Switch box installation is a difficult task that demands particular tools to fix this electrical component. Many electric service companies equip all their professionals (electricians) with these tools to provide good quality repair services.
What Tools Does an Electrician Pack for Switch Box Installation?
Electrical professionals require the following tools for safety switch installation.
Electrical Tape
Electricians must wrap all terminals with this masking tape to protect homeowners and their families. Touching a live wire can be deadly because electrical current might flow through your body.
Wire Cutter (or pliers)
These professionals also need this electrical tool when installing a switch box for a client. They need to ensure that they cut the wire to a reasonable size to connect this component to a power source.
Screwdriver
Certified electricians use this device to connect the cover plate to the electrical box for safety reasons.
Voltage Tester
These technicians use this tool to confirm that an electrical wire is not live before they touch it. A few clients may forget to turn off the power meter before an electrician begins to install this plastic switch box.
What Are the Steps to Follow During Switch Box Installation?
Here is the procedure for professional switch box installation in 2024.
Checking the Main Power Meter
The electrician opens the power meter to confirm that the client has switched off power to prevent electric shock or burns.
Alternatively, you can use your voltage tester to confirm that no electric current is passing through the wire you’ll connect to the switch box.
Unscrew the Switch
Secondly, use your screwdriver to remove the screws attaching the switch to the electrical box.
Old Wire Removal
Use the wire cutter to chop all the old electrical wires to fix new ones. After that, re-orient the switch before attaching it to the electrical box.
Wire Connection
Fix the black electrical wire to the brass screw of the light switch. Similarly, attach the neutral electric wire to the silver screw of the switch box,
Lastly, connect the ground wire to the green screw of the switch box to direct excess current to the earth.
Sum it Up
Certified electricians need about 15 to 25 minutes to complete a switch box installation project. Habitually, these professionals bring all the discussed tools to fix this electrical box on your drywall. Additionally, they have insurance to get financial help if they sustain a burn when installing this electric device in a client’s house.