What is an appropriate step after installing an outlet box to ensure safety?

Restoring the fire or smoke rating after installing an outlet box is crucial to ensure the overall safety and integrity of the installation. When an outlet box is installed, it often penetrates fire-rated walls or other assemblies designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke. These assemblies are engineered to maintain specific performance standards, and any breach, such as installing an outlet box, can compromise that rating.

By restoring the fire or smoke rating, you ensure that the safety features of the structure are maintained. This can involve using fire-rated caulk, putty, or other approved materials to seal around the box, helping to prevent fire and smoke from passing through the opening in the wall.

While testing electrical connections, sealing edges with tape, and painting the box might seem relevant to installation, they do not directly address the critical issue of fire safety in a way that maintaining the fire or smoke rating does. Ensuring that fire safety standards are upheld is essential for the protection of the building and its occupants.