How To Wire An Outlet And Add An Electrical Outlet

Time

A full day

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

Do you ever want to rearrange your furniture, only to realize there's no receptacle (aka outlet) where you need it? Moving your television to that big blank wall is a great idea, but using extension cords in your living room is definitely not. Not to worry. If you have a receptacle on the wall right behind that new TV wall, you can often use it to power a new receptacle and redecorate to your heart's content.

There's a catch, though. The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets specific rules about receptacle loads and placement. Some rooms, like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas, require circuits that can only serve that specific room or ancillary areas. If you start adding random extra receptacles, you could be in violation. Check with your local code authority to see if your plan is sound, or if you need a permit.

Living room and bedroom circuits have more leeway — as long as you don't overload the circuit. The NEC also limits how many things you can put in an electrical box. For this project, we're tapping into a 15-amp bedroom circuit using 14-2 non-metallic sheathed cable (NM-B), aka Romex, and a standard, 18-cubic inch "old work" cut-in box. If you have a 20-amp circuit, or more cables than we show here, you cannot do this project without using a larger box.

Tools Required

• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• Drill (optional)
• Drywall saw
• Non-contact voltage tester
• Pencil
• Torpedo level
• Wire strippers

Materials Required

• "Old work" single-gang remodel box
• 14-2 non-metallic sheathed cable (NM-B) - aka Romex
• Bare copper pigtail - 6-8 inches long (minimum 14-gauge)
• Duplex receptacle
• Electrical tape
• Painter's tape
• Wire nuts or push-in connectors or Wagos

Watch How to Wire an Outlet and Add an Electrical Outlet Yourself

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