeowners.
What is the right type of electrical box for your next installation?
In summary, the appropriate electric box for your installation will depend on the scale of the project and the wiring requirements. If you are doing a small remodel or just need to add an outlet to a wall, you may need to install an old work electrical box. But if you are building from scratch, or doing a big time renovation, then new work electric boxes provide better protection and flexibility. Ultimately, the choice between old work and new work electrical boxes will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion Whether you choose new-work or old-work electrical boxes Other Electrical Accessories for your wiring projects, follow the manufacturer's specifications and always put safety first when working with electrical. With a little preparation and the proper tools, you can follow a few simple steps to have electrical boxes installed in your home and eliminate the inconvenience of not having power where you want it located. Thanks for reading and don’t forget Anita, your electrical expert!
