Tools & Materials
- Double Gang Box
- Drywall Saw
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- HDMI Cable
- Coaxial Cable
- Wire Stripper
- Wire Caps
- Electrical Tape
Intro / Video Transcript
In the first video on running electrical wire and cable through the wall, we ran wires up to a spot directly behind where our flat-panel TV is mounted. In this video, we’ll finish the job by installing an electrical box and receptacles where we can plug in our TV wires so they’re hidden from view.
Steps
- 1.
Purchase a new electrical outlet based on your project's needs.
- 2.
Remove the old outlet and single gang box (if existing) and install the new double gang box by placing it over one side of the existing cutout and tracing the perimeter of the rest of the box on the wall.
- 3.
Cut out the hole with a drywall saw.
- 4.
Fish the two new wires through the wall to the opening.
- 5.
punch through the knockout tabs on the back of the box using a hammer and screwdriver. This is where the electrical cables will enter the box.
- 6.
hook up the coaxial cable and HDMI cords to the back of the plate before screwing it into the gang box.
- 7.
strip the ends of our new electrical cable using these wire strippers.
- 8.
Pull the wires through the knockouts of the electrical box and fasten the box to the wall.
- 9.
Connect existing and new cable to the outlet. Black wires to the hot side and white wires to neutral side.
- 10.
For the ground wires, create a pigtail and connect it to the green ground screw on the outlet. Then connect the ground wires to each end of the pigtail.
- 11.
Screw the outlet into the double gang box.
- 12.
Repeat this process for the electric box that will be place behind the TV.
- 13.
Turn the power back on and test the connections.
- 14.
Add metal clips on the studs to prevent future nails from reaching the cables. Hammer into place.
- 15.
Repair the holes in the wall by placing the cut-out pieces back into place and secure with. Watch Repairing Drywall for more information.