How to Cut Drywall for An Electrical Wiring Job

Oct 11, 2022

The majority of electrical wires in houses are hidden behind drywall to prevent and conceal unsightly wire bundles. If you're adding an outlet or a switch to a room, for example, you may need to pull electrical cables through walls. Running electrical wiring through closed walls is a time-consuming task that few DIYers like.

It is both inconvenient and time-consuming to cut down whole sheets of drywall just to get at the wiring. Rather than removing large sections of drywall, remove the tiniest amount feasible while still allowing tools and hands access. However, sometimes you'll need to chop through an entire room's worth of drywall in order to properly route wires.

Knowing the best ways to cut into drywall and run electrical wire is crucial for both the safety of your home and the appearance of your walls. Keeping in mind where studs are located and how they interact with wires will help make this project much easier. It's important to note that most electric work needs a permit from your town or city.

Tools You'll Need

Utility knife
Measuring tape
4-foot level
Stud finder
Pencil or pen
Drill with a 1/2-inch spade bit (or larger)
Sawzall or reciprocating saw (optional)
Drywall saw (optional)

Materials You'll Need

Wiremold or other surface-mount raceway
14/2 Romex nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM-B)
Wire staples

How to Cut Into Drywall for Electrical Wiring

When you cut into a wall, there may be hidden electrical wires, plumbing pipes, insulation, cross-bracing, and construction debris. Wear eye protection, hearing protection, and a dust mask before cutting to protect yourself from potential hazards.

Turn off the electrical circuit that feeds electricity to that region. Even if you believe the wall has no wires, shut off all power to that portion of your home.
Use a utility knife to cut through the paint and paper surface of the drywall. Be careful not to damage the wallboard underneath. Make a horizontal cut at the top of the wall and a vertical cut at the side.
Locate the studs in the wall with a stud finder. Mark their location with a pencil or pen so that you know where to avoid cutting.
Use a drill with a 1/2-inch spade bit (or larger) to drill a hole through the drywall. The hole should be large enough for the sheathed cable to fit through easily.
If necessary, use a Sawzall or reciprocating saw to cut through any studs in the way. Be sure to avoid cutting any electrical wires that may be hidden in the wall.
Use a drywall saw to cut an opening for the electrical box. The opening should be large enough to accommodate the box and allow for easy access to the wires inside.
Install the electrical box by screwing it into the studs on either side of the hole.
Feed the sheathed cable through the hole and into the electrical box.
Use wire staples to secure the cable to the studs. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cable so that it can be easily connected to the outlet or switch.
Install a surface-mount raceway over the cables to conceal them.
Finish by patching the drywall and painting over the raceway.

By following these steps, you can safely and easily cut into drywall for electrical wiring. By knowing where the studs are located and avoiding them, you can minimize the amount of damage to your walls. And by using a surface-mount raceway, you can conceal the wires and create a professional-looking finish.

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