How to Install Foam Gaskets to Insulate Your Electrical Outlets

Written by Amy on May 17, 2008 | Comments (0)

One of the least expensive and easiest ways to reduce heating and cooling costs is to insulate your electrical outlets. While most people don't consider this to be a major source of energy loss, keep in mind that behind every faceplate that covers a light switch or electrical outlet is a hole in your wall. Adding a foam insulating gasket allows you to create a tight seal between the wall and the faceplate without altering the appearance of the socket.

The most difficult part of this project will be to find the foam insulating gaskets. Although many home improvement centers carry them, they can be difficult to find or expensive depending on the season or region in which you live. If this is the case in your area, consider shopping online, where each foam gasket should cost less than fifty cents.

Don't Make Foam Gaskets Yourself

Although these electric socket insulators seem as though they would be easy to create, its best to buy them at a hardware store, where they will be made of flame retardant foam. Using other materials for this project could inadvertently result in an electrical fire. This includes injecting spray foam insulation into the electrical socket cavity, which not only could lead to a fire, but also makes the socket difficult to repair in case of a problem.

Safety First

Another step to take before starting this project is to switch off the circuit that services the part of the house that you will be installing the gaskets on. This will prevent any electrical shocks when installing the insulating gaskets.

Easy To Install

Installing these foam insulators is an easy task that requires only a flat head screwdriver. Just use the screwdriver to remove the screw or screws that hold on the faceplate of the outlet or light switch. Then punch out the appropriate pieces so that the foam cutout will fit over the hole that the electrical socket makes. Then replace the faceplate using the screws you removed.

Foam Gaskets Keeps Outside Air Outside

Because of the tediousness of this project, consider installing foam gaskets with other energy saving items such as weather stripping and working on one or two rooms at a time. Also, don't make the mistake of thinking that this is a project for the fall: foam gaskets will keep your home cooler in the summer as well as warm in the winter.

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