How to Install a Recessed Washing Machine Box

Installing a recessed washing machine box sounds a little difficult, but it actually can be pretty easy to do, even for beginners. If you are new to this task, here are a few tools and materials as well as some steps to help guide you through the process.

Step 1 - Prepare the Area

Begin by deciding where you want the washing machine to actually go. You will want to be in the basement or a utility area most likely near a sink. Once you have found that area, measure from the ground up about 50 inches and then mark the spot.

Then, hold up the box so that you can trace around it. Once you have an outline, you can use a saw to cut open an area to place the box in. You may want to measure how deep the box is as well so that you know how far in to cut.

Step 2 - Drill Holes

You will need to also drill a hole up above the actual outlet area that you just cut out so that you can feed the wiring through. You will probably need a little help from another person for this step. You will have to feed the cable and wiring through the hole from the wall down to the opening that you just cut out. Be sure to turn the power off while you are working on this step through the others so that you do not harm yourself or the wiring in your home. Try to feed at least 5 to 7 inches out of the hole so that you have room to work with the wiring.

Step 3 - Install the Box

Now that you have the wiring out, you can install the box so that it is set back into the area you just cut out. You will want to push it all of the way back and then drill it in completely in the wall. Then, you can do the actual wiring and hooking up of the cables once it is set and sturdy. The brass screw will need to be attached to the black wire. The white wire can be attached to the silver screw. You may need to use a screwdriver in order to connect them completely and make sure that they are help in tightly. Finally the plain or bare screw, which is the ground, can be attached to the green screw. this can be done last, after all of the other connections have been made.

Once you are finished connecting everything you can use a screwdriver to attach a cover to the box that you just installed. This is important as it is placed right near the washing machine and needs to be protected from water damage. Once you have completed this, you can turn the power back on to the area that you are working on and test to make sure that everything is working.