Installing a replacement electrical outlet is one of the simplest jobs for an electrician. Even you can do the job on your own if you have some level of knowledge about it. However, things can get seriously challenging if it involves installing a new circuit all the way from the main panel or even extending an already existing circuit. However, the steps for the installation have been described on the website and below for your knowledge.
Turn of the Power and Test for Availability of Power
First of all, locate the main service panel or the fuse box or the breaker box of your house. Turn off the power to the circuit that power the new outlet simply by switching off the circuit breaker. You will have to test the outlet for the availability of power with the help of a non-contact voltage tester. This is to verify whether the power is really off or not. If you are replacing an existing outlet, it will be a good idea to remove it at this point of time.
Get the Cables Ready
Electrical normally feed through the holes located at the back or at the sides of an outlet. These cables are usually secured in place with the help of metal clamps or even with pressure-fit clamps that is normally mounted on the outlet box. You will find the outer sheathing of the NM cable barely visible inside the box. These cables are normally 6 or 7 inches inside the box. Remove the outer sheathing by slitting the jacket with the help of a cable ripper. Then, trim the sheathing and the paper insulation with the help of a wire cutter or a utility knife. Cut the ends of the cables if necessary, to make sure that no more than 6 or 7 inches of the cables are visible inside the box.
Strip the Cables
If needed, you may strip away about ½ to ¾ inch of plastic insulation from the very end of each insulated wire visible in the outlet box with the help of wire clippers. If you are replacing an existing outlet, just ensure that the ends of the wires are in perfect condition without any scorch marks or nicks.
Attach the Pigtail Wires
If there is more than one cable in the box, you will have to install pigtail wires. Use a scrap wire of the same type of circuit cable. Cut around 6 inches of each type of wire in the cable and strip one end at around ½ inch and the other at around ¾ inch. The first side to be connected to the circuit wires and the latter end will be bent to look like a hook and connected to a screw terminal.
Connect Ground Wire to the Receptacle
Attach a J-shaped hook to the 2 ends of each wire and hook it around the ground screw on the new receptacle.
Attach the Hot and Neutral Wires to the Receptacle
Connect the white neutral wire to a silver screw terminal and hook the wire around the screw.
Attach the Receptacle to the Box
Make sure all wiring connections are secure and reconnect any loose wires.
Attach the Cover Plate
Fit the cover plate on the outlet and secure it with the help of the mounting screw.
