Electrical question--please.

[candy]

I want to hang a towel ring in one of my bathrooms and the only logical place for it is directly under an outlet.

Would the 2 towel ring screws( 3/4 " long) interfere with the wiring?

This is in a newly constructed building if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance,

Candy

[evlbstrd]

1. Only if the screws penetrate the wiring.

And you'll know that immediately.

[ashling]

2. how close?

[candy]

3. About 6" below the outlet plate---

[ashling]

5. shouldn't be a problem

the wiring will be run down the middle of the stud. Assuming you have 1/2 inch sheetrock, those size crews should be no problem. I would also suggest sheetrock anchors which can be screwed into the sheetrock. They are plastic and look like augers. Tap them in with a hammer and screw them intothe sheetrock so they are flush w/ the surface.

[nosmokes]

3/4" screws won't be a problem with the wiring, but

they aren't likely to hold up that towel ring for long either. find a stud which should be on one side or the other of the outlet and use a 1 1/2" wood screws. if it really hasta go under the outlet then use a 3/16" x 2" machine screws with buterfly nuts.


BE CAREFUL! when you drill the holes, go slow when you break through the drywall - ya don't want the drill bit going into the wiring, and just for grins you should turn off the breaker that energizes that outlet before doing this project..

[ret5hd]

4. short answer no...if you do it properly...

1) acquire some of those small plastic sheetrock anchors---they are about a 1/4 inch diameter and about a inch or so long. some might have came with your towel ring, in a little plastic bag.

2)determine exactly where you want to place the towel ring, and mark the location of the mounting holes

3) ok now, your sheetrock is (in all probability) a 1/2 inch thick, maybe 5/8 inch. take a drill bit that is the same (or slightly smaller) diameter as the plastic anchors from step 1, and take some masking tape and wrap it around the drill bit so that the end 1 inch or so of the bit is showing. Drill into the sheetrock, but only GO AS DEEP AS THE TAPE. This will ensure that you dont drill into the wiring.

4) tap the plastic anchors in, mount the towel ring, and send me a check for $40.

than you.

[Bamboo]

6. On April Fools Day I Put a Blade Switch in the Bathroom-not live.

Pulling the towel up through the ring may interfere with the plugs in the outlet.Reaching for the towel with wet hands may fling water on a plug which is half out and cause arching.Think children and drunks when mixing electricity and water.