Do you need to add additional electrical outlets in your home? Adding extra outlets can be a great way to make your home more efficient and convenient, but it’s important to do so safely. In this article post, we’ll be discussing the basics of safely adding additional electrical outlets to your home. We’ll go over the necessary safety precautions, as well as the tools and materials you’ll need to complete the job. Read on to learn more!
Shut off the power
Safety is paramount when installing an electrical outlet, so the first step is to shut off the power to that specific area. To do this, locate your circuit breaker box and turn off the switch associated with the room you’re working on. If you’re unsure which switch to flip, it’s best to turn off the main power switch.
If you’re not comfortable doing this, consider using a certified electrician for safety tips on installing an outlet. They can ensure your work is completed safely and in compliance with local building codes.
Pull out the outlet
The first step is to remove the existing outlet. This can be done easily and safely, if you follow the correct procedures.
Safety tips on installing an outlet:
• Unscrew the cover plate and the mounting screws that hold the outlet in place.
• Make sure the power is off by testing the outlet with a voltage tester.
• If you’re unsure of how to complete this task, it’s recommended that you call a certified electrician to help you.
• Wear protective eyewear and gloves while working with the electrical wiring.
• Make sure to dispose of all materials and tools properly.
Cut the wires
Safety is paramount when it comes to any electrical work in the home, we can not stress enough that you ensure there’s no power going to the outlet
Using a wire stripper or a pair of scissors, cut the wire going into the outlet, if your wires are not colour coded, or you think you will not remember which wire is which, use tape to temporarily mark the wires.
Strip the wires
Once you have cut the wires, it is important to properly strip the insulation so that you can securely connect them to the new outlet. Using a wire stripper or scissors, remove 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of each wire. Make sure to not cut into the wire itself. It is also important to note that if you are uncomfortable or unsure about any of the steps involved in installing an electrical outlet, you should consult with a certified electrician for help. They will be able to provide safety tips on installing an outlet and help make sure that the job is done correctly and safely.
Connect the wires
Once the outlet has been attached to the box, it is time to connect the wires. The black wire should go to the brass screw, the white wire should go to the silver screw, and the ground wire (if applicable) should go to the green screw.
Once all of the wires have been connected, tighten them down firmly and tuck them back into the box. Make sure they are not loose or touching each other, as this could cause a short circuit or even a fire. Use electrical tape to cover ANY exposed parts of the wire.
If you are uncomfortable working with electrical wiring or unsure how to proceed, it is always best to hire a licensed electrician to do the job. A professional electrician will be able to quickly and safely install your new outlet without putting your home or yourself at risk.
Attach the outlet
Once you’ve secured and tucked the wires in the box and wall, it’s time to push the outlet back into the wall and screw the outlet back into the electrical box. We suggest waiting before putting the face plate back on until you’ve tested the outlet with the power one.
Turn on the power
For this step, you should have a second person to help. One person should stand by the outlet, while the other person turns the power on. When the power is turned on ensure you do not see any sparks, smoke, or smell anything burning. If everything looks right turn the power back off, and install the face plate of the outlet. Once the face plate is back on you can now turn the power back on.