If your electrical outlet isn’t working, you’re likely wondering how to wire an outlet to get it back in working order. However, electrical work can be hazardous to your home and personal safety, so it’s best to hire a local electrician to wire or rewire outlets.
If you’re set on DIYing this task, exercise extreme caution and follow safety precautions. Follow our step-by-step guidelines to safely and successfully wire an outlet.
Prepping to Wire an Outlet
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Before installing an outlet in your home, there are a few things you can do to prepare the area and ensure that the installation process goes smoothly. First, decide where you want to install the outlet and ensure that there is enough space in the electrical box for a new outlet.
Before adding a new outlet, check the wiring in the area to ensure that it can handle the additional load. If you're unsure, you should consult a licensed electrician before starting electrical work. This procedure assumes you have an existing electrical box in place as well as electrical wiring with the correct number of conductors—two insulated wires and one ground wire, with all three typically encased in a plastic jacket.
It also assumes your electrical outlet is at the end of a circuit. If your outlet is in the middle of a circuit, you will need to account for two additional wires in the outlet box—another hot and another neutral wire— and use “pigtail” wiring rather than direct wiring. If you have young kids at home, consider taking this opportunity to install a childproof outlet.
Safety Precautions to Follow
Safety is a top priority when it comes to electrical work, and there are several precautions you should take before wiring an outlet. First and foremost, if you encounter any issues or feel unsure about your abilities, don’t hesitate to hire a licensed electrician for help. Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and successful wiring project.
Always turn off the power to the circuit in question by flipping the corresponding breaker in your electrical panel.
Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that the power is off before starting electrical work.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from potential hazards.
Avoid working in wet or damp conditions and ensure that your workspace is well-lit and uncluttered.
Never touch exposed wires with bare hands or wet tools.
Be careful not to nick or cut the wires during stripping or cutting.
Start by finding your main service panel, or breaker box, then determine which breaker corresponds to the specific outlet you’re wiring. Turn the breaker switch to the “off” position, then return to the outlet and use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. If your voltage tester detects a current still in the outlet, repeat the step, ensuring that you power off the correct breaker.
Remove the Current Cover Plate and Outlet
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Using your screwdriver, remove the old cover plate from the current outlet, then remove the old outlet receptacle. Carefully disconnect the wires, making sure to make note of the color and placement of the wires. To stay organized, taking a photo of the existing wiring is also a good way to make sure the new wiring is set up correctly.
Prepare the Wires
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When you reach this step, stop and consider whether you feel comfortable enough with wiring to continue on, and if not, stop and contact a local electrician. With your wire cutter/stripper, remove about ¾ inch of insulation from the end of each wire and make sure they are straight and free of nicks or cuts. When replacing an old receptacle, check the ends of the wires to ensure those are free of nicks and cuts, too. If they’re frayed or damaged, use your wire cutter to trim the damaged portion and strip the insulation from the ends of the wires.
It also helps to look at the manufacturer’s instructions to know how much insulation to strip away. Some wire connectors, such as twist-on connectors, require that you strip only ½ inch of insulation. Stripping too much insulation can leave bare wire exposed under the cap of the wire connector, leading to electrical problems with your outlet.
The wires in the electrical box will typically be black, white, and bare (ground). The black wire is the hot wire, the white wire is the neutral wire, and the bare wire is the ground wire. Hold the outlet up to the electrical box and connect the black wire to the brass screw terminal on the side of the outlet, the white wire to the silver screw terminal, and the bare wire to the green screw terminal. Repeat this process with the white (neutral) pigtail, then the black (hot) pigtail, so there’s one ground, one white, and one black pigtail connected to the circuit wires.
Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the outlet, ensuring that they are tight but not over-tightened. Double check that the wires are not touching each other or any other metal parts in the electrical box.
Before securing the outlet receptacle back to the box, check that the wiring connections are secure by gently tugging each one. If everything is secure, push the wires into the box without creating sharp bends.
Hold the outlet up to the electrical box and position it so that the screw holes on the outlet align with the holes on the electrical box. Insert the screws into the holes and use a screwdriver to tighten them until the outlet is firmly secured to the electrical box. Make sure that the outlet is flush with the wall and that there are no gaps between the outlet and the electrical box.
Screw in the Cover Plate
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Once the outlet is secured, attach the cover plate using the provided screws. Then, restore power to the outlet by switching the breaker back on. You can now use a voltage tester to test the outlet and confirm that it's working correctly. If the voltage tester indicates a charge, you may also want to plug something into the outlet to make sure everything is in working order.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
When it comes to wiring an electrical outlet, it’s best to hire a professional electrician to ensure the work is done safely and efficiently. If you have experience working with electrical systems and feel confident in your abilities, doing it yourself can save on labor costs. This is true for installing an outdoor outlet, too. However, if you make mistakes during the wiring process, it can be dangerous and potentially lead to a fire hazard.
Hiring a professional electrician near you will give you peace of mind knowing that the job is done correctly and up to code. They can also identify any potential issues and make recommendations for improvements, which can prevent future problems. Additionally, a professional electrician can save you time and hassle since they have the necessary tools, experience, and knowledge to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
Another factor to consider is cost. If you hire an expert, the cost to install an electrical outlet can range from $75 to $485, depending on the scope of the job and the electrician’s rate. If you decide to go the DIY route, you can expect to pay about $25 to $50 per outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wiring an outlet can be done safely by someone with the proper knowledge and tools, but it can also be dangerous if not done correctly. If you're not comfortable working with electrical systems, it's best to hire a licensed electrician to do the job for you. That way, you can rest assured that your outlet will be rewired safely and quickly.
The hot wire is typically black, but it's essential to use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the electrical wire color code before working on it. Neutral wires are typically white. It’s vital to determine which wire is carrying electrical current before proceeding with any electrical work.
It’s possible to install a GFCI outlet yourself, but it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and test the outlet to ensure it's functioning correctly. However, like wiring a typical outlet, it’s best to hire a professional electrician to handle installing outlets in your home.
If you encounter any issues or feel unsure about your abilities, stop immediately and contact a licensed electrician for help. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to electrical work, as mistakes during the wiring process can be hazardous to your home and personal safety.
