Wiring An Outlet Box

Wiring multiple outlets and a gfci.

Wiring an outlet box. When an outlet receptacle falls in the middle of a circuit run rather than at the end there are generally two cables in the outlet box. Position the outlet box inside of the hole so the front sits flush with the wall and secure the screw on the side of the box to the wall stud that s next to it. In the split tab configuration the two halves of the outlet are separated and the red wire goes to a wall switch. The following project shows how to connect the receptacle when the electrical box has already been installed and.

Installing a plug in receptacle for an electrical outlet can be a very easy job when it involves the simple replacement of an existing receptacle but it can be a bit more difficult if it involves running a new circuit from the main service panel or extending an existing circuit. Screw the outlet box into the wall so it stays in place. A 15 amp outlet like the one shown here only costs about 0 60 and you can purchase 100 of 14 2 romex for 35 00. The other outlet powered by the black wire which always has power is always on.

When you see a red wire in an outlet box it s usually because the outlet is a switched outlet. Instead use wire connectors to connect the neutral hot and ground wires along with 6 in long pigtails. First connecting the wires leading to downstream outlets with wire connectors creates a more secure connection. The first outlet is connected to the source and 2 wire cable runs from box to box.

The free end of one wire will connect to the green ground screw of the outlet and the other free end is to be connected to the metal box with a green screw expressly for that purpose or other approved means special clips etc. Box typical inside dimensions are about 2 in. Wiring two outlets in one box. In this diagram two duplex receptacle outlets are installed in the same box and wired separately to the source using pigtails spliced to connect the terminals of each one.

Included are arrangements for 2 receptacles in one box a switch and receptacle outlet in the same box and 2 switches in the same box. Here a gfci receptacle is added at the end of a row of duplex receptacles for single location protection. And second it s easier to press the outlet back into the box if fewer of its screws are connected to wires. The outlet addition methods we show here are based on the most common wiring 14 gauge wire on a 15 amp circuit and an 18 cu in.

All wires are spliced with a pigtail at the devices to pass current to the next. If a metal box cut 2 eight inch lengths of bare copper wire and combine them and the bare wire from the romex cable under a properly sized wirenut.