How to Install a Floor Outlet in Concrete?

We know that concrete is rigid and unforgiving, so it is very difficult to drill the necessary hole for a power outlet. Making a mistake could result in an electric shock or even worse. Even if you do it correctly, the outlet can still not function as intended. So, for that you need to learn how to install a floor outlet in concrete. I learnt it from my dad and I’ll tell you what he taught me.

In places where you don't want a lot of cords running along the wall, an electrical outlet box is a practical choice to install floor outlet. In addition to a cover to keep dust out of the outlet when it is not in use, there is a metal plate to protect the wiring and outlet.

How to install a floor outlet in carpet?

Many homes and businesses have concrete floors. They are sturdy and simple to maintain, but when it comes to incorporating new amenities, like an electrical outlet, they can be challenging to work with.

The make and type of your outlet may affect the installation, however following typical stages should give you a decent indication of what to expect:

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Hammer drill

• Drill

• Circuit tester

• Wire brush 

• Power trowel

• Concrete screws

• Cover plate

• Outlet box

How to install a floor outlet in concrete?

Step 01: Identify the Location for the Outlet

Choosing the location for the outlet is the first step you must do. A sink, bathtub, or shower are examples of places where outlets should be situated at least 12 inches away from.

Additionally, they ought to be put far from any heat sources, such as a stove, fireplace, or radiator. Mark the spot with a pencil once you've made your decision so you'll know where to drill.

Step 02: Drill a Hole for the Outlet Box

Although drilling a hole for a floor outlet is a simple procedure, there are a few considerations.

First, the hole's size must be a little bit larger than the outlet box's diameter. To assure that the electrical floor outlet would be flat with the floor, the hole must be least two inches deep. In order to protect the concrete, it's crucial to utilise a drill bit with a carbide tip.

Attach the power drill to the drill and slowly start drilling into the concrete while keeping these instructions in mind. After the hole has already been drilled, clean up any loose debris using a wire brush.

Step 03: Cut a Hole for the Wires

Making a hole is the following step. Both a power trowel and a hammer drill with a concrete-cutting bit must be rented. Drill a hole in the centre of the location where you want an outlet to go first.

The hole must be large enough for wires to fit through. The hole should next be smoothed out with the power trowel. Insert the wires into the hole and use cable clamps to attach them. The floor outlet installation can start once the cables are put in place.

Step 04: Install the Box

The box must then be installed after that. Put the box inside the opening you created in Step 2 first. The box should then be fastened to the concrete with screws. Concrete cannot be penetrated by standard wood screws, thus use concrete screws only. You can start attaching the outlet once the floor box is fixed.

Step 05: Install the Outlet

The installation procedure for the different types of outlets will be different. The fundamentals are the same, though. First, attach the white wire to the silver screw and the black wire to the brass screw.

After that, tighten the screws to a close fit. Avoid over tightening them to avoid damaging the wires. Finally, screw the green screw into the ground wire. The cover plate can then be put in place.

Step 06: Attach the Cover Plate

Attaching the panel cover follows the correct mounting and wiring of the outlet box. The plate should first be screwed into the outlet box before being tightened with a Phillips screwdriver. Use a power drill to screw it into place after making sure the surface is flush with the surrounding floor.

Concrete screws can also be used to fasten the cover plate. Your floor outlet is now ready for use after that plate has been installed.

Step 07: Test the Outlet

It is time to test your floor outlet now that you have managed to install it. To start, test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or other item to make sure it is getting power. Next, test the ground wire connection with a circuit tester.

To confirm that the outlet is connected properly, verify that all switches in the circuit are turned on. Now that everything appears to be in working order, you can use the extra outlet.

The fundamental procedures for installing a concrete floor outlet are as follows. You can easily install an extra outlet in any room in your house with a little bit of time and care.

Now you know how to install a floor outlet in concrete.