Summary: Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Wiring Electrical Outlets with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects covering 120 volt outlets for specific and general purpose circuits and 240 volt outlets of dedicated circuits used for large appliances and equipment.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Dave, I really appreciate the ability you give us to ask for help when I'm unsure or just need that extra thought. Mike from Buffalo, New York
Wiring 120volt Outlets and 240volt Outlets for Home Electrical Circuits
Wiring electrical outlets for Range and Dryer Power Outlets in flush mount, surface mount and panel mount versions come equipped with heavy-gauge, double-wire copper alloy contacts. To ensure correct wiring, terminals have ID markings.
Flush mount receptacles fit a wide range of wall plates and mounting hardware. The new code requirements of the 4-wire 220 volt and 240 volt outlets for clothes dryers provide for the required separate neutral wire.
Their is a lot of confusion about what to do about the electrical wiring connection with a 3-wire plug and a 4-wire plug. This is discussed and shown in the wiring diagrams on the pages linked at the right.
Wiring electrical outlets for Range and Dryer Power Outlets in flush mount, surface mount and panel mount versions come equipped with heavy-gauge, double-wire copper alloy contacts.
To ensure correct wiring, terminals have ID markings. Flush mount receptacles fit a wide range of wall plates and mounting hardware.
The new code requirements of the 4-wire 220 volt and 240 volt outlets for clothes dryers provide for the required separate neutral wire.
Their is a lot of confusion about what to do about the electrical wiring connection with a 3-wire plug and a 4-wire plug. This is discussed and shown in the wiring diagrams on the pages linked at the right.
William, from Winnipeg, MB, Canada asks: Hi I'm doing electrical in home which is over 100 years old. I was wondering if I can use the current 2-wire cable that is connected to two-prong outlets to supply power to new grounded outlets.
Dave's Reply: William, No - you should not use the existing 2-wire cable to connect to grounded outlets, unless there is an external or separate ground wire that is available at the outlet box. it is best to replace the old 2-wire un-grounded cable with new 3-wire cable which has the ground wire. The new electrical cable should be installed starting at the electrical panel where the ground wire may be bonded to the main ground terminal or system.
Outdoor Outlet
Alan asks: I'm installing an outdoor outlet. It's one that has a pole stuck into the ground. The question I'm getting is how deep into the ground does the pole have to be to meet code. The last person did a really bad job and this needs to be completely redone. I just want to make sure it's right this time.
Dave's Reply: Alan, this will depend on the type of support that will be used. For example a pressure treated post may be fine if it is 18 inches deep in soil, or 12 inches deep in a concrete footing. The support material and the environment should be considered.
Wiring Mess - Switching Outlets
Dan asks: I live in an apt complex; the guys that fix things do not really know what they are doing, so I usually just do my own repairs. There is a light switch that operates all four plugs on two different outlets. How can I make the switch only control one plug or even just one outlet. Thank you.
Dave's Reply: Dan, it will depend on where the power source is located, the power source being both the hot and the neutral. If the power source is at the outlets then the outlets can be rewired so they are hot all the time, but if the power source is at the wall switch then the conversion may not be possible without installing additional cable. It just all depends on how the outlets and switch wiring have been installed.
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home, Home electrical which wiring includes 110 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
Question from Frank in Findlay, Ohio: Why Do I Have a Low Voltage Reading on an Electric Wall Outlet?
On my bedroom circuit if I plug in a vacuum that’s 12amps it causes a brown out in the room. The breaker itself is 15 amp. This circuit is also effecting my fridge circuit and caused the fridge to essentially brown out as well, but it’s on its own circuit. Also the electric stove and water heater as well as the garbage disposal will not work either. If you flip on the garbage disposal it will actually brown out the bedroom light circuit. It does not effect any other circuit in the place just that one. I metered all the plugs and got 120VAC. I also metered the incoming power into the box and both hot leads are 120VAC. If I plug the vacuum into the outlet and turn it on I get a reading of 59VAC from the plug in the room and the one associated with the fridge. I switched out breakers and still does it. I’m trying to figure out what would cause this.
Dave’s Answer: The cause of a Low Voltage Reading on a Electric Outlet Circuit
A low voltage reading as well as other circuits and devices not working properly in the home is typically caused by a lost connection of one of the main power components within the electrical system of the home. This is typically due to a deteriorating electrical connection or component fault which has failed and is causing a low voltage feed back condition. This is a potentially serious condition that could cause damage, therefore the problem should be identified and repaired by a Qualified Electrician or Electrical Contractor as soon as possible.
Electrical Wiring Video #2
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Tripping Circuit Breaker, Outlet at a Wall Switch, Light Fixture without a Ground Wire, Help with Home Electrical Wiring Projects.
See more House Wiring Videos from Ask The Electrician:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.
RELATED
More about Electrical outlets
Why Is My Bathroom Light Fixture Not Working? How Can I Fix a Bathroom Light Fixture and a Bath Exhaust Fan that Stopped Working? The Most Common Problems with Bathroom Light Fixtures and How You Can Fix Them.
Causes of Electric Circuit Buzz or Crackle What is causing a buzz and crackle sound in the electric box? How to Locate the Cause of Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle, The Most Common Problems that Cause Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle and What Should Be Done.
220 Volt Electric Furnace Wiring How Do I Wire an Electric Furnace? Wiring Connections for 220 Volt Electric Heater and How to Connect the Electrical Circuit Wiring for a Furnace.
What To Do With The Ground Wire Where do I attach the ground wire? Grounding Wall Outlets and Light Switches: What to do When there is Nothing to Attach the Ground Wire to, Grounding Wall Outlets and Light Switches, Ground Wires and Ungrounded Fixtures and Boxes, Bonding the Ground Wire.
How to wire a range for 3-wire and 4-wire cords I wired my 3 wire 40amp electric range and the electric burners turn on, but the control panel does not work. Wire and 4-Wire Cord Connections for an Electric Range or Freestanding Stove, Connecting the Ground Wire, and Installing a New Circuit for an Electric Range.
220 240 Volt Air Compressor Wiring How to Wire a 220 Volt Air Compressor and Control Switch: Wiring a standard 240 volt motor for equipment such as an air compressor there are only two insulated wires for the 220/240 volts and one separate wire for the ground.
electrical outlets - 1845
Wiring Electrical Outlets
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Outlet Circuits are Best Installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical outlets and wiring, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Outlets Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for outlet wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for outlets should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
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.
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.
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.
» How To Wire It RIGHT!« Wire it with Confidence! Fully Illustrated Instant Download Now You Can Wire it like a Pro!
Recent Testimonials
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois
