How to: Vapor Barrier for Electrical Plugs

A home's energy efficiency is largely dependent on controlling the movement of air from the interior to the exterior. This is done by installing air barriers on the outside walls of the home. How well they perform is determined by the quality of the installation. Even a small hole or gap in the air barrier can create large losses in efficiency. Installing air barriers around electrical outlets requires a special procedure.

Utility knife
Air barrier
Hammer
Nails
Acoustic sealant
Caulking gun
Air barrier tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut out a 2-foot-square section of vapor barrier with a utility knife.
- 2
  Hold the electrical box in the center of the air barrier and fasten it to the wall framing member with two nails.
- 3
  Cut a small hole in the back of the air barrier to run the wires through. Once the wires are pulled through, seal the hole with acoustic sealant.
- 4
  Apply a continuous bead of acoustic sealant to the wall air barrier around the electrical box. Push the electrical box's air barrier against this sealant.
- 5
  Tape the edges of the air barrier around the four sides, creating a second line of defense against air penetration.

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