Outlet Boxes with Nails or Brackets

• Outlet boxes come with either attached nails at the top and bottom for connecting to the wall stud, or adjustable-depth boxes with a bracket on one side that connects to the front of the stud. Hold the outlet box, with attached nails to one side of the vertical wall stud, with the middle of the outlet 12 inches from the floor. For counter-height outlets, install them 48 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet.
  
  

Spacers

• These outlet boxes have plastic spacers on one side that fit against the front of the wall stud to ensure that the outlets stick out from the front of the wall stud by 1/2 an inch, or the thickness of drywall. Position the spacers against the front of the stud. Hammer the attached nails on the top and bottom of the box fully into the side of the vertical stud -- the nail heads must meet the side of the box for it to be properly secured in place.
  
  

Adjustable-Depth Boxes

• If you are unsure of the thickness of the drywall that will be installed -- some people choose 5/8-inch ceiling drywall because it offers better insulation -- adjustable-depth boxes are a better choice. Once installed, you turn a small screw on the box's front to increase or decrease the depth of the box from the front of the wall stud.
  
  

Fit the Adjustable Outlet Box in Place

• Position the outlet box's side bracket on the front of the wall stud. Make sure that the center of the box is 12 inches from the floor for regular wall outlets, or 48 inches from the floor for counter-height outlets. Use a hammer or a screw gun to drive nails or screws through the holes in the side bracket into the front of the vertical stud.