How To Install Rough In Electricity In A New Construction House - Beginners Guide To Electrical

In this video I will show you how to install rough in electricity in a new construction house. This is how to do wire a new construction house for beginners. I go over the 6-12 rule for receptacle or outlet code. Roughing in house for electricity is something that will be inspected so be to follow your local electrical codes.
🟡 Check out my Amazon store! 👉 www.amazon.com/shop/theexcell... . Here you will find tools and supplies used in my videos. (DISCLAIMER- I am an Amazon affiliate. I get a small commission that help support the channel at no extra cost to you)
My Electrical Supplies amzn.to/3yEplFy
Wire Strippers amzn.to/3e6jq2U
My Tool Belt Setup amzn.to/32kmcyz
Tool Belt amzn.to/3E4v1Kc
Hammer amzn.to/3E8kldp
Tape Measure amzn.to/3J68hNx
Speed Square amzn.to/3J0cPoF
Chalk Box amzn.to/3p9ziYv
Utility Knife amzn.to/3ecJPM9
🔴 Subscribe for more DIY tips to save a TON of money: kzbin.info...
Timestamps
Intro: 00:00
Switch Height: 01:09
Switch Location: 02:05
Saddle Box Installation For Ceiling Fan: 02:38
Installing Outlets Using The 6-12 Rule: 06:30
Outlet Box Height: 09:28
Outlet Box Installation: 10:06
How To Drill Holes For Electrical Wires: 10:20
How To Use A Right Angled Drill: 11:13
How To Use Wire Staples: 13:09
2 Wire VS 3 Wire Explained: 13:45
How To Jump Power From A Switch To A Receptacle: 14:14
How To Pull Wire Thought A Corner With Ease: 14:55
How To Tie Together Wires For Outlets In A Series: 15:33
How To Make A Home Run To A Panel Box: 17:56
Break Down Of The Room Wiring: 19:27
Disclaimer: This video is all based on my personal opinion and is for entertainment purposes ONLY. I am not a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, tax advisor, electrician, plumber, housing contractor, designer, or any type of profession to give advice. I am just a consumer sharing my experiences and research. If you do need knowledge for those types of things, I will advise you to seek help for those professionals.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Have you heard of this 6-12 rule? See timestamps below... Intro: 00:00 Switch Height: 01:09 Switch Location: 02:05 Saddle Box Installation For Ceiling Fan: 02:38 Installing Outlets Using The 6-12 Rule: 06:30 Outlet Box Height: 09:28 Outlet Box Installation: 10:06 How To Drill Holes For Electrical Wires: 10:20 How To Use A Right Angled Drill: 11:13 How To Use Wire Staples: 13:09 2 Wire VS 3 Wire Explained: 13:45 How To Jump Power From A Switch To A Receptacle: 14:14 How To Pull Wire Thought A Corner With Ease: 14:55 How To Tie Together Wires For Outlets In A Series: 15:33 How To Make A Home Run To A Panel Box: 17:56 Break Down Of The Room Wiring: 19:27

[@jthompson1026]

Thanks for the breakdown with timestamps. Very useful!

[@charlietube7165]

We need excellent and cheap labour

[@jodydadds3908]

Static nawmatic

[@darthvader232003]

I enjoy watching the difference between the US & Australian wiring setups, here in AU we have all power & lights set on diffent circuit breakers, for power usually it's broken up into 2 halves, one half of the house is on 1 circuit breaker & the other half on another

[@orion0587]

So is it minimum of 6ft and max of 12ft or does it have to be 6ft? Kinda confusing explanation

[@ethanwiard1861]

I followed your videos after my contractor building my house bailed on me. Installed all of my own electrical and passed my inspection on the first try, from wiring my meter base to my breaker box. I’m 23 and started building my house right after turning 22. You saved me thousands and taught my a great skill to have! Thanks man, will be continuing to follow you and watch your videos! Never been more proud of myself for this achievement!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Congratulations Ethan on your success! I remember building my first house and it was so rewarding to look at the house and know I did that. I wish you well on your future endeavors! Thank you for watching!

[@Christopher-oi9jo]

🧢

[@JGLuxe]

@@Christopher-oi9jo Why do you call cap? It's not as hard as you think it is. We're building a 2 story ADU right now in my backyard and I've been keeping track of everything, I used to think it was super difficult, but paying attention and watching videos you start to realize it really isn't.

[@igbonnigga]

ethanwiard Iame whlteboy

[@iva00005]

How did you pass inspection of your not a qualified electrician? Or did you find someone to sign off your work?

[@MrSouthofBoston]

New sub here. When I was young I worked as an electrician's apprentice with my family’s business in Boston. I can’t tell you how many times I got zapped. I was told that maybe being in the family business was not for me. I thought about being a plumber but I would have drowned. I decided to find a career that didn't require using my brain. I became a cop for 37 years 😂

[@hunterbelinda99]

Lol! Thanks for your service. And being a cop requires using your brain more than anything now days, so you did put it to good use. Salute to you!

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Belinda, Mr. South was trying to pull our legs!

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

😅😅

[@zacharykorbet9690]

​@@hunterbelinda99 I beg to differ . for the record brain surgeons exist. I don't know I think you have to have a bigger brain to become a brain surgeon then to become a cop. What are your thoughts now

[@deerzywinz5625]

It takes longer to become an electrician then it does to be a cop

[@ElronHumpperdink]

It’s 4/27/24 now and I started 4/22/24 Went from numerous jobs to a lumberyard for 7 months and then the company I did shirts for in the past heard me talking electrical and said they were getting into it. Took a step out on faith and so far the electrical and construction learning has been so fulfilling and interesting. I remember watching this video over a year or so ago and now I’m watching it again saying “wow, I’m actually doing this stuff now, I did that… and that, that makes sense now!” God is good. Go for it, I don’t regret it at all.

[@jhontellez4765]

Dude I don't subscribe easily at all, and you deserve it. Takes balls to do this kinds of videos specially with so many pros outhere hating on you for showing the little guys that it's not rocket science and with some research it could be done. I personally appreciate you very much, thank for this video.

[@WhiteFox011]

You give a whole new meaning to the words,"COMMON SENSE", AND YOU PRESENT YOUR VIDEOS WITH A BIT OF HUMOR. if i WERE BUILDING new house I would call you!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Your comment means a lot to me Jeffory! I’ll try to keep my videos simple and easy to understand. I’m thankful for viewers like you that appreciate it. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@n2jve1989]

A simple method that I use is make up a dummy stick with your height of your boxes and where you want t to drill for the Romex and start marking away. Saves alot of time of measuring each stud. Mike Niverville, N.Y.

[@jonanderson5137]

Dummy stick/story stick for switch locations, hammer handle for outlets.

[@nesticles8029]

@@jonanderson5137what if you have a short hammer

[@goodwillcriminals117]

I am in the same boat you are. I can do almost anything on a house. I am a big fan of jigs. It speeds up the process of install and prep install. I just have two boards cut at 18 and 24 inches. This way you just set it on the ground and mark for outlet and punch holes. Another trick my grampa told me was to set your hammer on the ground vertically. The outlet goes in right above the top. Hold your hammer and use the flat side of the head to drive in the nails. Its faster. Another thing to remember is to label your wires at the main box so you know where each string goes out to. Individual room runs are a good practice. One for the fridge, DW, W&D, Disposal and anything that you would want to isolate if repairs are needed. Always wrap 2 rings of electrical tape around the outlets before installing them into the boxes. It protects the connections.

[@thomjackson6611]

Thank you so much for posting this. You are a saint in a time where corporate greed is soullessly exploiting people left and right.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m thankful to be able to help people using video. Thanks for watching!

[@stevenmiller820]

As a master electrician it's good to see someone trying to help out people who are trying to learn. You seem like you'd be a good electrician, you should try to get into your local vocational electrical program, it would be worth your effort and time.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Steven! One day I probably will do that. I appreciate your encouraging words. Thanks a lot for watching my videos. Happy holidays!

[@liltigerhd4645]

What’s the best thing for an inexperienced electrician 🤔

[@stevenmiller820]

@@liltigerhd4645 its not a simple thing, but odds right now are you could most likely be able to find an electrical contractor who needs help. This is a trade with never enough good workers. Go for it, learn something new and exciting!

[@stephenmccarthy3553]

Yeah, I said a similar statement above. His delivery is clear and concise. Definitely a good teacher. And a real treat for an apprentice to work under I bet.

[@bryanherincx3844]

@@stevenmiller820 do you think there’s a shortage of electricans?

[@chriscallor1378]

I truly appreciae the video, it answered all my lingering questions. I'm also doing my own drywall with an 8' ceiling. Here's a tip, set the switch height 48 1/2" from the ceiling. The top sheet clears the switch and can be hung fast, the bottom cut starts at the edge.

