How to Add an Electrical Outlet through a Wall

In this video, Chris shows how he added two convenience outlets for a drop zone coming in from his garage.
00:00 - introduction
00:39 - what's a drop zone?
01:34 - where to get power?
03:01 - drilling the hole
03:58 - fish tape
05:54 - old work box
07:44 - wire stripper
09:28 - installing the outlet
11:00 - connecting to the existing outlet
12:14 - testing the wiring
12:43 - the completed drop zone
Learn more about outlet wiring here: • How to Wire an Electri...
➤➤Self-adjusting wire stripper - handydad.tv/wstr
➤➤Ground wire nuts - handydad.tv/gnut
➤➤USB outlet - handydad.tv/5h8a
➤➤Outlet wiring tester - handydad.tv/vb2r
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[@DavidRutkin]

Finished product looks amazing! Very impressive 👍

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@macsterguy]

Turned out great Pop! You gave me some ideas… Now I have work to do 👍🏼😊

[@handydadtv]

Glad I could help spend your money. 😂

[@anzianoholden]

For running wires inside walls, I highly recommend getting a "wet noodle and fish ball chain". It is 100 times easier than trying to find a fishtape. You and also tape a foot or 2 of the ball chain to the top of the fishtape. The "wet noodle" has a magnet at the end that grabs the ball chain, allowing you to pull the chain easily through the wall.

[@scooter2d2]

Does that work on outer walls with insulation in them too?

[@jordonscott6018]

@@scooter2d2 the ball chain won't fall through the insulation, but if you tape the chain to a fish tape, then you can push the fish tape through the insulation and snag the chain with the noodle when it gets close enough

[@bishopp14]

I gotta say, that looks outstanding!! Great work!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@gerryjacobs3944]

I understand very well I make sure that the main switch is off before installing a outlet because it can be dangers

[@mavrick561]

Thanks for the video! Drop zone looks great!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@mikesavage4357]

Best how to video. You’re awesome man!!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@vinnypinatelli221]

Man that turned out beautiful great job

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@vinnypinatelli221]

Your welcome thank you for sharing it!!

[@gemmint1019]

I envy your abilities and confidence in all your projects. I try but seem to turn things into a mess..

[@Paultimate7]

Abilities? It likely took him more skill to edit the video than it did to do the wiring. Anyone can do this, just watch him again.

[@gemmint1019]

@D..I am referring to all of his videos not just this one. For some of us, things aren’t as simple.

[@dmo848]

Try try n keep on trying is how u get gud. I suck at building stuff but I try anyway.

[@craigzilla100]

Awesome job and video!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much

[@chrisMcG17]

Nice video, i like ur drink and drop area. Looks good

[@handydadtv]

Thank you so much

[@thehunter3386]

Great job, kid! I always enjoy finding different ways to do ‘things’. I would, however, be very careful around your helper! She looks TOO happy and comfortable wielding that sledgehammer!😂. Again, thanks and here’s hoping you and yours have a very Merry CHRISTMAS!!

[@handydadtv]

Merry Christmas!

[@harryl7946]

The wire exposed (not concealed within the wall) really should be armored. I know it is hidden behind the cabinet but sometimes things happen and if one didn’t know it was back there - well - that is how it happens.

[@aurvaroy6670]

True. I would've cut open the lower portion of both walls and ran the romex through each stud. Since the cabinets will be covering most of the walls, I wouldn't have to worry about matching texture.

[@lucky4everyone]

@@aurvaroy6670 Yea, I agree. Long term this would have been better practice. Better to go overboard then just to a quick run.

[@chandrasekharlimit4547]

I love the explanation 😂 “that’s how things happen” 😂

[@liftingafterdark3241]

Looks awesome!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Pilotin74]

Like the dogs!!! 🐶🐕

[@randyweisbaum7562]

Great Video ! What a Transformation, I too would of liked to see you Protect that wire with some sort of Conduit . Happy New Year!!

[@handydadtv]

No need. It’ll be fine behind the cabinet.

[@CollinEichinger0221]

It looks amazing! Are you going to do a house tour? Your house looks beautiful from what we've seen.

[@handydadtv]

Possibly, if I could record it right after the cleaning lady leaves. 😂

[@bwilliams2800]

Great video. I agree there’s nothing wrong with running the cable behind the cabinet. It doesn’t matter whether you are a novice or seasoned professional and anytime you pick up a tool to do a project you should always keep safety in mind and understand what can happen and drilling or cutting recklessly and not inspecting first can result badly. In reality no one would be under the cabinet cutting out the back wall knowing there’s drywall and possible wires behind it anyway. We recently had a 3 story apartment building burn down locally because a renter was hanging pictures and unknowingly nailed into wires.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for being a non-hater!

