Install an Electrical Outlet in Drywall
Not every home has sufficient electrical outlets. Older homes that were built before there were so many home appliances available are especially prone to have few outlets. You might want to increase the number of outlets in your home so that you have more flexibility in arranging furniture. If you don't have a nearby outlet and need one, you could reach for an extension cord. Instead, learn install an electrical outlet in a nearby drywall and satisfy your electrical needs.
Instructions
1. Determine the type of electrical outlet you need for the location you've selected. Electrical code requires that a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle be used in bathrooms, garages and outside.
2. Measure the size of the outlet and cut a hole in the wall. Use a pencil to mark those dimensions on the wall where the outlet will go.
3. Drill a hole just inside the line to get the cutting started.
4. Insert the drywall saw into the hole, and then begin sawing to cut out the rectangular section of drywall. When finished, ensure the outlet box will fit into the hole and enlarge if necessary.
5. Go to the circuit breaker box and turn off the circuit breaker for the circuit from which you're going to tap your power. Use a voltmeter to ensure there is no voltage present.
6. Run a 14/2 cable to the hole you cut in the drywall for the outlet. Use wire nuts to splice the 14/2 cable into the existing line. Keep wires with like colors together. Use wire nuts to splice together the white wire (AC neutral) to white, the black wire (AC hot) to black and the green wire (ground) to green.
7. Feed the 14/2 cable into the outlet. Then screw the mounting screws through the receptacle's mounting holes and into the drywall. You can also use mounting screws to secure it to an adjacent stud.
8. Use wire strippers to strip a short piece of plastic insulation from the end of each of the three wires from the 14/2 cable that ends in your outlet. There should be just enough wire protruding from the insulation to wrap around the terminal screws.
9. Use a clockwise motion to wrap the black wire (AC hot) around the bronze or copper colored terminal screw. Use the same motion to wrap the white wire (AC neutral) around the silver colored terminal. Also wrap in a clockwise motion the green wire (ground) around the green colored terminal. Tighten the terminal screws securely.
10. Put the outlet's faceplate on and tighten the faceplate screws. Turn on the circuit breaker. Plug an electrical device into the outlet to test your installation.
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