DIY Electrical Outlet Installation

To prevent an electrical shock, never leave an outlet box uncovered.

The installation of an electrical outlet during construction is a simple task but when the outlet is needed in an existing wall, more preparation is necessary. You must plan how to get the wire from the outlet box to the source of power without cutting holes in the drywall. In some cases, you will have no choice but to cut holes in the wall.

Things You'll Need

• Wire stripper
• Screwdriver
• Insulated needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Strip off 1/2 inch of the insulation from each wire.

2. Insert the wires into the holes on the back of the outlet. The black wire is associated with the brass-colored screw and the white wire is associated with the silver-colored screw. If your outlet does not have holes to receive the wires, use needle-nose pliers to bend a clockwise hook on the ends of the wires, slip the loop under the screws and tighten them with a screwdriver.

3. Connect the ground wire to the green ground screw.

4. Push the outlet into the electrical box, align the screws and tighten them with a screwdriver.

5. Place the outlet cover over the outlet and tighten the screw. Do not overtighten this screw or you will crack the cover.

Tips & Warnings

• The black wire should be the hot wire but if the installer was not a professional, the wires could be switched. Test the wires with an electrical tester to verify which is the hot wire and which is the neutral wire. Reversing the wires could result in a dangerous electrical shock.

References

• University of Southern Maine : Installing an Electrical Outlet