How To Add A New Outlet Anywhere You Want It

Complete List Of All My Favorite Tools - www.amazon.com/shop/everydayh...
We will walk you through the complete process of installing a new outlet to an existing circuit. This project is very approachable but we will walk you through a complete install in a 1928 home with plaster walls.
Joel's Channel (Electric Pro Academy): / electricproacademy
Favorite Electrical Tools
Knipex Hybrid Wire Strippers: amzn.to/3HIz0hW
Beginner Wire Strippers: amzn.to/3sYIXDI
Klein outlet Tester: amzn.to/3pZJEKW
Klein NCVT-3P Voltage Tester: amzn.to/3JLebUF
Milwaukee ECX #1 Screwdriver: amzn.to/3HKEcl5
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:04 Project Overview and Details
2:08 Parts and Supplies Needed
4:22 Locating and Cutting Hole For Box Location
9:50 Running Wire From 1st Floor To Basement
12:26 Running Wire Through Floor Joists
14:36 Wiring At Junction Box
21:02 Wiring At Outlet (Old Work) Box
25:37 Testing and Finish The Project
Tools and Supplies
1 Gang Old Work Box: amzn.to/30FUKec
12/2 Romex (25'): amzn.to/3FuWsxT
Plastic Staples: amzn.to/2Z4HD5I
15 Amp Duplex Outlet: amzn.to/3oECJoJ
3/8" Cable Clamps (10 Pack): amzn.to/3FvpWM0
11/16" Spade Bit: amzn.to/3nwXnIc
Flat Head Screwdriver: amzn.to/3HA31RO
#1 Robertson Screwdriver: amzn.to/3DB1VCL
Folding Measuring Stick: amzn.to/3culYqF
Milwaukee Wire Strippers: amzn.to/2Z1jH2J
Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife: amzn.to/2WFZOgt
Klein Outlet Tester (Basic): amzn.to/39GyO33
Klein Outlet Tester (Voltage Readout): amzn.to/3qOJvL8
Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs
Makita Corless Drill Combo Kit: amzn.to/2Jsw78j
Dewalt Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/2w0xAA4
Dewalt Screwdriver Bit Set: amzn.to/2UqTvK9
Craftsman Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3bAsNEG
Eklind Allen Wrench Set: amzn.to/2wKDu8M
Pliers (4-Piece Set): amzn.to/2JlYUM7
Stanley Tape Measure: amzn.to/2WPzr5K
Studbuddy Stud Finder: amzn.to/38MdzfV
Johnson Torpedo Level: amzn.to/3dzx5Ot
Stanley Hammer: amzn.to/39tudPL
Buck Bros Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2QTebYO
Klein Voltage Tester: amzn.to/3yYjzh8
Little Giant Ladder: amzn.to/2UrFmfG
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@muhammadasadkhan3564]

this electrician Joel is one of the best teachers on Electrical work for newbies like us. I have seen tons of videos, but his teaching, his comments and warning on small potential mistakes we newbies make is super excellent. Naming the things and procedures appropriately so we can learn that lingo is also very very important. He should have his own KZbin channel.

[@user-xo2yo6jl3o]

This guy is a great teacher--clear, concise explanations with the reasons for doing everything, his pace is just right, and he uses clear, understandable language. That's rare anywhere, but especially in do-it-yourself videos.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Joel is awesome, thanks for the feedback 👍

[@hschork5585]

I was thinking the exact same thing. I watch many different trade channels often. He should be teaching in a trade school as he is clearly the most articulate teacher I have listened to. A HEARTY THANK YOU!!!

[@troyporter3825]

half way in i had this exact same thought!!...i hope he's an instructor somewhere

[@thenexthobby]

What a treat to see Joel appear on this channel. Such a great teacher.

[@KingOfHockeyNow]

Did you just say D-I-Wires? Lol. Hey, I hadn’t planned to, but I just watched this whole thing. I was mesmerized, I guess! Joe did a nice job explaining as he went along. 👍

[@ytsux9259]

DIY'ers, bro. They both sound the same.

