How To Install An Electrical Outlet In A Medicine Cabinet: See How

Hey! Have you ever thought of having a medicine cabinet with outlets to run your necessary electrical devices? 

Do you want an aesthetic bathroom mirror with better lighting to apply makeup or grooming products properly?

Are you already rushing to install the electrical outlet? Don’t! If you want a proper installation, read the process first. Interested to learn? Let’s go!

An overview of the project-

Use Of Electrical Outlet In A Medicine Cabinet

Can you put an electrical outlet in a cabinet? The answer is Yes! Actually, it is very useful to have an electrical outlet in a cabinet, especially in the bathroom.

If you are someone like me, you have already felt the need for a cabinet with outlets. To help you get some better knowledge, here is the usage of an electrical outlet.

Electronic Devices & Appliances

Do you want an incredible cabinet system in your bathroom wall where you can run all your electronic devices and appliances? 

This is exactly why electrical outlets are installed in bathroom medicine cabinets. 

You can charge small electronic devices such as electric toothbrushes, electric razors, hair dryers, curling irons, and other personal grooming tools.

Also, you can charge medicine devices such as portable nebulizers, thermometers, and blood pressure monitors.

If you install combination outlets, you will also be able to charge your phone and run small speakers while getting ready.

Brightness

Do you want LED lights in your cabinet or mirrors? You will need an electrical outlet for that.

These outlets help to run power to the LED lights which can be very useful while grooming and applying makeup.

Also, LED cabinets add aesthetic value to that area. It looks really beautiful in the century medicine cabinet.

Heating Elements

If you want to add heating elements to your cabinet to keep your medicines, towels, or other things warm, you will need electrical outlets.

Have you ever wanted a medicine cabinet with electrical outlet and lights? If you answered yes, you are in the place.

Types Of Electrical Outlets Suitable For A Medicine Cabinet

Can I put an outlet inside a cabinet? Definitely, you can! However, you need to be careful while choosing the right outlet for your medicine cabinet.

Why? It is because bathroom walls are prone to water and moisture. If you don’t use the right one, there are chances of accidents.

Tamper Resistant Outlets

Do you have kids in your house? Do you want an electrical outlet in your medicine cabinet but are worried about the safety of your kids?

A tamper-resistant outlet is the perfect solution for you. Why? These types of outlets have built-in safety mechanisms that prevent electrical accidents.

If tamper-resistant receptacles are present in any standard outlet, no matter which type, it is completely safe to use.

GFCI Outlets

Are you scared of installing electrical outlets on your medicine counter even if you are in need because of potential accidents? 

I suggest using GFCI outlets because even if any accident occurs, the fast-acting circuit-breaking mechanisms used in GFCI will quickly get you out of that accident.

GFCI outlets, full-form Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets, are created in a way that is able to protect against electrical shock by immediately cutting off power.

It is commonly used in water and moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms. So, it is highly suitable for bathroom medicine cabinets.

If you want your Kohler medicine cabinet with electrical outlet, these outlets are perfect for it.

Combination Outlets

Are you looking for an outlet that will provide USB ports along with standard electrical receptacles? The only option you have is a combination outlet. 

These types of outlets provide a combination of standard electrical receptacles, USB ports, and other features in a single unit.

The other benefit is that there are multiple charging options within a limited space which is suitable for medicine cabinets if you need diverse power at the same time..

Recessed Outlets

Do you prefer electrical outlets with the surface of the outlet box being completely flushed with the bathroom wall? Here is the one for you.

Recessed outlets have the ability to be flushed with the surface which provides a low-profile and space-saving option for powering devices within a medicine cabinet.

These outlets also provide a clean and uncluttered appearance as all the electrical connections and the outlet box are on the other side of the surface.

However, if your basin cabinet wall is an exterior wall, it will not work.

How To Install An Electrical Outlet In A Medicine Cabinet?

Can you install an outlet in a medicine cabinet? It is a common thing in modern households.

Do you want to know the steps on how to install an electrical outlet on your bathroom medicine cabinet on your own? These are;

Get Prepared

Before you start with the process, make sure to go through the safety precautions. Turn off the power supply of the area where you are installing the electrical outlets.

To do this, you can switch off the circuit breaker from the breaker box or remove the fuse for that particular circuit.

Choose The Location

I can only tell you how to install an electrical outlet but not where to install it. It entirely depends on your medicine cabinet outline, size, style, and your preference.

Choose the location where you think it is suitable and effective. 

For recessed medicine cabinets installed without studs, make sure there’s enough space to run the electrical wirings. 

Cut an Opening

How to add an outlet inside a cabinet? For that, you need to cut an opening first.

Use the electrical box to measure the size of the opening. Use an oscillating tool or jigsaw to cut the opening.

