The drywall socket is a product designed for installation electrical sockets and switches into walls lined with plasterboard panels.
This method of construction has become extremely popular in recent years due to the simplicity of the technology used, the low cost of the materials used, as well as the possibility of erecting structures of almost any degree of complexity. The installation of electrical wiring in such premises is also a proven technology, in which special products are used, such as socket boxes (mounting boxes) with screw fasteners for plasterboard walls.
Appearance and method of fixing on plasterboard
The main difference between such a socket box and a similar product used for installation in concrete or brick walls is the way it is fixed. As for the dimensions of the socket, they are standard. Its installation diameter is 68 mm, depth - 45 mm.
The mounting box has four screws on the front part, two of which are designed to additionally fix the working part of the socket and prevent pulling out of its fasteners. These screws are also equipped with modern concrete sockets.
Two additional screws are provided for attaching the product to a plasterboard wall. Their length corresponds to the depth of the socket. At the ends of these screws there are metal paws, which in the extreme position are located in special niches in the rear of the product body and do not interfere with its installation in the mounting hole.
When tightening the screws with a Phillips screwdriver, the legs turn, taking a position under 90 to the body of the mounting box, after which they begin to wind on the screw, approaching the front of the socket and securely fixing it in the wall.
Mounting order
The procedure for installing a socket box in a plasterboard wall can be divided into several simple steps, following which you can easily cope with the installation of this element.
markup
Installing an outlet in drywall always begins with the marking of its future location. Exceptions are not made for drywall sockets.
When marking, use a pencil, tape measure and building level.
Important! The choice of locations for the placement of electrical wiring elements must be made in advance, taking into account the location of furniture, the number and types of connected consumers, the overall design of the room and other factors.
The current state standards and other guidelines do not clearly stipulate the requirements for the height of the switches and sockets. However, they are not allowed to be installed closer than 20 cm from the edge of the doorway or countertop in the kitchen.
Making a mounting hole in the wall
Since drywall is a fairly soft material, you can use an ordinary knife to make a hole for the mounting box, having previously drilled several holes along the contour drawn on the wall.
This method is acceptable when installing a single switch or outlet. If large-scale repair work is underway with the connection of electrical wiring, then the installation of sockets in drywall should be carried out using a special nozzle on the drill, which is designed to make such holes.
In this case, the edges of the hole are perfectly even, which makes it possible to avoid problems when installing the mounting box and completely eliminates the risk of cracking the plate due to careless actions.
After making the hole, a wire is inserted into it, designed to connect the outlet.
Installation of the socket
Before installing the junction box, an electrical wire must be inserted into it. To do this, several blanks for mounting holes are provided in the rear of the product case. To prepare one of them, it is enough to cut the jumpers and remove the plug.
After the wire is wound up, a socket is installed. In this case, the tabs of the mounting screws should not protrude beyond the body. Pressing the box close to the wall, tighten the mounting screws until it is completely fixed on the surface of the plate.
This completes the installation of the socket box and you can proceed with the installation of the socket or switch.
Thus, the installation of sockets in drywall is a very simple procedure, which, however, should be done with the utmost care so as not to damage the integrity of the drywall wall.