[@bartmanstl]

This guy is great. Very thorough and easy to listen to. Usually you have to fast forward through a long video to keep your sanity but I had no problem listening to the whole thing. Great job!! I'm going to go check out some more of your videos now.

[@kaisykaisy]

Thank you gentlemen for this nice and clean work.

[@tedlahm5740]

Color coded jacket on the 20 Amp cable. Wonderful instructions. Thank you.

[@thomaslong1576]

Really great tips - especially the one where he drills behind the baseboard and uses the trimmer cord as a flag.

[@FunkyDeleriousPriest]

I've seen several videos on this and yours is the best so far

[@profcah]

A great step by step how to video on something I have to do right now in my just bought home. Thanks so much!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Happy we could help, best of luck on your project!

[@edwardsmith4353]

Wow this is great! Im always having to do oldwork and your approach is fantastic!! very helpful! Sadly, NOT really helpful at present because all my work is on the second and third floors.. :(

[@DjGho5t1]

I love Jefferson Electric! Great energy, knowledgeable, and explains everything in a good way!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice! One of the good ones for sure 👍

[@Sam-rf8yh]

What an amazing professional.

[@bozolito108]

You guys both are good at explaining shit. I wish I had more friends like you around when I get nervous on a new job. Actually I just need better friends lol

[@FrankieGN]

Fantastic step by step!!....thank you Jeff ....I just subscribed to your channel...also, thank you Everyday Home Repairs for your content!

[@CNM3]

Great video. Clear explanations too. I have a few outlet junction boxes that are loose and need to be replaced.

[@djcsound]

Bro... I really enjoy your videos always.. I learn so much from your content. Thanks.

[@JeffFlowersgoogle]

Awesome video - this is a great resource/tool for folks. Much appreciated!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks Jeff!

[@michaelwilliams6784]

Excellent presentation, good details. Electrical code does not address drilling through structural members other than requiring nail plates if you’re too close to the edge, however the building code does. Most inspectors will want to see that a structural engineer has provided a size and location plan for drilling joists. It is usually cheapest to not drill the joists. Just run across the edges and use a protector board nailed alongside if subject to damage.

[@RyanMcClung]

Just want to +1 all the comments noting a great a teacher this guy is. I'd love to see more of his content.

[@rkeller8141]

Instructor extraordinaire. Thanks…

[@YevgenyMatusovsky]

I like the wall paper in your client’s home…Thank you for the instructional video, exactly what I was looking for before adding an outlet in my house….though at my location we’re using bx metal clad wiring

[@sammicerise8553]

Super interesting, well done video! Watched out of curiosity.

[@Around_The_Home]

A lot of really good tips. Thanks for knowing that if the cable is clamped to the J box, the nearest staple can be up to 12” away. Inspectors around here want 8” regardless. Also thanks for pointing out that metal boxes need to be bonded to the equipment ground. In my locale, since the hole that was drilled upward from the basement (at 10:50) penetrated another floor, I would be required to use a fire sealant. I personally like to use 3M’s Fire Barrier Sealant CP 25WB+. Just put it in a caulking gun and squeeze into the hole until sealed. Also, in my locale, tamper resistant receptacles are required. Just a personal thing, on the right side of the J box at 16:27, I would have used another connector so there is one cable per connector.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Good stuff and thanks for the feedback!

[@michelebaron5708]

Thanks for the tutorial. Much appreciated.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@randybeaumier]

Very good video, well demonstrated.

[@geoffbaran]

Great video! Highly instructive. Thanks!

[@hassanbazzi3545]

Great video. Thank you for sharing

[@A_Class216]

One thing I've learned about cutting plaster walls using a carbide multi tool attachment (used for grout) it cut through the plaster just as fast and it won't dull.

[@jessemartinez2460]

Wow Man! awesome work detailed video.

[@fernandochavez4312]

Really good video. Not using specialty tools and not wrapping connections with tape is great advice and very helpful. Maybe suggesting a small fire extinguisher be part of the tool list? Thanks.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@backyardponderings2507]

awesome info and presentation

[@chrisidzerda2963]

I had a 1920 house had a 3 foot foundation which made outlet additions a conduit project. Always use an oscillating tool in plaster.

