How to Hook Up an Outlet
Referred to in electrical codes as "receptacles," an electrical outlet is defined as any place where an electrical device such as a lamp, TV or hair dryer can be connected to a power supply. Whether during new construction, remodeling projects or just needing an additional outlet, hooking up a new electrical outlet is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure. However, as local regulations vary, contact your local building code office before beginning work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Voltage meter
- Wire strippers
- 14/2 electrical cable
- Wire nuts
- Electrical receptacle
- Electrical tape
- Receptacle cover
Instructions
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1
Shut off the main power supply breaker for the circuit you will be working on at the service panel. Confirm the power is off to the circuit where the new outlet will be hooked up by using a meter.
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2
Set the voltage meter to 120. Touch one of the meter's probes to the bare end of the white neutral wire and the other probe to the bare end of the black hot wire.
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3
Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the existing white and black electrical wires with the electrical pliers.
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4
Cut a piece of electrical cable long enough to reach from the connection point at the existing stripped electrical wires to the installation point of the new outlet. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation --- with the pliers --- from both ends of the white and black electrical wires of the new cable.
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5
Hold the stripped end of one of the white wires of the new connection cable together with the end of the stripped white wire at the connection point. Insert a wire nut over the ends of the two wires and twist the nut with your fingers until the nut is tight. Repeat the procedure with the black and bare green wires. Secure the wire nuts to the wires with electrical tape.
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6
Run the three ends of the new connection cable into the electrical box at the installation point. Wrap the white wire around the silver screw, the black wire around the brass screw and the bare wire around the green screw on the new outlet. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
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7
Wrap electrical tape around the sides of the new outlet, covering both the wires and screws.
Place the outlet in the electrical box and secure the outlet in place with the supplied mounting screws. Install the outlet cover with the supplied screw.
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8
Turn on the power at the service panel. Check the new outlet with the meter by inserting one probe into the opposite vertical slot of the outlet. The meter should read 120 volts.
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Tips & Warnings
For areas where water is present such as kitchens and baths, install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI ) outlet to prevent electrical shock.
References
Resources
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