How To Add An Electrical Outlet

Eliminate those ugly and often dangerous extension cords.  You can add a new outlet quickly and easily without fearing open a wall, if you already have an outlet in the other side of the wall. Mano extra holes.  No messy patching and reprinting.  The procedure we show here allowed us to center our tv against a wall in the family room that had no outlet.n Since there was already an outlet in the other side of that same wal.



Find A Power Source



This technique only works if you can use an outlet as a power source that's opposite, or nearly opposite, the place where you want your new outlet.  To determine whether you can safely use an existing outlet follow the list below.



1.  If a switch or outlet is on a circuit that often blows its breaker or fuse, don't make matters worse by adding yet another outlet to the circuit.



2.  Electrical codes restrict the number of lights or outlets that can be connected to one circuit.  Typically, you can have no more than eight lights or,outlets on a 15-amp circuit.  To determine the amp rating of a circuit, just look at the number on its breaker or fuse in your main electrical panel.  Turn off the circuit and test light switches and other outlets to determine exactly which lights or outlets are on a given circuit.



3.  Most electrical codes now require outlets in kitchens and bathrooms to be on a separate 20-amp GFCI circuits. If you add an outlet for a kitchen or bath, it must be GFCI protected.  Don't power your new outlet from a kitchen or bathroom outlet.



Always confirm the required box size with your local building inspector.  In most regions, you have to obtain an electrical permit for this work from your local building department.  This helps ensure a safe job.



Run The New Cable And Wire Both Boxes



Once you've determined the outlet that you'll use as a power source and have shut it off, use an electronic stud finder to locate the studs on both sides.  You can put your new outlet anywhere between these two studs.



Hold the face of the new electrical box against the wall where you want it to go, and trace around it with a pencil.  Cut out the hole with a drywall saw.


Next, unscrew the existing outlet on the other side of the wall from its box and punch out one of the knock-outs at the back of the box using a screwdriver.  Then feed the new cable through the knock-out into the wall cavity.  Feed in enough cable to reach the new outlet location--plus about 1 foot.  A connect the wires of the new cable to the existing wires.  Pull the cable out through the new outlet hole in the wall and feed it into the new box.  Athens mount the new box in the opening.  Finally, call the electrical inspector to check your work.


Best of luck with this project.  I hope it has helped you.



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