[@markhale6105]

This guy is so cool. Thank you!

[@dlgslg4293]

Good job. Thank you.

[@rickf2061]

EXCELLENT VIDEO ! Great presentation. One comment though. That junction box in the basement might be OK in the State you are in, but up here in Ontario (Canada) we would need to make sure that the grounds are also tied the metal box as well... I think Scott that you also mentioned this tip in one of your own subsequent videos. Further, not a problem in that house as the basement ceiling is all open, but again up here a small qualifier... we're not allowed to cover up junction boxes. So up here, if that basement was ever to get a ceiling, that junction box would have to be horizontal and the cover would have to be openable if the ceiling was there...

[@CHEECHMUN]

Well done!!

[@epluribusunum7736]

I would suggest poking a hole in each corner and the center of the tracing of the box, Reason being - to check clearance of where your stud is, make sure you have full depth clearance, and to verify you have no obstructions

[@Thumbsdwn]

that is why he moved the bit side to side, which he explained

[@lostcause1206]

Always cut the horizontal cut first

[@paganpoetprophet6441]

Good instructional video

[@johnn.freisen3952]

One of the better videos with code requirements explained, professional work, and proper tools used that I have seen. Except all the loose Romex hanging behind you in the video, obviously you didn't install them. I wish you had explained the 12/3 Romex with two circuits a little better for the phasing at the panel. As so many do it yourself install them on the same phase using a twin or wafers and eventually burn the neutral wire. Two pole breaker was a nice touch. Also if you had added somewhere in the video that each State has slightly adjusted or stricter codes and to check with the local AHJ. As New Mexico does not allow 15a receptacles on 20amp circuits. Texas requires State licenses and does not allow homeowners to perform electrical work, except change light bulbs. And don't forget the fire sealant as required by IRC 302.11(4).

[@TheForgottenMan270]

Highly doubt New Mexico only requires 20 amp receptacles on branch circuits. The reason for that is the manufacturer. Manufacturers have posted on the 15 amp devices that they are approved for 20 amp pass through. If the receptacle if the sole device on a 20 amp branch circuit, then a 20 amp receptacle must be used. For commercial/industrial applications all receptacles must be 20 amp.

[@joelwalsman773]

Good word John. Thanks for contributing.

[@emilcasas2707]

Extremely good!

[@timothystockman7533]

If you're going to expend the effort, put in a quad outlet. Use a deep box, if possible, because modern devices such as USB outlets, GFCI outlets, and smart switches are quite deep.

[@brianreinhardt4050]

Sure Karen...

[@mr.g937]

The one potential violation I saw was a kitchen circuit being used for another receptacle elsewhere. If it's a 20 amp circuit presumably it's a small appliance branch circuit, and those aren't supposed to have any other outlets. Don't recall anything being said to the contrary.

[@calderfa]

Bro, you should be an instructor! Great job explaining this electrical stuff ⚡

[@tonyaction5284]

Great video, great tips!!!🤙🏼💪🏼

[@rhroney1]

helpful and efficient. Thx

[@jimokeefe1666]

Lots of good best practices on this walk through video!... noticed mention of the question of why using a15amp receptacle paired with 20amp circuit (at 4:00), but no further explanation(?)

[@joelwalsman773]

Jim, sorry for the slow response. The NEC table 210.21(B)(3) and 210.24 allow for the 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit. Short answer is-it's code.

[@REXXSEVEN]

Excellent video

[@VampireOnline]

Man I wish the US could go to all robertson screws. I love them. Never seen them on outlet before!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

They are on pretty much all outlets over the past several decades. Just remember it is a #1 Robertson as opposed to a #2 Robertson which you might be a little more used to for deck screws or general purpose screws.

[@VampireOnline]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs OH wow you're right! I just looked at the switches and outlets I bought and sure enough there it is! Now if we can get all the other screws this way I'd be happy lol.

