Plasterboard wall boxes: important points of selection and installation

Plasterboard wall boxes are a flexible way to add a decorative element to your interior design, conceal storage areas, and house electrical components. These boxes provide both practicality and visual appeal, whether you’re building from scratch or remodeling an existing space.

It’s crucial to take into account elements like the box’s size, the kind of plasterboard you’re working with, and its intended use when choosing plasterboard wall boxes. Making the appropriate decisions will guarantee a solid, long-lasting outcome and a seamless integration into your wall.

An additional important detail to get right is installation. Plasterboard wall boxes must be installed correctly, which requires careful planning, precise measuring, and the appropriate equipment. You can achieve a neat, polished finish that improves the overall appearance of your space by adhering to best practices.

Details of choosing a wall box

With the help of modern technologies, installing electrical cables can be done quickly and effectively. Detailed instructions help to minimize any potential problems, but it’s still advisable to be familiar with the fundamental installation features.

Plasterboard wall boxes, which act as a gasket between the outlet and the wall, let you securely fasten the electrical connector. Prior to putting the socket in the plasterboard, it is necessary. Without it, the plasterboard will deteriorate and the mount will become looser over time, making the socket unusable and eventually falling out. It will also lose its aesthetic appeal.

In order to improve electrical connector fixation, modern plasterboard wall boxes include extra fasteners in addition to the main fasteners that "cling" to the plasterboard covering where they are installed.

With the exception of some types, gypsum board is regarded as flammable, so when selecting a socket box, follow recognized fire safety guidelines. The standards state that electrical outlets through sockets pose the biggest fire hazard in rooms lined with plasterboard. By choosing the appropriate socket box, you can neutralize this threat.

Suggestions. It is advised to buy protective socket boxes and sockets at the same time as drywall because, in addition to allowing you to solve this problem right away, doing so makes it realistic to select the right materials.

Suggested:

  • choose socket boxes for plasterboard made of self-extinguishing plastic. When the outlet is heated, heat from it will not be transferred to the surrounding drywall. This is additional safety in case of a short circuit;
  • focus on individual sizes if the distance between the main wall and the plasterboard covering is small. If the cavity width is sufficient, you can buy a standard-size model – 50 mm deep.

Installing wall boxes in plasterboard

You must first prepare the wall for installation before mounting wall boxes in plasterboard. The reader will find critical information about the installation with the aid of the pertinent subsections.

Preparation for work

A wall box crown is a unique type of drywall drill that has a sharp-toothed cylinder on the edge (the crown itself). It enables efficient material drilling to produce uniform holes. The typical diameter of a wall box crown is between 68 and 70 mm, however there are attachments available with different diameters.

It is advised to use a crown when installing wall boxes in plasterboard because it creates clean, even cuts.

Drilling should be done with moderate pressure so as not to tear the plasterboard. If not, you’ll need to invest time in removing the rupture’s effects.

The size of the socket determines the hole’s exact diameter; it must be inserted just snugly enough to prevent leakage. For drywall, a socket’s diameter of 68 mm is considered standard. Attach a socket to the sheet, mark the area with a marker, and drill a little wider than the diameter that results. This will ensure that the GCL is marked appropriately. Every task is completed on the front side.

Take note! Putty and primer should be applied to the hole after it has been drilled; this is all required for the electric discount to operate for a long time.

  1. The installation of sockets in drywall differs from the installation of sockets in concrete. The toolbag has two pairs of screws, the first is drowned in plastic, it is necessary to fix the position, and the second is located on the outside and serves to attach the socket to the GCL using special “paws” that pressed, create emphasis.

The socket box has designated holes for electrical cables on the back. Use a construction knife to cut them out.

Installation

You can start the installation after prepping the tool and the inlet hole.

  1. Initially, you need to bring the necessary cables and wires to the holes.
  2. Insert and secure the tool in the drywall. After inserting the "paw", place it in a position perpendicular to the socket box and start tightening the screws.

Crucial! To secure the socket box firmly and prevent it from dangling, you must tighten with a moderate amount of force as not to compromise the integrity of the gypsum board.

Experts recommend turning it halfway when tightening; this should be sufficient to overcome any resistance.

  1. The installation site needs to be putty. This is also an important point that should not be ignored, since the putty will make the place where the electrical connector will be located stronger and more durable.

Installing sockets in drywall

How can a plasterboard socket be fixed? To achieve this, you must take the following actions:

  1. The protruding wires are cut to the required length (7 cm is enough for proper connection).
  2. Electric cables are connected in the correct way in accordance with the phases.

