How to Wire Outlets Without Hiring an Electrician

Installing new electrical outlets or replacing old ones can seem daunting if you've never done it before. But with proper preparation and safety precautions, it's a project that a homeowner can absolutely DIY without hiring an electrician. I'll walk you through the complete process step-by-step.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Before getting started, you'll need to purchase or have on hand the following materials:

• Electrical outlet boxes - Choose plastic or metal boxes designed for standard wall installation. Make sure they match the size of the drywall.

• Electrical cable - 14/2 or 12/2 NM cable is commonly used. Match the gauge to the circuit size.

• Wire strippers - A must for stripping sheathing and wires.

• Screwdrivers - Phillips and flat head types.

• Wire nuts - To connect wires together.

• Outlet - Match the amperage and number of poles to the circuit.

• Circuit tester - To verify the outlet is wired correctly before turning the power on.

• Drywall saw - For cutting outlet holes in existing drywall.

• Utility knife - For scoring drywall.

• Voltmeter - For verifying the circuit is dead before working.

Turn Off Power and Confirm It's Off

Before doing any electrical work, the power MUST be turned off to avoid getting shocked. Here are the steps to take:

• Locate the circuit breaker controlling the outlet and switch it to OFF.

• Go to the outlet location and use a voltmeter or plug in a lamp. Verify there is no power present. If there is, the right breaker wasn't switched off.

• Once the dead outlet is confirmed, verify it stays off while flipping surrounding breakers. If power returns, a different circuit powers that outlet.

• Turn the main breaker OFF if you cannot isolate the circuit.

Working on live electrical wires can injure or kill you. Always double check there is no power present!

Install the Electrical Box

The outlet box installation steps depend on whether it's going in a new construction or existing wall:

New Construction

For new drywall:

• Measure and mark the desired height and location for the outlet box.

• Use a drywall saw to cut an outline for the box. Cut the opening slightly smaller than the box.

• Insert the box into the opening and secure it with drywall screws. The edge of the box should be flush with the wall surface.

Existing Drywall

For existing walls:

• Turn off power and verify it's dead.

• Use a drywall saw to cut a rectangular hole for the box. Make it slightly larger than necessary.

• Use a utility knife to score the drywall face around the hole. This makes a cleaner edge when removing the excess drywall.

• Carefully break off the excess drywall pieces with pliers or a multi-tool.

• Install the outlet box in the opening and secure with drywall screws.

Run and Connect the Electrical Wires

With the box installed, it's time to run cables and make connections:

• Strip about 3/4" of insulation from the ends of the electrical cable using wire strippers.

• Run the cable from the power source to the outlet box through the wall cavity. Leave 6-8 inches of extra wire at the end.

• Strip 3/8 to 1/2" insulation from each inner wire with strippers.

• Use screwdrivers to connect the hot wire (typically black insulation) to the brass colored terminal on the outlet.

• Connect the neutral wire (white insulation) to the silver colored terminal.

• Connect all ground wires (bare copper) together with a wire nut, as well as to the green screw on the outlet.

• No bare wire should be exposed. Check that all connections are tight.

Secure the Outlet & Install the Wall Plate

You're almost done! Just a couple more steps:

• Carefully tuck all the wires into the outlet box, being careful not to loosen any connections.

• Secure the outlet to the box with the proper sized mounting screws. Do not over tighten.

• With the outlet flush to the wall surface, install the plastic wall plate cover and secure with the mounting screws.

• Restore power and test the outlet. If it doesn't work, go over all connections with a circuit tester before using.

And that's it! Installing an electrical outlet without an electrician is totally doable with good preparation. Always put safety first and get help if you're ever unsure. But with the right materials and proper precautions, you can DIY it and save on electrician fees.