Black Box FT2550A User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

SEPTEMBER 2000
FT2550A
Professional Level and
Template Tool
CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]

1
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL AND TEMPLATE TOOL
Introduction
Description
The Professional Level and Template Tool is a time-
saving device that makes installing “old work” electrical
boxes easy and efficient.
This tool will help the professional audio and security
installer, the telecommunication installer, the
professional electrician, and the “do-it-yourselfer”
accurately mark and cut precise holes in paneling or
drywall. It can be used to mark a single- or dual-gang
openings for electrical boxes.
The tool includes both vertical and horizontal leveling
vials so the tool can be squared in either orientation.
The Professional Level and Template Tool is perfect for
leveling electrical panel boxes, thermostats, pictures,
shelves, tables, and many other items.
TRADEMARKS: Any trademarks mentioned in
this manual are acknowledged to be the property
of the trademark owners.

2
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL AND TEMPLATE TOOL
Features
• Lightweight, durable, and inexpensive.
• Solid one-piece injection-molded plastic.
• Non-slip extruded rubber on the underside.
• Two leveling vials for horizontal and vertical
orientations.
• Works with all types of 2x2 and 4x4 old work
electrical boxes.
• UV protection to prevent damage from heat and
sun.

3
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL AND TEMPLATE TOOL
Using the Level and Tool
1. Grip the tool by the vertical vial housing on side B.
2. Place the tool on the wall where the electrical box
is to be located.
3. Adjust the template until the horizontal vial
indicates the template tool is level.
4. For single-gang boxes, trace the template tool’s
four outside edges on the right side of the box
(side A). For dual-gang boxes, trace the outside of
side A and side B. Some electrical boxes require a
square cutout (hole), so the corner material must
be removed.

4
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL AND TEMPLATE TOOL
5. Use an appropriate saw (for example, a drywall
saw for drywall) to cut out an opening for the
outlet box. (Cut away the corners first, then all
other material. Cut along the trace line from step
4.) The tool works with all types of electrical boxes
and low-voltage cable plates. For small low-voltage
boxes/plates, trace the tool, then saw along the
inside of the trace line. (Small boxes/plates only:
don’t cut your trace line.)

5
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL AND TEMPLATE TOOL
6. Feed 10" to 15" of wire/cable through the new
opening in the wall.
7. Insert the cable through the opening in the back
of the electrical box under the clamp shoe.
8. Insert the electrical box/plate into the opening in
the wall. Tighten diagonal screws to secure swing
clamps to the inside wall. (If installing a low-
voltage cable plate, insert it in the wall opening
and bend the tabs.)
9. Proceed with the wiring per device instructions.