Installing a Two-circuit Receptacle

Code may require that adjacent receptacles be on different circuits. You can split receptacles to achieve the same effect.

Run three-wire cable from the service panel to the boxes for the two circuits. Codes may call for connecting both circuits to a double-pole breaker. That way an overload on one circuit shuts off both, deadening all wires in each box.

Checklist

Time
About 3 hours to install several receptacles (not including cutting and patching walls)

Tools
Voltage tester, drill, saw, hammer, fish tape, lineman's pliers, screwdriver, strippers, long-nose pliers

Skills
Running cable; stripping, splicing, and connecting wire

Prep
Run three-wire cable from service panel to boxes, two-wire between last two boxes.

Materials
Receptacles, three-wire cable, two-wire cable, boxes, double-pole breaker, wire nuts, tape

Run three-wire cable from the service panel's double-pole breaker to the receptacles. Only two-wire cable is needed for the last receptacle.