How to Install Multiple Electrical Outlets

Having access to multiple electrical outlets in a new addition or build will increase the value of your home, and also eliminate the need for extension cords and possibly overloading one outlet. In a series of outlets, each common wire will be connected at one outlet and then feed the outlet down the line. Even in a series of connected outlets, it is important to not overload one outlet or the circuit, as this could result in an electrical hazard.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Drill & 1 inch drill bit
• Electrical outlet kit (one kit for each outlet to be installed)
• Screwdriver
• Electrical cable (12-2 gauge)(estimate of 50 feet)
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Caulk (Fire retardant)

Instructions

1. Measure up 18 inches from the floor on each stud where each of the outlets will be placed.

2. Knock out a punch out hole on the back of each of the outlet boxes to be installed. Use the screwdriver to twist or knock out the hole.

   Affix the outlet boxes to each stud where you have marked them from step 1. Line up the bottom of the electrical boxes with the marks, and use the screwdriver and included screws in the kit to attach them to each stud.

   Label the electrical box that is closest to the power panel as the first outlet, and the one furthest away as the last outlet.

3. Drill a 1-inch hole through each stud that is between each electrical box and the stud where the outlet box is mounted.

   These holes where be where you will feed the electrical cable through.

4. Turn the main power switch to the off position at the circuit panel.

   Feed one end of the cable into the bottom of the main panel. Pull about 18 inches of cable up into the panel. Feed the other end though the studs and into the back of the first outlet box. Pull about six inches through the outlet box and cut off any excess wire.

   This cable will be used to feed power from the circuit panel to the series of outlets.

5. Feed a second cable through and out the back of the first outlet box. Pull the cable through so there is about six inches left hanging out the front. Feed the other end of the cable through each stud until you reach the second outlet box. Pull the cable through the outlet box and cut it so that six inches are left hanging out the front.

   From the second outlet box, repeat the above process to feed a run of cable to each succeeding outlet box in the serious, leaving about six inches of wire out the front to connect to the outlet.

   On the final outlet box, you will only have one cable entering the box, as this is the last one in the series. Each of the other boxes will have two wires, one receiving the power and the other feeding it to the next outlet in line.

6. Begin at the last outlet box, use the wire strippers to strip about 6 inches of the outer sheathing of the cable away. This will reveal three interior wires in the cable--two insulated wires (one black, one white) and one bare wire. Strip about one inch of insulation off the two wires.

   Repeat this step to strip each of the cables and wires on each of the outlet boxes, working your way through to the first outlet box.

7. Connect the wiring from the first outlet box to an outlet using the screwdriver and the following wiring connections.

   Connect the black (hot) wires to the brass screws, the white (neutral) wires to the silver screws, and the bare (ground) wires to the green screw.

   Tighten each screw to a snug fit with the wire underneath holding it securely in place.

   Repeat this step to install an outlet in each of the outlet boxes down the line.

8. Push the wiring back into each of the boxes and attach each outlet to its electrical box using the screwdriver and included screws in the kit.

   Attach each face plate over the individual outlets, using the screwdriver and included screws.

9. Locate an open 110-volt breaker in the main circuit panel. From the cable that is running up into the box from the first outlet box, connect the black (hot) wire underneath the screw on the breaker. Connect the white (neutral) wire to the bus strip running down the center of the panel. Connect the bare (ground) wire to the ground strip at the bottom of the panel.

10. Turn the main power breaker switch to the "on" position and the circuit breaker switch connected to the outlets on as well.

    Plug in a light to each outlet and test for power.

Tips & Warnings

• Never attempt to do any electrical work without first consulting a licensed electrician.

• Be sure that all wiring meets the electrical codes for your area.

References

• Diagram - Electrical - Wiring

Resources

• Wiring a Receptacle
• Installing a Circuit Breaker