How Do I Add An Outlet to Existing Electrical Wiring?

Before tapping into an existing circuit to add power for an outlet: How can I add Another Electric Outlet?

Electrical Wiring for an Outlet
Electrical Question: I would like to add another electrical outlet.

• I tied into an existing line to add an outlet.
• I connected all white to white, black to black and ground to ground.
• The outlet does not work.
• Do I have to make different wire connections?

Background: John, a Homeowner from Cape Coral, Florida.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question John.

How to add Another Electric Outlet

Application: Adding a 120 Volt Receptacle Outlet.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be added and the access to the location for the new outlets.
Precaution: Identify the existing outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done through the local building authority, installed according to applicable local and national electrical codes, with a permit, and have the required inspections.

Check to Make Sure the Wiring will Support an Outlet

IMPORTANT: Before tapping into an existing circuit to add power for an outlet the line must be verified that it is in fact an outlet circuit and not a line use for switching a light fixture or similar application.

• It should be understood where the cable comes from and where it is leading to.
• Once the line is verified it should be checked for available amperage capacity.
• If the new outlet is going to be used as a convenience outlet then the added load may be allowed, however if the new outlet will be powering a microwave oven then the added load will most likely overload the circuit and cause it to trip off.
• Most all microwave ovens require a dedicated circuit.

Let’s Review the Electrical Wiring Process for Wiring an Outlet

• Identify the circuit.
• Check for available power capacity.
• Install the splice or tap in an accessible junction box.

More about Wiring Outlets

Electrical Outlet Wiring

• Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

• Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home.
• See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

• Do-It-Yourself Electrical

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, 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. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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 I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It 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 the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester 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 My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use 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.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

More articles about Adding Outlets, Outlets and Home Electrical Wiring:
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How Outlets Switches and Fixtures Should be Wired	How to Wire into an Existing Light Switch