Ever moved into a house and configured your room the way you like it only to realize that there are no convenient sources for power? Quit debating shuffling the furniture and get rid of all those extensions cords before you burn the house down. Strategically installing new electrical outlets where you need them will keep your electronics powered up and your Feng Shui intact. If you are the least bit handy, you can do this yourself and save money. One of the easiest ways to install a new electrical outlet is to feed from an existing one.
This can be done safely as long as there are not too many outlets on the same circuit. Generally, there should not be more than eight outlets on a 15-amp circuit. Look and see what number is on the breaker. Next you can determine how many outlets or lights are connected to this breaker by turning it off and seeing what works and what does not.
The installation
Before beginning you will need to gather your tools and materials. You don’t want to have to hunt for things once you get started. Turning off the power to the circuit is the next step. You might want to invest in an electrical tester if you don’t have one. This makes it much simpler and lessens the chance of giving yourself a shock. Make no mistake: electrical work is dangerous and it is vital that you ensure the circuit does not have power.
Take the outlet box that you will installing and hold it in place on the wall where the new outlet is needed. Take a pencil and draw around the box. You will use this to cut out the drywall to install the box. This also eliminates the possibility of cutting a huge hole in the wall that you will have to spend time repairing. The outlet box should be the type that can be attached to drywall.
Go to the outlet you will be running the wire from and unscrew it from the outlet box. There are punch-outs on the back of this box that you will punch through with a screwdriver. This is where you will pull through the wire you are using and connect them to the existing wires on the outlet.
Once you have connected these wires, the other end of the wire can be pulled through to the location of the new outlet. You may need something long with a hook to pull the wire through to the hole you have cut. Feed them through the knock-outs in the new outlet box. Strip about an inch of the insulation from the wire and connect them to the new outlet.
The white wire connects to the silver terminal screw. The black wire connects to the gold terminal screw. The bare wire connects to the green grounding screw. Mount the new outlet box to the wall and place the outlet in the box and cover with the wall plate. You are ready to use your new outlet.
If this process is a bit too much for you, it’s best to hire a professional. Add a home warranty from American Home Shield and your new electrical will be covered!
Post Author: andyc.