[@conniecostner9665]

Omg how sad that is! I'm terrified of fires

[@deviinen6837]

That's sum fancy magic who cleared out the space for u now I was watching pretty close and that's sum good editing you got going there buddy ohhh my bad back to the video 😊

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@lesleopold4731]

Enjoyed the video. Regarding the GFI outlet, I didn’t understand how to identify the load side to attach the wires.

[@MarkLawry]

The GFCI receptacle is labeled for the line (input) and load (connect to downstream receptacle) terminals. When they come new out of the box, the load side is covered with a yellow sticky label, because if you don't connect a downstream receptacle, you don't use this. You should also buy a receptacle tester which has three led lights, and a button to test the GFCI function. Otherwise, in the downstream receptacle, you will never know if it is wired correctly to sense a ground fault condition.

[@lesleopold4731]

Thanks

[@lebm4689]

Where did you get the cabinets from ? Awesome work .... you just motivated me !!!

[@handydadtv]

IKEA

[@kittyhawk7060]

In some places code requires the cable to be inside conduit pipe...if it is outside the wall. That way it helps to protect anyone drilling in that area.

[@handydadtv]

I don't know and can't cover all the variances. In fact, I know New York, just one state from me, doesn't allow Romex non-metallic wires; it requires shielded cables (BX). I only show what applies to me. But good point for a disclaimer in future videos.

[@lqdxoni1]

all places it is part of the nec also if run in conduit it should be individual wires not romex or you should have used metal clad this is how not to do it children. the way it is done is against code .

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

so how many receptacles can you put on one circuit? can you have both plugged in at the same time ( one you are running power from to the new one?)

[@handydadtv]

There is no hard limit to the number of receptacles on a circuit; you need to think of the load of the devices you intend to plug in. Most circuits are 15 or 20 amps. Plan to use less than 80% of the rated load.

[@jayhaynes1568]

@0:47. Lol that is hilarious why is that so funny to me!!! Anyway, carry on. 😂

[@handydadtv]

The dogs aren’t used to me talking to “myself”. 😁

[@jayhaynes1568]

@@handydadtv 😂 Good stuff Man!

[@robjla1]

Thanks.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@xxkrpyton1texx809]

Do people always jumper outlet to outlet? When is there ever a new line ran? And would that require running a new line to your breaker box?

[@handydadtv]

A “new line” means adding a new circuit, which means adding a new circuit breaker in your panel. That’s an option in certain circumstances, but homeowners most often add outlets to existing circuits for convenience (to avoid extension cords). If you were adding space to your home (i.e. finishing your basement or adding a room in your attic) then it would be more appropriate to add a new circuit than expand an existing one.

[@arjunc2266]

Looks phenomenal Chris! Btw: Would you be up to making an electrical 101 or Electrical work guide, explaining the details of how to do all things electric related (Do’s and Dont’s)?

[@handydadtv]

Thanks. I will put it on the list. 😉

[@paulepling]

Did u ever finish the cabinet space to see what it looks like now

[@handydadtv]

I did finish it, but didn't do a video on it.

[@boblorenz-oo3tl]

One thing I don't understand is how the wires are routed through the wall. When you added the new outlet, did you take a wire from the existing outlet and use it to connect to the new outlet? If so, what did you disconnect it from? I'm just confused as to where these wires are coming from

[@handydadtv]

I just attached the new wire to the existing outlet in the garage.

[@krope32]

When you were connecting to the existing outlet you didn't say where you connected the white wire. Did you connect it to the screw that the existing white wire was on like you did with the black wire?

[@kittyhawk7060]

He probably inserted it inside the hole on the back of the outlet where the silver screw is. You should not have two wires under one screw.

[@wazup3333]

@@kittyhawk7060 he put 2 on one screw he said that device is designed to do so?

[@a6250mafm]

👏 bravo

[@handydadtv]

Thank you 😊

[@carlosrendonslapp_boyy_7654]

In the video you said. I’m going to connect to the load side, but then I think I see you connect to the line side. Am I wrong?

[@handydadtv]

It was hard to show that detail, but I definitely connected it to the load side.

[@xaviergranados89]

Cool

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@ray.j3351]

This is might sound stupid and all, but whats the transformer for? Beginner here 😅

[@handydadtv]

The transformer is above the upper cabinets. The outlet in the middle is for a nightlight and USB charging.