[@bjmason3697]

nice one Scott

[@Press2Esc]

excellent instruction

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thx!

[@denislemos4398]

Thanks!

[@michaelreeves8164]

An excellent "show me" video.

[@johnrosas2606]

Great video. Are you using a common trip circuit breaker to make the shared neutrals safe? If not, how are the neutrals wired to make it safe with hot current from 2 different circuits?

[@noexcuses6727]

nicely done

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks 👍

[@johnhastings1874]

excellent.

[@GeraldWilhelmBradenComposer]

This is a good video, though I would have wired that new duplex to a new breaker in the main breaker box, instead of the junction box. It's a little more Romex, and the cost of a new breaker, but in the end you will have more "control" over knowing what outlets and rooms are on which breakers in your main box. You will also not have to concern yourself with the amperage already being used for the junction box, because it is a new circuit. Another "good" thing, is that you can also add an outdoor GFI (with outlet covers) to this breaker on the outside of this wall (if you choose), and/or a second duplex outlet further down the wall upstairs, because the outlet you added up stairs is probably only for a lamp, TV, or vacuum cleaner (which is higher amperage, but only run for a few moments at a time), or some other low amperage electrical use. I did this in my home for a few new indoor outlets I added, with new breakers, so that I have more easy access to power outdoors for Christmas lights and/or power tools...etc.....Peace!

[@marks4374]

Any new outlet is required to have arc fault circuit interrupter protection. The breakers are around $50.

[@Yukoner77777]

Wish I'd watched this before I attempted same using a standard metal box. The plastic ones are so much easier to fit nicely on a finished wall.

[@PH-md8xp]

Excellent video.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks!

[@kmoyer]

This is an excellent video, thank you! However, the background noise throughout the upstairs part is really distracting. Keep up the good work!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, that video had a pretty busy job site for sure. Thanks for the support 👍

[@myiagreeaccount8307]

Nice video!

[@jimtorrance9589]

Good advice. All around good video. Now, show us diy'ers how to add outlets and switches to our 1930's, 3 and 4 level homes. Thanks and be safe.

[@Mgamerz]

Dang. Great video. If I didn't have to do like 8 of these I'd do it myself!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

😂, yeah that might be a bit of a bigger job but at least you know what to expect now.

[@Trainman0401]

Great video..thanks. Question….does removing the plastic tab completely violate code when you insert the wire into the plastic box?

[@joelwalsman773]

Yes, that would be frowned upon.

[@jjoejones1]

Generally, a good informative explanation, although really only applicable to homes with a basement. Depending on which edition of the National Electrical Code is enforced, some important code requirements, for this installation, should have been mentioned that are required in most areas of the US.

[@frankfatino5424]

DIY 20, would like info on switches on and off for different type lights and ceiling fans .

[@kommoncents5853]

A neodymium magnet with a hole and a string attached can find nails in wall studs in plaster walls.

[@joelwalsman773]

genius! I just adopted the magnet method. Thanks for your contribution!

[@tms2568]

Great video. Very informative and professional. The only thing I would add is to drill up the wall from the basement before cutting the hole for the box upstairs. Then push a stout wire or a fish tape up the wall to make sure there are no obstructions in the wall that would prevent fishing the new cable.

[@joelwalsman773]

The voice of experience. Good word!

[@jkev666]

Why not cap that black conductor and what’s your feeling about Wago connectors instead of wire nuts ? Great instruction , really well spoken .

[@joelwalsman773]

Thanks Jeremy! I looked back at this and laughed at myself. I intend to cap all conductors and would cap this one too if given the chance. Wagos are great. We use them for specific applications, but they're more expensive and only allow a specific number of conductors = less flexible.

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

7:00 - Also you should take a level to it to make sure it's plumb before marking.

[@jimd1617]

thanks :)

[@MikeySocks]

Good informative video!! Just one questions - why doesn’t that single black wire have no juice ? Only thing I’m lost on. Thanks

[@michaeldahlstrom3931]

That's an exterior wall? Are you required to insulate around the box for air seal?

