How to Drill for Cinder Block Wiring

Choose the location of the wall switch or outlet. Hold the wall switch/outlet surface-mount box against the wall in this location, and use a black marker to mark the box's screw holes on the wall.

Place a masonry bit in a power drill's chuck, and drill into the cinder block wall at each mark to the depth of the 1 5/8-inch masonry anchors. Push an anchor into each hole, ensuring that the anchors are flush with the wall. Hold the surface-mount box in position against the wall, and insert a 1 5/8-inch screw into each anchor.

Position each section of metal raceway against the wall where it will be installed. It is best to run the raceway sections either vertically or horizontally. Ensure that the end of the final section of raceway meets the location where the electrical cable enters the room (usually at a top corner between a wall and the ceiling). Mark the position of the screw holes on each section of raceway. Remove the raceway sections from the wall.

Drill into each mark on the wall, and insert a masonry anchor into each hole. Reposition the raceway sections, and screw them into position. Insert the electrical cable into the raceway run, and snap on each raceway section's lid.