Do you require additional electrical outlets and prefer to have them installed on the wall? Power extension bars are unsightly, and no one wants extension cords all over the place. Furthermore, these can be potential fire hazards. In the worst-case scenario, it could endanger small children drawn to such wires.
You had your home built several years ago, but the number of sockets is no longer enough for you? Or perhaps you need to relocate the TV or install an over-the-range microwave, or maybe you use a laptop and a desktop computer with multiple LCD screens.
Whatever the reason, the need for a convenient outlet to plug in your equipment or appliances can arise anytime. In this case, it becomes necessary to add a new plug-in by wiring it into an existing one.
Hiring a licensed electrician is the best way to handle any electrical work in your home, large or small.
A licensed electrician is a great idea, and it’s even better if they can bill using a reputable electrical estimating and invoicing platform. But, if you cannot hire professional help for any reason, you can manage independently.
While the task will require some effort, it is not highly technical or difficult to grasp. So don’t worry, and you can do this.
Tools Required
Most of the items mentioned in the following list should be in your toolbox, but some are more specialized. You can also use alternative tools to get the job done:
- Voltage detector
- Wire strippers or Wire cutters
- Screwdriver
- Pair of Needle-nose Pliers
- Drill.
- Saw or Box cutter
- Tape measure
- Flashlight
Follow our detailed tutorial to learn how to install an electrical outlet on an existing circuit by performing what is called tapping.
What is transplanting?
All electrical outlets on the same circuit are connected in parallel. Thus, they are all connected to the same phase (red or black wire) and to the same neutral (Yellow wire).
Adding an outlet to an existing circuit involves connecting new equipment to the same cable as the outlets already installed. This is called transplanting. To carry out this installation, you must ensure that the cable is long enough and is easily accessible (e.g., inside the lining of a plasterboard partition).
Add an electrical outlet to an existing circuit
Start by cutting off the current and checking the absence of voltage with a VAT*.
Make a mark at the location of the new socket.
Drill using a hole saw.
Pull the cable from the circuit and cut it, ensuring you have two equal parts.
Strip each part of the cable over approximately 3 inches using a stripping tool or knife.
Insert the wires into the membranes of a flush-mounting box of suitable diameter and depth, preferably airtight, to avoid thermal bridges.
Install the flush-mounting box, then screw it to the partition.
Strip the electrical wires with wire strippers.
Clip the socket mechanism onto its mounting bracket (if the device is delivered completely dismantled).
Connect the two parts of the cable to the electrical outlet: the red or black wires on the L terminal (phase), the white wires on the N terminal (neutral) and the yellow wires on the ground (middle terminal).
Fix the equipment on the flush-mounting box.
You may want to use a spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal.
Finally, clip the finishing plate onto the mounting bracket.
You can then turn the power back on and test the electrical outlet by connecting any appliance.
The steps listed below allow you to add an outlet on an existing circuit between two installed devices. If you want to add a socket at the end of the circuit, perform the same manipulations by joining the last two sockets with conductors of the relevant section.
How to add a new electrical outlet?
You can no longer stand extension cords and power strips that invade all your living space? So go up a notch in your interior design by adding additional electrical outlets to accommodate all your favorite devices! Let’s go.
4 steps to add an outlet to an existing circuit
Adding a socket block to an electrical installation is not particularly complex. This transplanting simply involves connecting the new equipment to the same cable as that of the equipment in place.
Indeed, all the electrical outlets of the same circuit are mounted in parallel and, therefore, connected to the same phase (black or red wire) and to the same neutral (white wire).
1. Dismantle the existing socket
For this first step, turn off the power at your electrical panel, then remove the electrical outlet to which you want to add the new one. For it:
Detach the hubcap using a flat screwdriver,
Unscrew the base of the recessed box,
Take the base out of the box,
Unscrew the electrical wire connection terminals,
Disconnect the electrical wires,
Unscrew the brackets of the flush-mounting box,
Take it out of the wall.
2. Make the electrical connection
Once dismantled, drill diagonally under the base in order to pull the cable which will supply the second.
Strip the end of the cable, use a domino, or engage it in the terminals of the socket, before reassembling it.
Finish by running the wire, along a skirting board or trunking, to the location chosen for the new device.
3. Drill the location of the new
Here, the exercise is to cut out the opening for the new outlet. To do this:
Ideally, provide yourself with a drilling template,
Place it in the axis of the old equipment,
Locate the outline of the drill in pencil,
Drill the opening with a hole saw.
You can also opt for the application, which is less aesthetic but more straightforward!
4. Position the flush-mounting box and the electrical outlet
To continue, simply install the box in the recently drilled hole while ensuring the passage of the electrical wires in the hole provided for this purpose. Finally, fit the socket block, taking care to secure it to the flush-mounting box.
To complete, cut and strip the three electrical connection wires, then connect the new socket, comparing the colors of the wires, as well as those of the terminals.
And that’s it! Congratulations, you now know how to add a new outlet, pull the wire for it, and connect it to an existing circuit. You also have a brand-new outlet located precisely where you need it!