How Do I Add An Outlet to Existing Electrical Wiring?
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John in Florida asks; 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
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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.
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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments
2 Responses to “How Do I Add An Outlet to Existing Electrical Wiring?”You must be logged in to post a comment.
I want to add an additional plug to the one single box on my half wall. I have the double box I need, but my wonder is: when I pulled the plug out sure it has the normal black/white wires that are hooked to the sides of the plug. But on the back there are 2 extra white wires and 2 extra black wire that are just inserted into the back of the plug, what are these for? Can I take one of each out of the back and hook them on a new plug on the sides of course and it would work? I have never seen a plug in this house with 6 wires to a single plug/outlet. Thank you for any help you can provide me with, Kay D.
Great Question Kay!
The outlet box seems to be a junction for three set of wires. What we normally do in a case such as this is bring all of the wires of each color together to create a splice, and then add one wire that is connected to the outlet. Because an additional plug will be added, and additional wire will be needed as well. This can be tricky because there are so many wires for each color, however when the splice is made correctly it is much better than connecting all of the wires into the back of the outlet as it was before.
Please see this example of How to Splice Electrical Wires.
Keep in mind that it is essential to use the right size twist on wire connector for the splice, and the wires are stripped back and trimmed as seen in the example.
I hope this helps you< Dave