How To Replace An Electrical Outlet Box On Drywall | DIY J-Box Install For Beginners!

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Do you want to know how to replace that small or damaged electrical switch/outlet box (j-box) to a bigger one or a new one? On this video I will show you how to replace and install an electrical outlet box on drywall! This is an easy DIY you can do to change out that old Junction box to a brand new one using an Old Work Electrical Box without having to attach it to a stud, but directly to your drywall fast and easy!

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Videos produced by Fix This House are provided for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. Please use SAFETY precautions when following the tutorials on these videos. Viewers doing projects at their own home are doing it at their own risk and Fix This House cannot be held liable if they cause damage to their homes or injury. Fix This House cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. Always stay informed of your local building codes! Happy and SAFE renovating!

#jbox #electricalbox #outlet

[Aristes]

I have learned more in five minutes than I have in hours of googling. Thank you! I didn’t want to pay the $200 a piece to replace the boxes for my gfci receptacles.

[sarahb]

That outlet on the left is LITERALLY what got me on the hunt for this video. I thought I was never gonna find anything to explain what I need to do. So glad you took the time to make and post this. Thanks!

[ShatraBell]

The beginning of this is exactly what happened to me!!! Makes me feel better that it's not just me. Thank you so much for making this video!

[TrinitronX]

IFF you're using Wago 221's -- Small correction @ 4:31 -- Instead of stripping wires 1/2 to 3/4 inch... Wago wire nuts have a strip gauge on the side, which comes out to 11 mm (0.43 inch).
So, simply use the strip gauge to check if wires are stripped to the proper length. 😉

[TexasCanuck]

Nice Video - well done! Regarding the ground wire, you need to loop it in the other direction so it does not come out when tighten.

[RobertKraig]

I think later I'm gong to follow your full tutorial and purchase a bunch of these old work style boxes. My house was built in 1961, wiring is somewhat newer, given we have drywall, but the outlet boxes are small enough to where it's difficult to fit in new special type outlets. People don't know how long it can take to install an outlet. Each one can easily take you 30min just to get things right, multiplied by the number of outlets you have in your house.

[yeild]

I have been in the habit of wrapping electrical tape around the outside of the outlet or switches for many years to cut down on the possibility that the ground wire kinks and touches the hot or neutral screws on the outlet/switch. Plus if you are ever troubleshooting something live, and yes troubleshooting is done with power on, it can help from getting bit accidentally. Just my 2 cents from years of messing with electricity.

[SinanDM]

Thank you for the great video with clear instructions. Easy to follow and full of useful tips. Thanks👍

[stanbiryukov]

Awesome info, thanks for the video. I was looking for how to remove old boxes nailed to the studs. Now I need to get that box. Hope the depot has only metallic ones.

[jackfrost]

Great Video Sir! My home is only 21 years old and with wifi devices and others, my boxes will not except some of them. It is amazing the money you can save if your knowledgeable on AC wiring and a DIY'r. I have saved 1000s of dollar$ over the years on the farm here and its up to code.

[laquandaboney]

Perfect have a 1980s house that has shifted over the years. Needed to change out three of the old metal junction boxes.

[RapTalesRewind]

Love it bro! Always watching and learning!

[happyfestivous]

Thank you so much! I almost hired an electrician for a simple fix. I’m picking up supplies tomorrow. I like those wagos! So much easier. My outlet box is not even secured to anything. My new outlet with usb plugs is too big for the current box. I replaced most of my outlets already but these were overlooked since they were behind furniture at the time. After this I need to do a recessed outlet for my fridge.

[chutethrill]

Thanks bud I never saw those kind of boxes that grab from behind that’s just what I need for my switch.

[yeroca]

Thanks for this video! I happen to have a reciprocating saw but didn't think to use it for this application.

Some others have reconmended not using this kind of box for receptacles, because there's a lot of insertion and extraction force on the box when plugging cords in and pulling them out, causing the tabs to eventually pull through the dry wall. They recommend using a box that can be screwed into the stud.

[ivanwill]

That seemed rather straight forward. Thanks for sharing. Now, I just wish the builders of our house, installed our outlets 'straight'. Some of them are awful!

[chrisranes]

Thanks for the video!

What do you do if your house is just old enough where the cables do not include a ground, but the boxes are grounded with separate ground wires behind the original boxes?

[legalize]

Omg I forgot I can just cut the screws/nails 😂 thank you bro. Didn't want to open my wall.

[hdgboy]

Nice video but it would be nice if the ending wouldn’t be interrupted by previews of upcoming videos. I would have liked to see the finished product.

[eubankmedia]

This video is AMAZING! The perfect tutorial!