Wire Multiple Electrical Outlets
One of the major steps in completing a remodel or home addition is installing and wiring the outlets in the new structure. Installing multiple outlets will not only provide quick access to electricity when needed, but also prevent the need for multiple extension cords or over loading of one outlet. Following a few steps will help you to know wiring multiple outlets safely and correctly, as you wrap up your project.
Instructions
1. Measure and mark up from the floor 18 inches at each location where you will install an outlet. Mark the measurement on the stud.
2. Mount each electrical box to the studs on each mark. Line up the bottom of the box with the mark and secure it to the stud using the screwdriver and included screws.
3. Punch out two knockout holes in the back of each electrical box, using the screwdriver.
The holes will be used to feed the cable through.
4. Drill a 1/2 inch hole in each of the studs, between the boxes, at the same height of the boxes. This will allow you to run the cable from box to box.
5. Start at one end of the room, and feed the cable from one box to the next box. At each box, pull the cable in through one hole and cut the cable, leaving about eight inches hanging free. Start a new run from the box running the cable out the other hole, and through the holes in the studs to the next box. Cut this with about eight inches hanging free.
Repeat this step until you have completed running cables to all the outlet boxes.
6. Cut about three inches of the sheathing off the electrical cables at the first box. Using the utility knife, carefully cut down the edge so not to damage the internal wires. Pull the sheathing back and cut it away.
Repeat this step to each end of the cables at each of the electrical boxes.
Once cut away, this will reveal three wires at each cables end.
7. Strip about one inch of insulation off the end of each of the wires at all the outlets. The bare (ground) wires will not need stripping.
Repeat this step until all the wiring ends have been stripped.
8. Connect an outlet to the wiring at the first electrical box, using the screwdriver and the following manner.
Connect the black (hot) wire to the brass screw, connect the white (neutral) wire to the silver screw, connect the bare (ground) wire to the green screw.
Repeat this step to connect an outlet to each of the electrical boxes.
Note: One set of wires from the incoming cable of the box will be connected to the top set of screws on the outlet, and the wiring for the outgoing cable will be connected to the bottom set of screws on the outlet.
9. Turn the power off at the main circuit panel.
10. Run a length of cable from the first outlet box, up to the main circuit panel. Cut and strip both ends of the cable.
11. At the main circuit panel, connect the black wire to the breaker. Connect the white wire to the center bus strip, and connect the green wire to the grounding strip located at the bottom of the main circuit box.
12. Connect the wiring to the outlet, at the first outlet, using the same connection method as used in step 8.
13. Push the wiring back into each of the electrical boxes and mount the outlets to their respected boxes using the screwdriver and included screws. Mount the included cover plates over each outlet.
14. Turn the power back on at the main circuit panel
Tips Warnings
Contact a licensed electrician before beginning any electrical work.
All electrical work must meet the electrical codes for your local area.
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