How do you remove an old metal electrical box?

How to Remove a Metal Junction Box

Turn off the circuit to the metal junction box at the main service panel.
Untwist any wire connectors from wires inside the box.
Look inside the metal junction box for where the wires enter.
Examine the interior of the box for any screws in the sides or the back of the box.

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In this regard, how do I replace an old electrical box?

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Step 1: TURN OFF POWER AT THE CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX.
Step 2: MARK THE DRYWALL FOR THE NEW BOX.
Step 3: CUT THE DRYWALL.
Step 4: LOOSEN THE OLD OUTLET.
Step 5: FEED THE CABLE TO THE OLD BOX.
Step 6: CONNECT THE WIRES IN THE OLD BOX.
Step 7: MOUNT THE REMODELING BOX.
Step 8: WIRE THE NEW OUTLET.

Secondly, how do I find an electrical junction box? Enter a crawl space or basement door to access the area under the main floor of a building or house. Follow the path of electrical conduits to points where one or more intersect between exposed floor joists to locate junction boxes.

Consequently, should I use plastic or metal electrical boxes?

Plastic boxes don't use metal cable clamps and do not provide the required grounding path. Metal electrical boxes are primarily used with metal-sheathed or "BX" wiring. However, they can also be used with Romex or NM wiring if desired. Most new residential electrical systems use Romex and plastic boxes.

How do you get a broken screw out of the electrical box?

Grab the back of the screws with a pair of 9's (linesmans pliers) and rotate them through (turn clockwise from the front). If that doesn't work, you can drill it out carefully with a 5/32" bit and re-tap the threads with a tapping tool.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Can you drywall over a junction box?

Junction box covers must remain accessible; they cannot be covered with drywall or other surface material.

What happens if you do not connect the ground wire?

The appliance will operate normally without the ground wire because it is not a part of the conducting path which supplies electricity to the appliance. In the absence of the ground wire, shock hazard conditions will often not cause the breaker to trip unless the circuit has a ground fault interrupter in it.

Can you ground an outlet to a metal box?

Is it all right to ground the outlet to the metal box for an older outlet box that doesn't have a ground wire in the box? Generally, NO. Without a ground wire attached to the box, attaching a ground wire from the outlet to the box is useless.

How do I know if my electrical box is grounded?

With the circuit energized, touch one end of the tester to the hot wire, which should go to the smaller slot on the outlet, and one end of the tester to the electrical box (see photo below left). If the tester lights up, the box is grounded.

Are metal junction boxes safe?

Ultra-strong, fireproof, and incapable of being melted, metal boxes offer the greatest level of security for all electrical wiring applications. For do-it-yourselfers, metal electrical boxes can be somewhat more difficult to work with, since they often have rear and side knock-outs that require supplementary clamps.

How much does a new breaker box cost?

The average cost to replace a breaker box is $1,475 with most homeowners spending between $1,287 and $1,707. A low-amp subpanel costs from $500 to $1,000 while a 200-amp panel upgrade runs up to $4,000. Total costs depend on the type of home, the number of circuits, and the amperage.

Do you need to earth a metal back box?

You have answered your own question. Back boxes are defined as an exposed conductive part (not sure why!) and must be earthed, the fixed lugs of a back box are an earth connection and so an earth tail is not required, however it is good practice. If there is no fixed lug then a tail is required.

Should electrical box be flush with drywall?

The front edge of the box must be flush with the finished wall surface, usually 1/2-inch-thick drywall. You can use a scrap of drywall to position the box.

How do I ground a plastic electrical box?

Plastic electrical boxes have their pluses and minuses. Because they are plastic, there is no need to attach a ground wire to it. Since it is made of a non-conductive material, switches and outlets cannot short out if they touch the side of the box.

How do you fix a broken ceiling electrical box?

How to Replace a Ceiling Electrical Box

Turn off the breaker inside the main electrical panel that supplies electricity to the ceiling electrical box.
Go into the attic and located the ceiling box you want to replace.
Remove the box from the ceiling.
Install a plastic replacement ceiling box that's rated for 50 pounds.

How do you fix a loose ceiling junction box?

Examine the fittings (screws, or nuts and bolts) that attach the fixture to the electrical box. If the fittings are loose, tighten them, then very carefully move the fixture back-and-forth slightly, watching the electrical box as you do this. If the box still moves, then the box is loose and must be tightened.

How do I remove conduit from junction box?

How to Repair and Remove Conduit for Electric Wires

Step 1: Shut Off the Electricity Flow.
Step 2: Disconnect the Wires Near the Damage.
Step 3: Pull One End of the Wires Out of the Conduit.
Step 4: Unscrew or Use Pliers to Remove Conduit Supports.
Step 5: Unscrew the Electrical Conduit Fittings.
Step 6: Measurements.
Step 7: Cut a Part of Conduit Tubing.

How do you install a junction box in a ceiling?

Installing a Ceiling Electrical Junction Box

Find the joists near where you want to install a ceiling electrical junction box by sliding a stud finder over the ceiling.
Place the open side of the ceiling junction box that came with an expandable brace kit against the ceiling where you want the box installed.

What type of electrical box do I need for a ceiling fan?

Round Pan Electrical Boxes

They are used most commonly for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures that weigh no more than 50 pounds. Some types of specially rated metal pan boxes may be used for mounting ceiling fans, but not all pan boxes may be used for this purpose.

What is an outlet box for a light fixture?

Octagon or circular boxes are used to hang a light fixture, square boxes are most often used as junction boxes, and rectangular boxes hold switches and receptacles. A covered electrical box in the ceiling or a ceiling receptacle box will require an inspection to ensure that you can use it to install a light fixture.

How do I replace my electrical box?

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Step 1: TURN OFF POWER AT THE CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX.
Step 2: MARK THE DRYWALL FOR THE NEW BOX.
Step 3: CUT THE DRYWALL.
Step 4: LOOSEN THE OLD OUTLET.
Step 5: FEED THE CABLE TO THE OLD BOX.
Step 6: CONNECT THE WIRES IN THE OLD BOX.
Step 7: MOUNT THE REMODELING BOX.
Step 8: WIRE THE NEW OUTLET.

What to do with wires when removing a wall?

Shut off the main power if there is live electricity running through the wall and take care when removing walls with existing plumbing. Put down the sledgehammer and use a saw to cut out the drywall to reveal the pipes behind it. Turn off the water main and consult with a plumber before removing any pipes.