ᐅ Increase the number of existing electrical outlets

Hello everyone,

I would like to increase the number of electrical outlets in some areas of my (possibly new) house and also install wireless switches for the roller shutter housings flush-mounted.

Now my question:
When I install a new electrical box, I drill an 80mm (3 inch) hole and plaster the boxes in. If I want to place another box next to an existing one, I would drill an 80mm (3 inch) hole into the old box.
If I drill a 68mm (2.7 inch) hole instead, I’m worried that the box won’t fit securely because there won’t be enough space.

How do you solve this problem?

Thanks.

Who makes such large holes in the walls? Whether new construction or modifications, they are always 68mm (2.7 inches).

Otherwise, it’s a waste of plaster. Plus, it’s fiddly work to get them aligned properly.

Caspar2020 schrieb:
Who makes such large holes in the walls? Whether new or retrofitting, always 68mm (2.7 inches).

Otherwise, it’s just a waste of plaster. Plus, it’s a hassle to align everything.

The outer diameter of the sleeve is about 65/66mm (2.6/2.6 inches), right?
Is that enough plaster on the outside by the millimeter?
Should you drill a little deeper instead?

It just needs to be solid. Whether there are 2, 5, or more layers of drywall around it doesn’t matter.

I’ll add a bit more at the back.

Thank you.

The best option would be to chisel out the existing box and then fit both together before installing them as one unit. Using only a small amount of plaster or other suitable materials for this risks drafts through the boxes, especially if they are located in exterior walls.