[@wandakowalski7063]

So hopeful about this video but didn’t explain what fish wire is or how to get it to a hole feet away. I’ll search for another.

[@handydadtv]

This one may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmW3oKKGo5Wbmpo

[@lordgarth1]

I call that mud room. Maybe a Midwest thing?

[@handydadtv]

It’s not a room. It’s just dead space in the hallway.

[@harryl7946]

Called a Butlers Pantry. Or a Butlers Station if one prefers.

[@handydadtv]

Yeah it could be considered a butler’s pantry too.

[@rruizproductions]

Too much load drawing from the refrigerator. You should consider its own outlet as what code calls for.

[@handydadtv]

I’m not interested in requiring my whole garage.

[@rruizproductions]

@@handydadtv You will have to after the circuit starts tripping. Use a 12g for it.

[@handydadtv]

Hasn’t tripped. It’s a small fridge.

[@mikehendrix6558]

I was your 1000 likes. You're awesome. You do it the right way. That why I gave you a like and I subscribed. Thanks for Sharing Your Talent I know I win a prize for being the 1000 likes person. Just kidding

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family! That’s the prize!

[@anthillmobstars]

Outlets should not be connected in series. Standard outlets are only to be in parallel. Series outlets will cause voltage drop.

[@handydadtv]

Right. I never connect household outlets in series.

[@JG-eb1uh]

Do not be mistaken. Even though its daisy chained, it actually is in parallel because of the design of the outlets. Since the two screws in the terminals on each side are connected, they complete the circuit as is. When you plug in a device, you are adding that device in parallel. No need to run extra wires unnecessarily. Just don't break the metal tab between the sets of screws and your daisy chained outlets are sure to be in parallel.

[@wazup3333]

@@JG-eb1uh what about when you put two wires on each terminal on each side instead of pigtail and then only running one wire on each side?

[@JG-eb1uh]

@@wazup3333 if I understand your question correctly, then you just need to run a single 14/2 or 12/2 wire to it and have a single 14/2 or 12/2 wire running away from it and you should be fine. Those numbers are assuming you are using 15A receptacles. Does that help?

[@wazup3333]

@@JG-eb1uh are you saying to pigtail 4 hot 4 neutral and 4 ground wires so you only have 1 of each going to the receptacle?

[@billbaumgartner577]

Just waiting for someone to pierce the unprotected dangling wire with a screw while mounting the bottom cabinets 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@handydadtv]

That’s why there are protector plates.

[@billbaumgartner577]

@@handydadtv See the video from 12:37 to 12:44 I don’t see any protection for the wire nor any mention of intention to do so.

[@handydadtv]

Whoops. I thought this was a different video. That wire behind the cabinet is fine. The cabinets were installed with no screws down that low. Nobody will ever know.

[@localguide583]

:17 Hi Virtual Dad! Where is my allowance?

[@handydadtv]

Right here in my virtual wallet until you do your virtual chores.

[@localguide583]

I'm gonna get right to it then! LOL!

[@KevinCoop1]

Although you are technically correct that NM cable(Romex) can be use permitted exposed, you are not NEC compliant in your install method. Article 334.15 EXPOSED WORK. In exposed work, except as provided in 300.11(A), cable shall be installed as specified in 334.15(A) through (C). (A) applies! 334.15(A)Cable shall closely follow the surface of the building finish roof running boards. You did not do this at least in the video. Article 300.11 SECURING AND SUPPORTING 300.11(A) SECURED IN PLACE. Raceways,cable assemblies, boxes, cabinets, and fittings shall be securely fastened in place. You did not show supporting the NM cable either. So, you are not in complete compliance with NEC. You are also showing electrical work being done by you that may or may not be legal if you do not get a permit and have inspected by AHJ. Your insurance company could deny a claim if you have an electrical fire. Especially since you put the evidence on KZbin. Respectfully, Kevin

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the info. The insurance argument doesn’t apply for DIY unless intentional arson.

[@KevinCoop1]

@@handydadtv It seems you are correct on the homeowners insurance. Thank you for clarification.

[@farmerdave7965]

Failure to use pigtails.

[@handydadtv]

Not required

[@farmerdave7965]

@@handydadtv Tell us what NEC says about neutral continuity when devices are removed.

[@handydadtv]

My 3-year-old house doesn’t use pigtails. You’re telling me they violated code?

[@KevinCoop1]

@@farmerdave7965 NEC says nothing about neutral continuity when a device is removed. It only requires it to the equipment ground conductors. Hence the reason he connected them together in the box.