How to Wire an Electrical Junction Box
Electrical junction boxes are a key piece when adding electrical outlets or lights to your home. Installing the junction box allows you to make several electrical wiring connections in a central location -- and avoid making several full-length wiring runs back to the main electrical panel. Following a few basic steps and consulting a licensed electrician will help you complete your project safely. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Electrical junction box kit
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Utility knife
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Wire connectors
- Electrical tape
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn the power off at the main circuit panel to electrical lines that will be used while wiring your junction box.
-
2
Locate the area where the wiring to be joined will reach a central point. Attach the electrical junction box to a rafter or a wall stud in that area, using the screws included in the kit and your screwdriver.
-
-
3
Punch out a knockout hole on each side of the junction box with a screwdriver and hammer. This allows the wiring to enter the box.
-
4
Pull each of the electrical cables through the knockout holes and into the junction box. Pull about 6 inches of each cable into the box.
-
5
Cut away about 3 inches of the outer sheathing on each cable. Carefully cut down the side with a utility knife, then peel back the sheathing and cut it away with a the knife. Do not cut too deeply into the cable -- you can damage the individual wires inside.
-
6
Strip away about 1 1/2 inches of the insulation on each of the individual wires in the cables. There will be three or four wires in each cable, depending on the size of the cable needed for your project. The black wire and the red wire (if included) are the hot wires. The white wire is the neutral wire. The green or bare copper wire is the ground.
-
7
Connect all the black wires together. Place a wire connector on the end and twist it in a clockwise motion to secure the connection. Repeat this step to connect each of the same-colored wires together with a wire connector on the end.
-
8
Wrap each of the wire connectors with electrical tape to secure them.
-
9
Push the wiring back into the junction box, folding gently if necessary. Attach the cover plate, using the included screws and your screwdriver.
-
10
Turn the power back on at the main panel.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be sure that all electrical wiring meets the electrical codes for your local area.
Always consult a licensed electrician before beginning this or any electrical project
