sealing electrical outlets, boxes and other openings

Openings, penetrations and gaps associated with electrical boxes, outlets and heating and cooling equipment, or with fans, channels for drain-pipes or wiring are common air pathways and should be sealed. Below, we will refer to the sealing of all these mechanical and electrical gaps and penetrations as sealing electrical openings...

Obviously, all electrical openings and gaps - namely linking conditioned and unconditioned spaces - are a major source of air leakage and energy loss, and should be fixed.

Sealing them is very important for energy savings.

Sealing electrical boxes

Seal any electrical boxes in the ceiling. Use a flexible caulk from the living room side, or from attic side.

Images: Dow Chemical and EERE/Energy Star/DOE

Sealing electrical outlets

Outlets are a source of air leaks Sealing electrical outlets is an easy DIY task. An outlet gasket - involving an energy saver wall gasket and an energy saver plug gasket - is an inexpensive solution.

To get a "professional job" remove the cover plate from the receptacle (make sure the power is switched off) and...

Sealing electrical outlets 1) apply a thin bed of caulk (silicon-latex...) to the wall gasket and stick the gasket on the wall over the receptacle or switch;
2) reinstall the cover plate (make sure that the caulk seals the flanges of the receptacle);
3) install the plug gasket.

Sealing electrical lighting fixtures

Sealing Recessed Light Fixtures Lighting fixtures like recessed down lights are a common source of air leakage. Besides being inefficient, most old models require insulation to be kept 3'' or more away all the way around, leaving a large uninsulated space around. And since the cans aren't airtight, they also allow heated (or cooled) air to escape outside or into unconditioned spaces such as attics.

To avoid these air leakage sources and to get energy savings you have to replace the whole electrical fixture with a new energy-efficient and insulated unit, or at least caulk properly around the old fixture. If possible, for energy savings, also replace incandescent lights in the fixture with a low-wattage CFL or LED.

Sealing electrical fan penetrations

Some fans - bath and kitchen fans, whole house fans... - involve holes in the ceiling, which are common sources of air leakage.

A proper cover should be constructed to air seal and insulate some of these holes, and the edges should be properly caulked...

Sealing electrical Connections at vents and registers

Make sure the electrical connections are well-sealed, namely where the vents and the register meet the ceiling and walls (or the floor). See if there is leaks or disconnected ductwork at these locations.

Electrical locations

Caulking electrical penetrations

The image above (from DOE) shows some common mechanical and electrical openings that should be sealed... Any plumbing or any electrical wire penetration through drywall should be sealed with foam or caulk.

Electrical switches, outlets and circuit breaker boxes to drywall should be caulked or foamed... Cracks or openings related with medicine cabinets, light fixture boxes, bath and kitchen ventilation fans (or whole-house fans) should also be sealed (use spray foam or housewrap tape to seal whole-house fans)...

Electrical Sealing Products

Electrical sealing demands proper caulks or spray foams.

If the wiring, the electrical boxe or any other structure connects to the exterior sheathing, use a proper exterior caulk grade, with adherence to the the different materials.

Pay special attention to the risks associated with electrical equipment. Pay attention to the grade of the caulks. See Caulking Products, Foam Sealants and Sealing Products.