How to Extend Wall Electrical Outlets

Consumers are finding that their homes may not supply enough wall electrical outlets to accommodate their new electical gadgets and their existing ones. Here are some solutions for extending the power supply.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Analyze the area where you will need the extended outlets to determine proper placement and the number of outlets you will need for your items.

2. Purchase high power extension strips with a built-in, cut-off fuse for added safety. Place them in areas where you will need more outlets. Place extension strips where they cannot be tripped over or create a fire hazard. Remember to limit it to only two or three additional connections per outlet; anything more will require wiring the additional outlet along the wall. You must follow your local codes before any wiring project.

3. Connect the power strip to the wall electrical outlet with a extension cord that is not too long if your outlet is far from the area to which you are running power.

4. Extend access to the outlet by purchasing a multi-outlet unit. Plug this directly into your wall electrical outlet. Your 2-plug outlet can now handle 4 or 6 plugs with this simple addition.

5. Check the outlets periodically to ensure they are not overheating. Indications that you have overloaded your outlet are dimmed lights, fuzzy television pictures and heaters not producing adequately.

Tips & Warnings

• Never overload outlets. Keep the load well below maximum during usage.

Resources

• Safety resources.
• Extensions.
• Electrical mistakes.
• Adding outlets.