Introduction
Sometimes electricity is just not where you need it, especially in big rooms and older houses. Floor outlets may be the perfect way to solve the problem.
If you want to add a floor outlet to your home, consider the structure. If you're looking at a first-floor installation with a wooden subfloor over an unfinished basement, then it's relatively straightforward. If you're looking at a second-floor installation, you'll need to consider drywall work.
There are two parts to this project. One is cutting a hole in the floor and seating the receptacle box. The second is running electrical to the box. Cutting in and mounting the steel outlet box only requires basic carpentry skills. However, the electrical work will require you to assess a circuit load, run wire, and connect the receptacle. Many DIYers aren't fully comfortable with that much electrical work. If that's you, don't hesitate to contact a licensed electrician to run power to your installed box.
It's also likely that the electrical work will require you to pull a permit. Contact your local building department to find out if this applies to you. A permit fee is a small price to pay for the assurance that the wiring is safe, and you might even get some free advice from the inspector.
I've installed floor outlets in wood, ceramic tile, and concrete. But your installation will be unique to your home. I reached out to licensed electricians and general contractors to get a variety of tips and tricks right from the pros. They helped me break down the steps of a floor outlet installation and highlight areas where you might want to call for additional help.
To keep the steps as clear as possible, this project assumes you're working on a first-floor installation over an unfinished basement. If you have a more complex structure to deal with, such as a concrete floor or finished living space beneath the outlet location, you'll need to adjust the steps accordingly.
Floor Outlet Assembly Vs. Regular Wall Outlet
Floor outlet assemblies include a metal box, gasket seal, special receptacle and strong cover plate. This protects them from damage from foot traffic and debris. Floor outlets come in various shapes and sizes, including pop-up options. Asif Bux, an engineer and contractor, points out that recessed outlets are less obtrusive and often more aesthetically pleasing.
Safety Precautions
Turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker box, and test any wires to ensure they aren't live before working on them.
When to Call a Pro
If you're uncomfortable with electricity, or if you begin work and then start having second thoughts, it's probably time to call in a pro. As Gerald Talbot, master electrician at Mister Sparky, says, electrical work is simply too dangerous to guess at.
