Installing Electrical Outlets on Plaster Walls

Installing new electrical outlets on plaster walls requires care and planning, but can be done safely with the right materials and techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding outlets to plaster walls while avoiding unnecessary damage or safety hazards.

Determining Location and Planning Circuits

The first step is deciding where you need new outlets and planning how they will connect to your existing electrical circuits.

• Consider where outlets are needed based on furniture placement and device usage in the room.
• Space outlets at least 12 inches apart and ensure they are not overloaded by too many devices.
• Outlets should connect to an existing circuit with available capacity, or a new dedicated circuit may need to be added.
• Use a tone generator and probe to trace existing wiring paths in walls to find the easiest access points.
• Plan circuit connections so outlets share neutral and ground wires when possible.

Shutting Off Power and Working Safely

Safety should always be the top priority when working on electrical systems.

• Locate the main circuit breaker or fuse box and shut off power to the appropriate circuit you will be connecting the new outlets to.
• Verify power is off using a non-contact voltage tester.
• Work carefully to avoid contact with any live wires in the same wall cavity.
• Wear safety goggles and consider wearing a dust mask as you may disturb plaster dust.

Cutting Outlet Holes in Plaster Walls

Plaster is a brittle material that requires care when cutting to avoid cracking damage.

• Mark the intended outlet locations carefully with a pencil.
• Use a drywall saw or oscillating tool with a plaster blade to cut the hole - make multiple shallow passes instead of one forceful cut.
• Cut the hole to about 2 inches high by 3 inches wide to fit a standard outlet.
• Vacuum the hole thoroughly to remove all loose plaster debris.

Running and Connecting New Wiring

With safe access holes cut, wiring can be run and connected to the new outlets.

• Drill a hole through the wall stud to run ROMEX cable from the power source to the outlet.
• Use grommets to protect wire from abrasion at entry points.
• Pull about 6 to 8 inches of slack wire through the outlet hole.
• Connect the hot, neutral, and ground wires to the outlet properly using screw terminals.
• Fold wires neatly into the box, screw it in place, then attach the cover plate.

Patching and Refinishing Wall Plaster

The final step is blending the new outlet into the existing wall surface.

• Mix patching plaster according to instructions to match original material properties.
• Press plaster firmly into hole and over outlet box to fill flush with other walls.
• Let patching dry completely, then sand smooth for best results.
• Carefully blend edges of the patched area using moistened drywall sponge techniques.
• When dry, repaint plaster to match the wall color.

With careful planning and by following safety procedures, you can successfully install new electrical outlets on your plaster walls. Pay attention to details like proper circuit connections, neat wire routing, and blending patchwork seamlessly. Taking things slow and steady will provide safe, long-lasting results.