Articles about Outlets

Installing an Outlet for a Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher

I want to install an outlet for a garbage disposal. Do I need to install a GFI outlet to wire the garbage disposal and dishwasher in my kitchen? How to Wire a Garbage Disposal and a Dishwasher.

Why No Power to Wall Sockets

How to Get Your Wall Sockets and Outlets Working Again: The problem could be at one of the wall sockets or outlets where the wiring connects to the outlet or it could be a wiring splice in one of the outlet boxes within the outlet circuit.

Nicked Electrical Outlet Wiring and Greasy Stuff

While replacing sheet-rock in my kitchen I notice the wire coming from an outlet had blackish brown sorta greasy stuff running down the wire. How to Repair Nicked Electrical Wire and Cables.

Diagrams for Wiring Switched Outlets

How To Make the Wire Connections for Switched Outlets – Switched outlets are popular in the home and involve a wall switch and half of a outlet receptacle. This switched outlet wiring diagram shows two scenarios of wiring for a typical half hot outlet that can be used to control a table or floor lamp.

How To Wire Half Hot Receptacles

Vince in New York asks: I have a receptacle where 3 pairs of 14-2 lines enter the outlet box, how should this be wired?

Electrical Circuit Causes Damage to Electronic Devices

I’ve had two electronics appliances die after being plugged into a particular outlet, is it possible that the problem is an outlet problem…

Outdoor GFI Outlet Has a Red Blinking Light

I have an outdoor GFI outlet that has a Red LED Light that is Blinking, what is causing this?

Replacing an Electrical Outlet

How to Replace an Electrical Outlet: When an Electrical Outlet has been Damaged or is Worn Out then Replacing the Outlet is Necessary using this Process

Troubleshooting Electrical Outlet Problems

Some of my outlets are not working and will work only if something is plugged into a different outlet: How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Outlet Problems.

Testing Electrical Outlets

How to Test and Repair an Outlet Circuit Problem: Guide for Testing an Outlet Circuit, Inspect the Outlet Wiring, Electrical Troubleshooting.

How Do I Add An Outlet to Existing Electrical Wiring?

John in Florida asks; How can I add Another Electric Outlet?

Installing Outlets Near Air Conditioning Ducts

David in Texas asks: I’m trying to find out what the minimum distance an electrical outlet has to be from air conditioner ducting. I’m mounting a projector that is near one of my air conditioner duct outlets.

Understanding Switched Outlet Wiring

How to Wire a Switched Outlet: Wiring 110 volt switched outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home.

How To Change Switched Outlet Wiring

I have an outlet controlled by a switch that I would like to have so it controls only one of the outlet socket, will I have to rewire anything? How to Change Switched Outlet Wiring.

How to Replace Kitchen Outlets and Avoid a Direct Short

When Replacing Outlets and There are Two Circuits be Sure to Make This Important Adjustment to Avoid Tripping the Circuit Breaker.

Replacing an Outlet with Alot of Wires

How to Identify the Wiring When Replacing an Outlet – What to do When an Outlet has a Lot of Wires

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Electrical Tips

To Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester

This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester

This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter

A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.