Why It’s Easier To Just Have a Professional Electrician Add New Electric Outlets in Your Walls…
Adding new electrical outlets in your home can enhance convenience and functionality, especially when rearranging furniture or accommodating modern electronic devices. However, this task requires careful planning and adherence to safety protocols. This guide will walk you through the process of installing an electrical outlet, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to complete the project successfully.
Understanding Electrical Circuits
Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to understand the basics of electrical circuits. An electrical circuit is a pathway that allows electricity to flow from a power source to various devices. Each circuit can handle a specific load, determined by the circuit’s amperage rating, typically 15 or 20 amps in residential settings.
Types of Circuits
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- General Purpose Circuits: These circuits are used for outlets in living rooms, bedrooms, and other common areas. They can typically support multiple outlets as long as the total load does not exceed the circuit’s capacity.
- Dedicated Circuits: Certain appliances, like refrigerators or microwaves, require dedicated circuits to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. These circuits should not be shared with other outlets.
Circuit Load Considerations
When adding new outlets, it’s essential to consider the load on the existing circuit. Overloading a circuit can lead to tripped breakers or even electrical fires. Always check the total wattage of devices that will be plugged into the circuit and ensure it remains within safe limits.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting your project, gather all necessary tools and materials. This will streamline the installation process and minimize interruptions.
Essential Tools
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- Screwdriver: A 4-in-1 screwdriver is versatile for various screws.
- Drill: Useful for making holes in drywall and drilling through studs.
- Drywall Saw: Ideal for cutting openings for the outlet box.
- Stud Finder: Helps locate wall studs to ensure proper box placement.
- Wire Strippers: Essential for preparing wires for connections.
- Non-Contact Voltage Tester: Ensures the power is off before working on electrical components.
Materials Required
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- Electrical Outlet: Choose a duplex receptacle for standard use.
- Electrical Box: An “old work” box is suitable for retrofitting into existing walls.
- Electrical Cable: Use 14-2 non-metallic sheathed cable (NM-B) for 15-amp circuits.
- Wire Nuts: These secure wire connections.
- Electrical Tape: Provides insulation and safety for wire connections.
Planning the Installation
Proper planning is vital for a successful outlet installation. This involves selecting the location, determining the power source, and ensuring compliance with local electrical codes.
Choosing the Location
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- Strategic Placement: Select a location that is convenient for your needs, such as near a desk or entertainment center.
- Avoiding Obstacles: Ensure there are no barriers, such as plumbing or HVAC ducts, that may complicate the installation.
- Stud Location: Use a stud finder to locate wall studs and avoid drilling into them.
Checking the Power Source
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- Identify Existing Outlets: Determine which existing outlet will serve as the power source for the new outlet.
- Circuit Capacity: Ensure the circuit can handle the additional load without exceeding its limits.
Turning Off the Power
Safety should always be your top priority when working with electricity. Before starting any electrical work, turn off the power to the circuit you’ll be working on.
Steps to Safely Turn Off Power
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- Locate the Circuit Breaker Panel: Identify the breaker that controls the outlet you will be tapping into.
- Test for Power: Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that the power is off at the existing outlet.
- Remove the Outlet Cover: Carefully take off the cover plate of the existing outlet to access the wiring.
Cutting the Opening for the Electrical Box
With the power off, it’s time to create an opening for your new outlet box.
Steps to Cut the Opening
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- Mark the Wall: Hold the electrical box against the wall at the desired height and trace around it with a pencil.
- Use a Drywall Saw: Cut along the marked line, ensuring not to make the hole too large. A tight fit is crucial for securing the box.
Running the Electrical Cable
Now that the opening is ready, you’ll need to run the electrical cable from the existing outlet to the new location.
Steps to Run the Cable
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- Determine Cable Length: Measure the distance from the existing outlet to the new box, adding a foot for extra length.
- Drill Through Studs: If necessary, drill holes through the wall studs to route the cable. Ensure the holes are large enough for the cable but not excessive.
- Pull the Cable: Use fish tape if needed to help pull the cable through the wall.
Wiring the Existing Outlet
Next, you’ll need to connect the new cable to the existing outlet.
Steps to Wire the Existing Outlet
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- Prepare the Cable: Strip the ends of the new cable, exposing about 6-8 inches of wire.
- Connect Ground Wires: If there are existing ground wires, connect them to a bare copper pigtail and attach it to the green screw on the outlet.
- Connect Hot and Neutral Wires: Attach the black wire to the brass terminal and the white wire to the silver terminal. Ensure all connections are secure.
Installing the New Outlet Box
With the wiring complete, it’s time to install the new outlet box.
Steps to Install the Box
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- Insert the Box: Feed the new cable through the opening in the box and push the box into the wall.
- Secure the Box: Tighten the clamps or screws to hold the box in place against the drywall.
- Double-Check Level: Ensure the box is level before securing it completely.
Wiring the New Outlet
Now that the box is installed, you can wire the new outlet.
Steps to Wire the New Outlet
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- Connect Ground Wire: Attach the bare copper wire to the green screw on the new outlet.
- Attach Hot and Neutral Wires: Connect the black wire to the brass screw and the white wire to the silver screw.
- Secure Connections: Tug gently on each wire to ensure they are tightly connected and wrap electrical tape around the terminals for added safety.
Testing the Installation
Before finishing up, it’s crucial to test your new outlet to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Steps to Test the Outlet
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- Restore Power: Go back to the circuit breaker panel and turn the power back on.
- Use a Voltage Tester: Check the new outlet with a voltage tester to confirm it is receiving power.
- Plug in a Device: Test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or another device to verify it operates correctly.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve confirmed that the outlet is working, it’s time to finish the installation.
Steps to Finish Up
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- Install the Cover Plate: Secure the cover plate over the outlet for a polished look.
- Patch Any Holes: If you had to cut any drywall, use joint compound to patch the holes, then sand and paint as needed.
- Clean Up: Gather all tools and materials, ensuring the work area is tidy.
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Some very handy people could install a new electrical outlet themselves but it’s better to have a professional electrician do it to save you time, headaches, and potential injuries.
Contact Us (905-870-7779) for a Free Consultation!
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