Comments on: Insulating Outlet Boxes With Spray Foam

By: DiyGuy

DiyGuy — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:13:27 +0000

I would clean out the foam in the outlet box as best as you can. Best thing to do is to replace the switch. Take pictures of how the wires are hooked up on the switch, and pay attention to the colors of the wires. If it helps, sketch the switch on paper, give wires numbers on the sketch and use masking or painters tape to number the wires as you take them off. You'll need to figure out what type of switch you have. Most likely it is a regular light switch, but you should make sure by taking it to the home improvement store to compare. Here is a pretty good video on how to replace a light switch, and information on a three way switch. You will want to trim off the old exposed copper wire that has dried insulation on it and strip off a new section using a wire stripping tool (should be $5 -10). You can do this, just take your time and be observant as to how things were originally hooked up.

By: amateur gal

amateur gal — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 03:39:06 +0000

I wish I would’ve seen.all this before I foamed the ENTIRE outlet box. Didn’t turn the power off, just the switches. When I put a screw into the plate cover a few hours later-POP!POP!POP! The switches were still off but the foam had started melting down the wall!! I pulled the fuse panel for the outlet and am going to bed. What do I do in the morning though?

By: DiyGuy

DiyGuy — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:08:41 +0000

I found one for 2 switches. M-D Building Products 3434 Switch Plate Sealer, White. Also, this one is a pack of single and double outlet and switch insulators. Gasket Covers, Electrical Outlet & Light Switch Plate Draft Stopper Foam Gaskets

By: Doti

Doti — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:43:31 +0000

Do they make them for 2 and 3 switches? id so who sells them? Thanks

By: DiyGuy

DiyGuy — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:48:27 +0000

If I were doing it I would cut and tape them together. I think electrical tape will work, but if you’re having trouble with the adhesive sticking duct tape (Macgyver’s favorite tool) will work too.

The only thing I can think that would be a pain would be lining them up.

By: Doti

Doti — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 06:23:46 +0000

I want put the foam sheets inside the plug and light switches. As I can only find them for single plates on the double and triple switches should I just line up 2 or 3 of them or should I cut and tape them together with elec tape to make a set? Thanks Doti in TN

By: DiyGuy

DiyGuy — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:54:18 +0000

It has for me. Where there was a significant draft coming from my outlets, now there is barely anything. I chose to do this instead of the foam outlet covers because I had some major gaps between the wall and the outlet box.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:13:02 +0000

Will this stop air from passing out the holes that you plug the cord into as well. I installed those child safety caps years ago, but they’re a pain to take in and out, and over time many have gone missing.

By: DiyGuy

DiyGuy — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:37:47 +0000

Thanks for the heads up. I plan on blowing more insulation in the attic. While I’m up there I’ll take a look for the things you mentioned and seal them up.

By: Carl

Carl — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:21:07 +0000

If you’re losing heat that way, you’re best served by sealing the entire attic space and top plates for the walls using fire caulking, acoustical sealant and foam on chases or penetrations. Then insulating your interior walls with something like dense packed cellulose. If you’re losing massive amounts on interior walls, it’s likely going out the roof.