How to Install a Recessed Receptacle

 

A recessed receptacle is an electrical outlet that is less noticeable than the ordinary outlets. The recessed outlet has a faceplate that has been set deeper into the wall unlike the ordinary outlet so that it can prevent plugs and connectors from protruding way above the surface of the wall. The method of mounting receptacle will allow your appliance or furniture like a flat-screen television to be installed flush with your wall. Excluding the size of your wall opening, the installation of a recessed outlet can be done by following the same procedure for the installation of an ordinary outlet.

To install a recessed receptacle, you need:

  • Stud finder
  • Drywall saw
  • Wire stripper
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Slotted screwdriver

Installing a Recessed Receptacle

How to Install a Recessed Receptacle

  • First thing that you need to do before you start with you project,
    • You have to make sure that the power supply has been shut down.
    • Check your main circuit breaker whether it has been turned off or not.
    • Double check with the appliances that you have in your house. This is to ensure that the power has been shut down and no power is available.
    • Once you are absolutely certain that the power has been switched off. Then only you can proceed with the installation of the receptacle.
  • Next step that you need to do is to decide the area that you want to mount the recessed receptacle
    • Use a stud finder in order to locate the studs that run along the spot and choose an area between the studs.
    • Your recessed receptacle normally provides you with a template that you can use to draw an outline of your wall opening needed by the receptacle on the area that you have chosen.
    • Next, create an opening on the wall by cutting along the outline by using a drywall saw.
  • After that, you need to pull the wires from your circuit breaker out of the wall and strip 1/2 inch of its insulation end of each wire using a wire stripper.
    • The neutral wire (white) need to be wrapped around the silver terminal screw using clockwise motion on the outlet using needle-nose pliers.
    • The ground wire (green) goes to the green terminal screw while the hot wire (black) goes to the brass terminal screw.

Always make sure that you securely tighten each screw to its connection by using a slotted screwdriver.

  • Finally, you need to insert the wires gently into the wall before pushing the outlet into the wall opening.
    • Then, tighten up the swing-out clamps to attach the outlet firmly to the wall.
    • Next, screw the faceplate of your recessed receptacle.
    • Once finished, you can turn the main breaker back on and plug any of your electrical appliances into the outlet to ensure that the outlet is usable.

      Always remember that if you want to install a recessed receptacle,

      • Make sure you use recessed receptacles that come with swing-out clamps when you are installing it in an existing drywall.

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