[@AnthonySomes]

7:57 this tool first showed up on as seen on TV or an overnight infomercial. Years ago

[@rrorigin4239]

Hello, I have a QQ on a simple connection: I have a wire coming from the electric panel to power a light switch and a receptacle. 1-Does this wire has to go to the light switch first, then "split" to go to the lamp and to the receptacle? or 2-The wire can go from the panel to the receptacle, then to the light switch, then to the light? The receptacle is closer to the panel than the light switch. Basically I have, 1-The panel --> 2-The receptacle --> 3-The switch. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@herbsu4330]

Did you drill the holes in the joists at the mid point?

[@clarksautomotiverestyling6030]

What book would you recommend on basic wiring? Great video

[@TauVids]

I have to do this where a tiled wall meets directly with a tiled floor. the wall tile runs about 3 feet up and meets a plaster wall. that plaster wall is where the outlet will be. no trim to remove to get behind. Ill be coming up form a basement but i dont know how to get measurements for where to drill in the basement to land inside the wall above since i cant pierce any of the floor or wall tile to set a marker

[@russrockino-rr0864]

It is not required, but I use plastic NM connectors in metal J-boxes and panels, they are quicker to install and no chance of harming romex cable. No pre-twisting of wires is required if you use the proper wire nut. Wagos are UL listed and could also be used. Russ-Journeyman, 26 years in the Trade

[@limeyjoe1931957]

I all depends how you was trained has a apprentice and then to a electrician. Twisted wires with pliers is the best way has you know you did it correctly. Wagos are the best!

[@merfishsandwich691]

Sometimes, as I found out in the 1940s house I owned, the lathe is not wood but a metal grid. That makes things extra fun.

[@law4nyc]

What was the brown electric cord wire for that was coming through the floor next to where he drilled the new hole?

[@gregorall9779]

It looked like lamp type cord or a small guage s.o. wire

[@randysmith7094]

11:02 - What's that brown wire? How do do you know where it is inside the wall? Because it looks like the drill hits it when you drill up beside it.

[@DCITSOLUTIONS]

I have a floor outlet under my upstairs bed but no outlets on the wall behind the bed. How do I make wall outlets from the floor outlet. I currently have to run extension cords to both sides of the bed.

[@martinmercerjr8615]

I have question for you. I used the new blue outlet boxes with the blue taps , that you tighten with screws and the taps tighten to drywall. I really do not like them. I tighten as far as it’s goes. But when I plug things into it and pull the plugs out , by the plug. I almost pulled the whole outlet, out the wall. How do you stop this from happening?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

When this happens it usually means the tabs were not able to actually secure behind the drywall/Plaster. This old work box specifically has a larger gap and works well for thicker plaster walls amzn.to/30FUKec . Might be worth a try.

[@martinmercerjr8615]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs no, this just was drywall., I made sure the taps were right. But the new outlets are so tight when you plug something into it. When you pull the plugs out. Until the outlet gets use a lot, it becomes alright. I like the idea, that you can put outlet boxes anywhere. I was ready to put a screw into the 4 holes next to the taps

[@hali22996]

This is great and all, but I really need to know how to do this on a second story floor please if we could get a video like this except that you dont have immediate basement access because you’re higher up

[@pauldzim]

Yeah, you're screwed

[@dear_prudence]

Well if I had a basement (I don't, can't get under the house or up in the attic space either) this may have been educational. Care to do another video with a situation like that?

[@dalesworld1308]

Prudence - the steps are the same. You're just doing it on your back on dirt and it's major pain.

[@dear_prudence]

@@dalesworld1308 Wish I had access to the "dirt", but getting under the house is also a major pain, 200 year old farmhouse, with additions put on here and there, blocked access under the room I'd want the outlets in. Makes me want to tear out drywall and run the wiring through conduit instead. :(

[@lostcause1206]

@@dear_prudence surface conduit and boxes

[@mr.g937]

Tear off the drywall. Drywall is cheap and it's not that hard to patch it up.

[@DF-tz3ix]

Some areas 18” minimum above finished floor, so can’t match to existing height?

