At What Depth Should My Electrical Outlets Be Installed?

Function

• Electrical outlets are receptacles for wired plugs to power items, such as lamps. The outlets are attached to a metal or plastic box hidden within the wall behind it, housing the necessary wiring to attach the outlet to the building's electrical supply.

Placement

• Many electrical boxes come with face mount brackets. Typically, these brackets are adjustable so they can be installed in any building, at any depth necessary, to clear the corresponding drywall or wood paneling. As long as the box and outlet are flush with the wall material, the depth does not have a standard quantification.

Considerations

• There are differently sized electrical boxes for various applications. Make sure that the installed box can easily house the wiring so it does not become a fire hazard from being too full of wires.