7 Effortless Steps to Wire a Plug Outlet

A guide on how to wire a plug outlet

Installing or changing a plug outlet is not a complex task and can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills. You must ensure that the power is turned off before you start, and you should always test the outlet with an electrical tester to confirm that it is safe to use.

Firstly, you need to gather the tools and materials you will need. This includes a new outlet, a screwdriver, wire strippers, and electrical tape. You may also need a voltage tester to ensure the outlet is working correctly once you have finished. Once you have gathered your tools and materials, you can begin the process of wiring the outlet.

The first step is to turn off the power to the outlet. This can be done by flipping the breaker that controls the outlet or by removing the fuse that powers it. Once the power is off, you can remove the faceplate from the outlet. To do this, simply unscrew the screws that hold it in place. Once the faceplate is removed, you will see the wires that are connected to the outlet. There will be two black wires, two white wires, and a green or bare copper wire.

Selecting the Correct Outlet

When selecting an outlet, there are several factors to consider:

Number of Outlets: Determine the number of outlets you need. Standard outlets typically have two or three outlets, while some specialized outlets may have more.

Grounding: Grounded outlets have a third prong that provides a path for electrical current to flow to the ground. Grounded outlets are required for safety and should be used for appliances and devices that draw significant current.

Voltage and Amperage: Outlets are rated for specific voltage and amperage. Make sure the outlet you select is compatible with the voltage and amperage requirements of the appliances or devices you will be using.

Type of Outlet: There are various types of outlets, including standard 15-amp outlets, 20-amp outlets, and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. Choose the type of outlet that is appropriate for the intended use.

Outlet Type

Description

Standard 15-amp Outlet

Common type of outlet used for general-purpose applications.

20-amp Outlet

Higher-capacity outlet used for appliances and devices that draw more current.

GFCI Outlet

Safety outlet that trips the circuit if it detects an electrical fault.

Shutting Off Power

Before beginning any electrical work, it is crucial to ensure that the power is completely shut off. Follow these detailed steps to safely disconnect the power:

1. Locate the Circuit Breaker Panel

This is typically found in a garage, basement, or utility room. It contains an array of switches that control the flow of electricity to different circuits within the house.

2. Identify the Circuit for the Outlet

If the circuit labels are not readily visible, you can use a non-contact voltage tester to determine which circuit the outlet is connected to. Simply touch the tester to the wires of the outlet; if the tester lights up or beeps, that is the correct circuit.

3. Turn Off the Circuit

Once you have identified the circuit, locate the corresponding switch in the circuit breaker panel. It will typically have a small handle or lever. Flip this switch to the “OFF” position. To confirm that power is off, you can use a voltage tester to check the wires of the outlet again. If the tester does not light up or beep, power is successfully turned off.

Additional Tips for Shutting Off Power Safely

Tip	Description
Use a flashlight.	If working in a poorly lit area, use a flashlight to clearly see the circuit breaker panel and wires.
Never touch live wires.	Always use proper tools and ensure power is off before touching any electrical components.
Double-check the power.	After turning off the circuit, use a voltage tester to verify that power is indeed disconnected.

Securing the Outlet

With the wires securely connected, it’s time to secure the outlet to the electrical box:

Wrap With Electrical Tape

Wrap the exposed ground wire with electrical tape, ensuring a snug and secure fit.

Insert Ground Wire

Insert the ground wire into the dedicated green grounding screw terminal. Tighten the screw to secure the wire.

Tighten Outlet Screws

Carefully align the outlet over the electrical box and tighten the screws on either side. Ensure they are snug but not overtightened.

Check Wire Connections

Before tucking in the wires, double-check that all connections are secure and no bare wires are exposed.

Position Wires

Gently fold the wires back into the electrical box, leaving about 6 inches of excess wire for easy access in the future.

Secure Wires

Use wire nuts or a push-in connector to secure the wires together. Ensure the connections are tight but not overtightened.

Tuck Wires

Carefully tuck the wires into the electrical box, ensuring they do not obstruct the outlet’s placement.

How To Wire a Plug Outlet

Wiring a plug outlet is a fairly simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the correct steps to ensure that the outlet is wired safely and correctly. Here are the steps on how to wire a plug outlet:

Turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker panel.
Remove the faceplate from the outlet.
Loosen the terminal screws on the outlet.
Insert the wires into the terminals. The black wire goes to the brass terminal, the white wire goes to the silver terminal, and the green or bare copper wire goes to the green terminal.
Tighten the terminal screws.
Replace the faceplate on the outlet.
Turn on the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker panel.