Introduction
I have found myself needing more outlets and more power in my home office. With more devices like computers, monitors, printers etc I am running out of available outlets. Hiring an electrician can be expensive and time consuming. After researching, I have learned how to safely rewire my existing outlets on my own to provide more power and add more outlets. In this guide, I will explain in depth the steps I took to rewire my outlets to add more power.
Safety Precautions
Before starting any electrical work, safety should always come first. Working with electrical wiring can be dangerous if not done properly. Here are some key safety tips I followed:
- Turn off power at the breaker - This ensures the outlets you are working on have no live power flowing through them.
- Use appropriate tools - Lineman pliers, wire strippers, volt meter etc. Make sure they are properly insulated.
- Follow local electrical codes - Know the electrical codes for your local area and follow them. This is for safety and legality.
- Work carefully - Take your time, don't rush. Make sure all connections are tight and insulated. Double check your work.
Following basic electrical safety guidelines will help ensure you safely rewire your outlets.
How to Rewire Outlets
Now that safety is covered, here are the steps I followed to rewire my outlets to handle more power:
Gather Needed Materials
You will need some basic materials for this project:
- Electrical wire - 14 or 12 AWG wire is best. Match the gauge of your existing wiring.
- Outlet boxes - Match the size of your current boxes. Plastic or metal.
- Outlets - 15 amp or 20 amp outlets depending on your needs.
- Wire connectors - Get twist-on wire connectors.
- Wall plates - Match your current switches/outlets.
- Tools - Lineman pliers, wire strippers, screwdrivers etc.
Getting all of the needed materials together before starting will make the project go smoothly.
Turn Off Power and Remove Existing Outlet
The first step is to turn off power to the outlet at the breaker. Verify it is off by plugging in a lamp and turning the switch on.
Once the power is confirmed off, remove the cover plate screws and take the outlet out of the electrical box. There will be wires connected to the outlet - make note of these wire connections before disconnecting them.
Add New Wiring
Based on the existing outlet wiring, calculate what new wiring you need to add.
For example, I needed to split one outlet into two. So I added a length of 12 AWG wire from the outlet box to the new outlet box I was installing. I matched the wire gauge to the existing wires.
I also added a length of wire to connect both outlet boxes together. This maintains the continuity of the circuit.
Connect the Outlets and Switches
With the new wiring in place, connect up the new outlets and the existing outlet. Follow basic electrical safety guidelines here in terms of wire stripping, secure connectors, and insulation.
For splitting one outlet into two like I did, connect the hot wire from the existing outlet to the hot wires on the new outlet. Connect the neutral wires the same way. Finally connect the ground wires between both boxes as well.
Install the New Outlets
With all the wiring connected securely, carefully position the wires into the outlet boxes. Screw the new outlets and existing outlet into place along with the cover plates.
Make sure no bare wire is exposed and existing insulation meets codes. Verify the outlets are firmly secured in the boxes with no gaps.
Restore Power and Test
With the new outlets fully installed, carefully restore power at the breaker. Turn the switch on and verify proper operation with a volt meter and by plugging in devices.
Test that both new outlets are functioning properly. Also check existing outlets to ensure proper operation.
Take your time here to fully verify proper installation before using the new outlets.
Conclusion
Rewiring outlets is a project a homeowner can safely take on without an electrician. Following basic safety precautions and guidelines is crucial though for success. The process involves planning, gathering materials, circuit analysis, precise wire splicing, outlet installation, and thorough testing. Taking the time to understand the electrical system and working carefully leads to the reward of more power to more outlets. I was able to double the number of outlets in my office giving me capacity for more devices. The ability to do your own electrical work leads to great rewards when done properly and safely.