How to Install a Double Gang Box

Electrical outlet boxes refer to standard electrical hardware used to house and mount electrical outlets onto walls and other structures. Outlet boxes are typically made of metal or plastic and usually last a lifetime. Outlet boxes in most homes are usually one to two gang boxes, but some boxes can accommodate as many as four outlets. Installing a plastic outlet box with swing out tabs is the easiest and fastest way of accomplishing the job. Doing the task yourself can save you some cash.

Stud finder
Pencil
Power drill
File
Diagonal pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the spot where you wish to mount the outlet box. Detect the location of the studs behind the wall using a stud finder tool. Mark the location of the studs with a pencil. Hold the outlet box upright against the wall, but avoid the studs that run vertically behind the wall.
- 2
  Drill a hole in each corner of the outline using a power drill with a large bit. Insert the tip of a drywall saw into each opening and cut the drywall along the outline to create an opening in the wall equal to the size of the two-gang outlet box. Fit the box into the wall and reduce any excess drywall with a wood or metal file, but do not make the opening large enough to give the box space to wiggle around or fall through.
- 3
  Punch the knockouts that you need along the sides of the outlet box using diagonal pliers. Plug the plastic outlet box into the opening, then twist the retaining screws clockwise with a screwdriver to flip the swing-out tabs outwards.

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