Installing an outlet is a good do-it-yourself project.
Adding a new electric receptacle to an existing circuit is an easy project, although in some cases you must make small cuts in the wall while running the cable. However, if you plan your new outlet location carefully, the only cutting required is for the new receptacle. Generally, adding receptacles is a good afternoon DIY project requiring only basic skills. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
General Instructions
1. Plan the location of the new receptacle and find a power supply source. The source is normally an existing electrical outlet, although it is possible to run the electric cable from a junction box in the ceiling. If you're using an existing receptacle, make sure it's at the end of the circuit by checking for empty brass and silver screws on the outlet. If all of the screws are attached to wires, you'll have to find another power source. The best source will be located between the same wall studs as your new outlet, usually on the other side of the wall.
2. Shut off the power to the circuit.
3. Cut the opening for the new outlet by using the electric box as a template.
Running Cable Behind a Wall
4. Thread fish tape from the existing outlet through the new receptacle hole. If you run cable past wall studs, you must chisel notches in the studs. First cut a small strip out of the wall--saving the piece to be replaced later--and cut a small notch in the stud.
5. Attach the non-metallic cable to the fish tape and pull it back through the existing outlet.
6. Install the new box to the wall and thread the cable into the box. At each outlet, connect the black (hot) wire to an empty brass screw and the neutral wire to the silver terminal. Connect the ground wires to the box. Patch any holes in the wall.
Running Exterior Cable
7. Remove the baseboard along the wall between the source and new receptacles. Take care not to crack or break the trim, as you will be reinstalling it later. Normally, the drywall will not extend all the way to the floor. You will be running BX cable in this space. If it does reach the floor, cut a small channel between the source and the new outlets. Make sure it is not larger than the baseboard.
8. Cut a small notch below each outlet. This is where you will thread the cable back behind the wall. Make sure the notch is not larger than the baseboard.
9. Detach the existing receptacle from its box and connect the two-wire cable to the empty brass and silver screws (black to brass, white to silver).
10. Drop the cable down through the notch and pull it along the exterior of the wall, in the space between the drywall and the floor, to the notch beneath the new receptacle. Thread the wire up to the new hole and pull it through the new box. Attach the box to the wall.
11. Connect the wires to the new outlet--black to brass and white to silver--then attach the receptacle to the box. Replace the baseboards.
Tags: empty brass, between source, brass silver, brass silver screws, brass white
