how to fit dry lining back boxes

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Before working on any electrical circuit isolate the supply by switching off the main switch and remove the fuse to the circuit that you are working on, If it is a circuit breaker switch off the main fuse and circuit breaker and remove the wires from the top of the circuit breaker. Place a sign saying that you are working on the circuits on the consumer unit, then nobody will restore the power whilst you are working on it.

If you are not 100% certain what you are doing call a qualified electrician. Building regulations are changing all the time and modifying your home electrics could be against new rules and could invalidate your home insurance, if in doubt check first!

If you need to fit a new electrical accessory onto a wall that is made of plasterboard a dry lining box like this would be used-

These dry lining mounting boxes are very easy to use and sit flush against the surface of the wall, in this example we are fitting a double accessory box.

Start by measuring the height that you want the accessory box to be fastened at and draw a line, ensuring it is straight by using a spirit level.

Now hold the accessory box on the line an draw around it using a pencil or suitable marker. Ensure that the lugs (blue) of the box are pushed into the accessory box as shown in the picture.

 

You now have the outline of the accessory box transferred to the wall.

 

This piece of plasterboard needs removing with a suitable tool. Here we are scoring the lines very deeply with a sharp Stanley knife, after a few passes the blade will cut right through and produce a neat cut out. You can use a plasterboard saw or a rotozip if you prefer, although it is very easy with the Stanley knife.

 

You should be left with a neat cut out like this.

 

Ensure that the lugs are pushed into the accessory box and push the accessory box into the hole that you have just cut. If the hole is a little small you can shave off some plasterboard with the knife.

 

Now push the lugs with your finger so that they go behind the plasterboard. Now pull the lugs forwards towards the front of the accessory box. When the accessory is wired and the accessory is in place the screws go into the lugs and pull them tight against the plasterboard.

 

This is what the accessory box will look like from behind. As you can see the lugs grip the plasterboard once the accessory screws are tightened.

 

 

 

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