How to Backwire an Electrical Outlet

Backwiring an electrical outlet can be done in a relatively short amount of time, but you must be cautious since you are dealing with "hot" wires. With these steps, you can backwire an electrical outlet receptacle.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electrical outlet receptacle and box with screws
• Voltage plug-in tester
• Screwdriver
• Fish tape
• Pliers
• Electrical tape

1. Decide on a functional and accessible location for the electrical outlet installation. Mark the place on the wall where you want to install the electrical outlet box.

2. Locate the power panel box. Shut off the power circuit breaker that supplies electricity to the outlet receptacle you want to tie into. Use a plug-in testing device to ensure no power is going to the outlet receptacle box where you will do the electrical wiring.

3. Cut the area marked on the wall where the electrical outlet box is to be placed. Install the outlet box by screwing it to the wall.

4. Tie the new outlet box into an existing electrical outlet box with fish tape. Attach the wire to the tape. Pull the wire back through the wall to the newly installed outlet receptacle and box.

5. Insert the ends of the wires into the slots at the back of the outlet receptacle. Connect the white wire to the silver terminal and the black wire to the brass terminal. Make sure the wires are secure. Snip excess wire with pliers. Cover any bare wire with electrical tape. Place the outlet back into the box and tighten the receptacle screws.

6. Install the face plate. Turn the relative circuit breaker back to the "on" position.

7. Use the plug-in tester to test whether or not power is being supplied to the new outlet. Once the power is working, the electrical outlet installation is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• The white wires are the neutral or ground wires. The black wires are the "hot" wires that feed the electricity.
• Beware of "hot" wires. Installing or replacing electrical outlets may be easy, but it can be dangerous. Call an electrician if you are not comfortable working with electricity.
• Beware of snipping the end of a wire to the same length of the sheathing cover. Exposing bare wires can cause a fire if they make contact with other wires. Use electrical tape to cover bare wires.