Installing a Receptacle

Intro

Tap power for a new receptacle from an existing receptacle. If doing this may cause the circuit to overload or if there is no conveniently located receptacle, tap power from a junction box in the basement or a nearby light fixture or switch.

If one or more new receptacles supply heavy power users, run cable all the way to the service panel and install a new circuit.

When connecting to a 15-amp circuit, install a standard receptacle and 14-gauge wire. When connecting to a 20-amp circuit, use 12-gauge wire and a special 20-amp receptacle.

Checklist

Time
About 2 hours to run cable and make connections (not including cutting a pathway for cable and patching walls)

Tools
Voltage tester, drill, saw, hammer, fish tape, screwdriver, strippers, long-nose pliers, lineman's pliers, utility knife, stud finder, torpedo level, tape measure, pry bar, perhaps a drywall saw or jigsaw

Skills
Stripping and connecting wires to terminals, installing boxes, running cable through walls and ceilings

Prep
Lay a drop cloth on the floor below.

Materials
New receptacle, cable, remodel box and clamps, wire nuts, electrician's tape, protective nailing plates, cable staples

However you grab power and route cables, make sure the cable is firmly clamped at each end and the ground wires are connected correctly.

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Step 1

Shut off power to the circuit. Cut and drill a pathway for the cable. Pull out the receptacle you're grabbing power from and test to make sure power is not present. Move the receptacle to the side or disconnect and remove it.

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Step 2

Cut a hole for a remodel box. Run cable from the area near the existing box to the hole, clamp the cable to the box, and install the new box.

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Step 3

Pry up a knockout slug in the old box and twist it out with pliers. (If you can't do this, remove the box and replace it with a remodel box.) Remove the sheathing from the cable, strip the wires, and attach a connector clamp to the cable. Push the cable into the box and fasten the clamp.

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Step 4

Strip and run cable into the existing box and tighten the cable clamp. Connect the new wires to existing wiring. Attach the ground wires using a pigtail. Connect the white wire to the available silver terminal and the black wire to the brass one.

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Step 5

Wire the new receptacle. Connect the ground wire to the ground screw, the white wire to the silver terminal, and the black wire to the brass terminal.

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