It is advised that:

  • to make grounding using a special cable, one core of which is connected to the grounding terminal;
  • choose a socket with a rim made of metal. There are two types of rim: plastic and metal; the advantage of the latter is that the properties of the metal will automatically trigger the protection when short-circuited;
  • after connecting the wires, treat them with a soldering iron or put on special caps that will protect the metal from corrosion.
  1. After completing these works, you can insert the socket itself (core) into the socket box and secure it.

Connection of several sockets

Here, a block of socket boxes is installed in a single row. When multiple devices need to be connected to the power grid simultaneously, such as in the kitchen and living room, this is required.

The following procedures are followed when installing sockets in plasterboard:

  1. Select a place for drilling holes. Marking is carried out in accordance with the dimensions of the socket box block for plasterboard.

It should be mentioned that manufacturers design specially equipped socket box blocks to facilitate the installation of multiple sockets, making electrification more convenient.

  1. After drilling the hole and laying the cable, the socket boxes are installed in the prepared niches.
  2. When organizing several sockets of one block, the cable is supplied in only one place: since the socket boxes are connected to each other, this is used to connect all the sockets to the electrical network.
  3. It is recommended to fix the installed socket boxes with a solution. This will make the entire structure much more durable.
  4. Connection of the electrical cable and installation of socket cores takes place.

Plasterboard wall boxes have several important considerations to make when selecting and installing them, including the type of plasterboard, the size and function of the box, and the installation technique. Stability, a clean finish, and simple access to switches or outlets are all provided by a carefully selected and installed wall box. Making the correct choices at the outset can save time, lessen the need for repairs, and produce a finished product that looks professional.

Important tips and clarifications

All distances are measured during installation based on the precise location, functions, and tasks for which the electrical connector is required. However, it is common practice to adhere to the following guidelines when putting in sockets in drywall:

  • 30 cm from the floor – the height of the electrical unit in the room;
  • 100 cm – the height of the electrical unit in the bathroom (usually placed above the washing machine);
  • 120 cm – the height of the electrical unit in the kitchen (usually placed above the set).

These standards enable the best use of the interior space, but they are by no means necessary; everyone acts according to their own needs.

The most frequent mistakes that a homeowner makes when installing drywall sockets on their own are as follows:

  • Coasting your calculations and drilling GKL with a metal profile, on which the sheets are held. Often after installation it is discovered that the holes are made where the metal frame passes, which makes it impossible to install sockets. Therefore, before the installation of the socket, it is important to cheat with the design of the profile;
  • Drill carefully. This was already mentioned above, but you need to repeat: if you press too much, drywall can be torn, which will ruin its qualities, appearance and can question the possibility of installing a socket.

Novice practitioners can discern the subsequent advice:

  1. Before mounting interior partitions from GKL, you need to place electric cables in a special pipe with corrugation. Not a refractory gypsum cardboard of combustible, therefore fire safety is required to be given paramount importance.
  2. When carrying out serious or overhaul, the old sockets are recommended to be changed, and the condition of the sockets is checked. Timely replacement will avoid unnecessary trouble after the end of the main repair work.
Important Points Description
Selecting the Right Size Choose a plasterboard box that fits well in your wall space and suits the purpose.
Material Quality Opt for sturdy and durable materials to ensure longevity and safety.
Installation Method Follow the manufacturer"s instructions carefully for a secure fit.
Electrical Considerations Ensure the box has the necessary cutouts and space for wiring if used for electrical outlets.
Proper Positioning Place the box at the right height and location for easy access and functionality.

Selecting the appropriate plasterboard wall box is crucial to guaranteeing a tidy and safe installation. Knowing the different kinds that are available and their particular applications will help you make a better-informed choice that best meets your needs.

Although installation may seem simple, it will be much more impactful if you pay close attention to the little things, such as accurate measurements, sturdy mounting, and proper alignment. A properly installed wall box enhances the overall durability of your wall in addition to its aesthetic appeal.

By taking the time to choose the right supplies and adhering to the suggested procedures, you can steer clear of typical blunders. In this manner, you can guarantee a polished finish that endures.

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Andrey Ivanov

An experienced builder with more than 15 years of experience. I specialize in plastering and decorative finishing. I started my career as an ordinary worker, gradually accumulating knowledge and skills in various finishing techniques. Now I share my experience to help beginners master the craft and avoid common mistakes.

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