Be extra careful while measuring the opening. If you make a mistake, there’s a high chance you might ruin the outlook of your cabinet.

Also, be careful not to cut the wall studs behind the cabinet if there are any.

Install The Electric Box

Make some pilot holes using a power drill. Insert the electrical box into the opening from the back of the medicine cabinet. 

If it is a wall or surface mount cabinet, you can insert the electric box through the opening.

Use screws to secure the electric box in the medicine cabinet. Make sure to use the screws closest to the screw holes to prevent the electrical box from getting loose.

Connect The Wiring & Outlet

Run the electrical wires and connect them to the electric box. If you are not experienced, I suggest hiring a professional for your safety.

Attach the outlet to the electric box and connect the wires to the outlet. Use screws to secure the outlet.

You can use the screws that are used in wobbly cabinet fixing or in a racked cabinet fixing way.

Test The Outlet

To test the outlet, turn on the power supply and test the outlet to see if it is working properly or not.

If you want, you can use a cover plate over the outlet to ensure safety and also a finished look.

After you are done with all the steps including testing, I would suggest going for a final inspection to make sure everything is properly installed and there is no safety hazard.

If your Lazy Susan corner cabinet repair won’t turn. Then you can try this method too.

Limitations And Considerations Of Electrical Outlet

As you have already learned about the process, you might have understood the process is slightly complicated. It is because it involves dealing with electrical wires and lines. 

There are a lot of considerations for a better installation. To help you, I have listed some of the important considerations along with some limitations.

Curious to know what they are? Here you go;

Limitations	Considerations
The space for the outlet depends on the cabinet layout and size. The limited space in the medicine cabinet will affect the available space of the outlet.	Medicine cabinets are located in bathroom walls, and moisture and water are common there. So, make sure the electrical outlets installed in medicine cabinets have the ability to withstand these conditions.
The electrical outlet may not have the adequate load bearing capacity to support all your devices and appliances.	While installing the electrical outlet, make sure to maintain all the local electrical rules and regulations.
If the location of electrical wasn’t designed while designing the cabinet layout, it will be hard to find a proper location.	Make sure to maintain all the safety precautions before, during, and after the installation.
The installation process requires dealing with things such as electrical wires, electrical lines, circuit boxes, etc. If you don’t have proper knowledge or previous experience, it can be extremely risky	If it is an LED cabinet or there are other elements such as a light switch or heating mechanism, make sure to follow all the requirements.

I suggest carefully going through and considering all of these for a better outcome.

Electrician Vs DIY Installation: Which One Better?

Is it better to hire a professional (in this case, an electrician) or do it yourself?

Have you thought of this question while I was explaining the process? Don’t worry. It is completely normal.

This question automatically comes to mind before starting any new wood project. To clear up all your confusion, here is your answer;

Factors	Electrician	DIY
Knowledge and Skills	Electricians have all the necessary knowledge and skills on how to install an electrical outlet properly.	It completely depends on your electrical knowledge and skills.
Installation	Electricians are skilled in dealing with all kinds of installations whether it is simple or complex.	You may be able to deal with simple installation. However, complex installations require professional skills.
Local Regulations	The electrician does not know your local regulations and requirements.	You are well aware of your local regulations. So, it should be easy for you to maintain them.
Safety	Electricians know how to install it safely and the things to ensure safe usage for you.	You may not be aware of all the electrical safety regulations which can cause potential accidents.

As you have already learned, there is no specific answer to this question. To find the right answer for you, consider these factors and you will get your answer.

Maintain Tips Of The Electrical Outlet Inside The Medicine Cabinet

Even after you are done with the installation, there are some tips you should follow to maintain the electrical outlet inside a medicine cabinet.

Want to know the tips? These are-

• Keep the outlet area clean and free from dust, debris, water, and moisture.
• Inspect the outlet once in a while and repair it immediately if you find any signs of loose connections, damage, or wear.
• Make sure to use a cover plate to keep everyone safe, especially children.
• If you are using a combination outlet, do not use too many devices at once.

If you follow the tips to maintain it regularly, I can assure you that you will be able to use this outlet for a long time without any damage or wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Final Thoughts

How to install an electrical outlet in a medicine cabinet? It is slightly complicated as it involves working with electrical lines and wires.

To make it easy for you, here’s a quick recap-

Take the safety precautions and prepare the medicine cabinet. Choose the right location and cut an opening in the electrical box size.

Now, install the electrical box and connect the wires to it. Insert the outlet box, connect it with the wires, and secure it in its place. 

Once you have tested and everything seems fine, that’s it. You are all done.

It may seem like a lot but the ultimate outcome will make you forget all the difficulties you had to go through to install that. 

So, don’t give up, and all the best!

If you are interested in learning more about restoring a Cabinet, stay with- Restore Journey.