[@caramyers5198]

This is great, but I don't have a basement... I need to learn how to do this under a window like in this video, in a slab home where the attic access is too small... If there is a video how to do that, let me know, please? I am expecting to have to ruin the wallpaper, and drill loads of holes...

[@CulichorHimself]

I love that he didn't bull shit us with the pull a permit and have the work inspected.

[@sgoldste02]

Nice video. But I was hoping you would explain why you installed a 15A outlet on a 20A circuit. I'm no electrician, but I'd never do that.

[@shubinternet]

Interesting background sounds that we heard on this one. Clearly, other work was going on in the house while this was being filmed. Which leads me to wonder what some of that other work was, and what some of those sounds were from?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Just a few other things going on which made this one a bit harder to capture 😁

[@REXXSEVEN]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs We know that was your production crew setting up equipment for the next video 😄

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

@@REXXSEVEN Exactly 😉

[@tonyross6558]

At 11:03 I hope the lamp cord next to where you are drilling is for speakers or doorbell. Don't laugh I know a guy who wired his whole house with lamp cord that was 30 yrs ago and the place hasn't burned down yet. Something else I noticed, I was always told not to put a receptacle underneath a window. Don't know if that is code or not.

[@kamX-rz4uy]

Wall space under windows is counted as part of the requirements so sometimes it is unavoidable. When possible the outlets can be spaced so they are to the side of the window but not actually under it. There could be local requirements or inspectors who consider it a wet location so those requirements would need to be met. Otherwise it shouldn't be an issue.

[@waynenocton]

Looking for opinions on a taboo subject. I hear people are installing smart switches that require neutral wire, but are connecting the switches white wire to the ground in the box! I would say it would work just fine but then sone current would then be flowing through the ground wire which obviously is NOT ok. Thoughts?

[@TheForgottenMan270]

Use Radio Ra2 by Lutron. The neutral is only needed at the load switch. But one would be the wiser if they wired their house as if no lighting control is going in. Times are tough and products are costing more. And if a home is wired for lighting control and not standard switching then that person is in a world of hurt. As for tying the neutral and ground together, ya that's illegal. People commonly do that because they don't know what they're doing or didn't have enough wiring and didn't care about being safe.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

16:25 what if someone decides to finish and close up the ceiling in the basement? Relocate the junction box out onto the exterior of the sheetrock?

[@normferguson2769]

Yep

[@garymiles484]

Okay, now show us how to install on 1st floor on concrete slab without a basement, or maybe 2nd floor.

[@brianbroussard4433]

I am very, VERY much a novice. I have a wall that has a light switch on it. Is it possible to put a new outlet on that wall and draw power from the light switch to get power? and if so, how?

[@joelwalsman773]

Slow to respond. You've probably already solved your problem. The simple answer is "yes"! Make sure to grab a hot and neutral and ground from the switch for your outlet. If the room you're adding an outlet to is a bathroom, kitchen, dining room, pantry, breakfast room, laundry room then lighting and outlets would need to be separated, generally. Follow our channel for more info. This video is similar to your situation kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIS6foqJjr6MfK8

[@adampatterson9404]

The grey slater boxes are the best plastic boxes.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

💯

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Did not see any insulation or air sealing around the new box. Was thiscdone, but not shown as this was focusing on the electrical work?

[@ram43x80]

That existing junction box was just there by chance?

[@SweepeasPoppa]

Just curious if the the new box location that he spent a lot of time on finding coincidentally happened to be adjacent to another wire in the same bay? (Looked like phone wire or low voltage (maybe bell) wire, hard to tell ? Also comment on 3-wire #12 requiring a two-pole breaker is not necessarily so, as in some applications #12 wire is used everywhere and 3-wire would be uses for 3-way switches. (Today, 3-way, 4-way and more are done with electronics and the use of 3-wire wouldn't be necessary, but that would likely be in newer installations. He does try hard and does explain things well, but the comment on using a licensed electrician was worth thinking about about there didn't seem to be any attention paid to circuit load constraints, which was also pointed out. Just saying.