I bought a partially finished house this year, and am gearing up to finish the lower level. Here's my quandary.

The electrical is no big deal, everything out here is Romex and plastic boxes - a great change from the people's repulik of chicago where you have to use conduit (thanks to the labor unions!). Here are the specs: the foundation is wood, 2x6 framed, insulated (fiberglass batts) with a heavy plastic vapor barrier already installed across the inside face of the 2x6's. Interior walls are all framed, so those are a piece of cake.

How do I install the boxes for the electric with the insulation/vapor barrier in place? Cut the barrier? Push the insulation and barrier back from the face of the stud (compressing the insulation, but it is below grade where the outlets will be going)? Or surface mount the boxes and frame the wall out more?

Thanks for your help.

Surface mounting would be the best, to keep the vapor barrier intact as much as possible. Thou, if need to be recessed, then cutting the barrier, disturbing the insulation as least as possible, and taping the cuts and around the outlet boxes is done also. Use tape compatible with the type barrier material you have. Don't just use duct tape.

I bought a partially finished house this year, and am gearing up to finish the lower level. Here's my quandary.

The electrical is no big deal, everything out here is Romex and plastic boxes - a great change from the people's repulik of chicago where you have to use conduit (thanks to the labor unions!). Here are the specs: the foundation is wood, 2x6 framed, insulated (fiberglass batts) with a heavy plastic vapor barrier already installed across the inside face of the 2x6's. Interior walls are all framed, so those are a piece of cake.

How do I install the boxes for the electric with the insulation/vapor barrier in place? Cut the barrier? Push the insulation and barrier back from the face of the stud (compressing the insulation, but it is below grade where the outlets will be going)? Or surface mount the boxes and frame the wall out more?

Thanks for your help.
Here's a great book. I have a copy myself.

Amazon.com: Wiring a House (For Pros by Pros): Rex Cauldwell: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Wiring-House-Pros-Rex-Cauldwell/dp/1561585270)