How do I drill a stud close to an electrical outlet?

Question

I may not be asking the right question. I'm installing a shelf on the wall and the stud that I want to use is a above an electrical outlet. I don't want to accidentally kill the power or cause any damage from hitting the wiring. How do I know the right place to drill? Any help or suggestions?

Answer 1

There are detecors on the market that will show where the wires are in the wall.

But even if you know Id suggest you cut the power to the outlet and get your power from another outlet via an extention.

You cannot be too careful even with cut-outs.

Answer 2

taket he outlet out of the wall so you can see where the lines are running. Shut the breaker off for that section of the house just in case you hit the line anyway (always).

electrical lines usualy run inside the stud, not down the front of the stud, orthe would get in the way of the dry wall. So you should be fine no matter what-but do those things anyway to be safe.

Answer 3

paul in san diego is very correct and insightful.

the one thing i would add is to use a 1 1/2"  s***w or less just in case the electrician didn't use a wire guard ( metal plate) on the stud where the wire runs through the stud. 1 1/2" screws most likely won't be long enough to hit the wire, but long enough to support plenty of weight.

Answer 4

Electrical junction boxes (that house the outlets) are nailed or screwed to one side of a stud. The wire then runs straight up or down that side of the stud. So, if you know which side of the socket is the stud, you can safely drill about 3/4 inch to the other side of the socket and into the center of the stud. Also, if you're drilling into the place where a wire is going through a stud, the electrician should have installed a s***w guard (metal plate across that part of the stud) when he installed the wiring. This is used to prevent damage of the wiring when they install the drywall.

If you do this kind of work fairly often, consider getting a laser level with a stud finder in it. Stanley makes one that includes a stud finder and power line detector for about $25. I have one and it's invaluable for doing those kinds of projects.