How to Install an Electrical Receptacle

Situations arise in the home when you need an electrical appliance or device plugged in but there are no nearby electrical outlets. This situation occurs especially in older homes, which were built at a time when there weren't so many electrical appliances and devices available. So instead of reaching for that power extension cable or leaving your appliance with no power, you can remedy the situation by installing an electrical outlet yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Screwdriver
• 14/2 Cable
• Voltmeter
• Wire nuts
• Drill
• Drywall saw
• Pencil
• Mounting screws

Instructions

1. Determine which type of electrical outlet you need. Electrical code requires that a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle be used in garages, bathroom, and outside. They are also recommended for damp locations.

2. Cut a hole in the wall for the receptacle by measuring the size of the receptacle. Use a pencil to mark those dimensions on the wall where each receptacle will go. Drill a hole just inside the line, and then use a drywall saw to cut out the rectangular section of wall. Check that the outlet box will fit into the hole.

3. Turn off the appropriate circuit breaker in your breaker box and run a 14/2 cable to the hole you just cut. The circuit breaker will depend on the circuit you're going to run the power cable from. If you're running from an existing circuit, turn off that breaker. Check with a voltmeter to ensure there is no voltage present. Use wire nuts to splice into the cable. Keep like colors together. Wire nut the white wire (AC neutral) to white, black wire (AC hot) to black and the green wire (ground) to green.

4. Feed the cable into the receptacle, and then screw the mounting screws through the receptacles mounting holes and into the wall.

5. Use a wire stripper to strip a short length of plastic insulation from the end of each of the three wires at the end of the 14/2 cable. There should be just enough bare metal wire protruding to wrap around the terminal screws.

6. Wrap the black wire (AC hot) clockwise around the bronze or copper colored terminal screw, the white wire (AC neutral) around the silver colored terminal and the green wire (ground) around the green colored terminal. Tighten the screws securely.

7. Put the receptacle's faceplate on, tighten the screws and turn on the circuit breaker. Plug an appliance or an electrical device into the receptacle to test your installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a cup to hold small pieces of hardware so you don't lose them.

• AC electricity is dangerous. Ensure it is turned off before installation. Double check the wires with a voltmeter to make sure there is no AC voltage present.

Resources

• National Electrical Code