How to Install Wall Outlet Wiring From a Basement

Wall outlet wiring from the basement is not as difficult as it may sound.

One of the more difficult aspects of adding an outlet in your home is tapping into the wiring to supply power to the outlet. If you have access to your home's electrical wiring from the basement level, installing wall outlet wiring to an outlet on the floor above can be simplified. With the right approach and tools you can have a new outlet in action in a short period of time.

Things You'll Need

• Wall outlet box
• Pencil
• Keyhole saw
• 14-2 electrical cable
• Drill with 1-inch hole saw bit
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Screwdriver
• Wire nuts
• Electrical outlet

Instructions

1. Hold your wall outlet box in position on the wall where you want to install the outlet. Trace the outline of the box onto the wall. Cut an opening in the wall with a keyhole saw to match the outline.

2. Fish electrical cable into the wall and down between the studs. Have a helper watch for the end of the cable to appear above the sill at the top of the basement wall. Pull the cable through and route it down the wall studs to an available electrical outlet. If necessary, cut holes in the studs with a 1-inch hole saw bit to route the cable.

3. Turn off the power to the outlet you've run the cable to at the home's circuit breaker panel. Remove the outlet cover screw and take the cover off. Loosen the screws at the top and bottom of the outlet and pull it out of the box.

4. Feed the end of the new cable into the outlet box. Remove 1/2-inch of insulation from the black and white leads of the cable. Loosen the screws on the side of the outlet. Add the black and white leads to the screws -- black to the brass screw, and white to the silver screw. Tighten the screws. Replace the outlet in the box and attach it, along with the cover.

5. Feed the end of the electrical cable through the new outlet box. Place the box in the wall and turn the mounting screws to deploy the tabs on the box, holding the box in place on the wall. Trim the insulation from the ends of the black and white wires and attach to the outlet's mounting screws. Mount the outlet in the box.

6. Turn the power back on to the circuit.

References

• Complete Basements; Stanley
• Wiring 1-2-3; The Home Depot