[@dennisprior2083]

Im an architect working on my own cottage project with limited funds. I always shied away from doing anything when it came to electrical. You gave me the courage to attack this on my own and save a ton of money in the process. Your videos are clear and concise and very much appreciated! Thanks!

[@videoblazers]

Just amazing video. Thanks for showing very clearly the wiring process. Going to try the same tomorrow based on this video!

[@blairway6163]

Hey Josh, I just want to say thank you for all of the home reno education and knowledge that you have been sharing with everyone. I’ve learned a lot from your videos and wanted to let you know that what you’re doing is amazing and greatly appreciated! Take care my man and I’ll be watching. Sincerely, Blair

[@igbonnigga]

blairway Iame whlteboy

[@DapperDameTV]

You have one of the best channels on here you built your own house and took us pretty much thru the whole process

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Dapper Dame! My goal of this channel was to do “how to” videos of the process. I’m glad you are finding value in it! Be sure to stay tuned!

[@symcardnel1741]

Amen... this dude is pretty unreal. Humble, educated in the school of hard knocks, and an excellent teacher. Selfishly, I hope HGTV does NOT steal him. Last but not least... I can NOT believe he only has a 100k subs and hope it gets to a 1 mil soon!

[@fussguss3011]

Excellent video with all the bits of information others might assume everyone knows! Glad I kept poking around and came across yours. ⚡️🔌

[@stevehoang5289]

Very clear explanation about residential wiring, I think I've learned a few things from your video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences.

[@donaldmusic6274]

Great job of giving a detailed description of everything. Much appreciated

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

No problem 👍

[@MrBlackops0524]

Just came across your panel wiring video and kept watching some more. I come from minimal industrial electrical experience and I’m starting some home renovations so these are helping me understand home wiring so much more. Keep it up! Looking forward to more videos and will make sure to recommend your videos to anyone I know that needs to learn more about home wiring!!

[@igbonnigga]

Mrblackops Iame whlteboy

[@aaudain1]

I love all your channels so clearly explain no loud music playing in the background no distraction and you take your time and teaches step by step so yes I love all your video channel very helpful tips

[@JSmithsvideo]

Well Done! very precise, to the point, and covered all the bases I look forward to watching the rest of your videos. Thanks

[@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961]

Great video. These comments I am making is just to help people not in a demeaning way. Drywall hangers like the switch boxes 4 ft middle of the box and all the wires jackets stripped and all the wires pushed way back in the box (bottom of hammer handle) so their router does not cut the wires. If that does happen you need to have slack (extra) wire to be able to pull out. My electrician lays out wall box heights utilizing a story pole time saver. A bit of wire slack is nice to leave with in the 6inch first staple just in case. They have green wire nuts with a hole on the top of the nut so the ground can stick out maybe a time saver vs the copper sleeve you used. I am also not an electrician.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for the tips!

[@TCB2023.]

I love the green wire nuts. I used to make my own, cut the tips off.

[@jonathansirmons7932]

That greenie ends up taking way longer when you have to string 4 switches and you don't have a long enough ground.

[@oleersoy6547]

I love the additional points about door swing etc!! Awesome channel!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you!

[@johnrolando8836]

I did a major remodel of my home. Your videos on electrical were very helpful! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.🙏👍

[@yankeelivininthesouth1167]

I can not tell you how much you have helped me and how thankful I am that I found your channel. Thank you sooooooo much!! I am building a tiny house.

[@GillesTanguay]

I say it again, your videos are gold for me! You rock 🤘🏻

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That’s awesome to know! I’m glad you can find my videos helpful. Good luck on your project!

[@T.E.P.]

fantastic info Josh! and love the time stamps. Epic video well done man! 31.6k subs up in less than a week. Excellent!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I noticed on my long videos that chapters help with navigating all of the information easily. So timestamps will be used on my longer videos from now on. Thanks a lot Thor for the motivation!

[@fauxden]

Thank you! Just finished wiring my new home and passed rough in inspection, no problems. 🎉

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Congratulations! Glad I could help!

[@DiscOutpost]

That was an excellent run through. Thank you.

[@kevinwilson9278]

I like your channel, because as an investor you add clarity to the process. I am now able to ask educated questions when discussing a project with my contractors. Thanks!!

[@miltonjasso5843]

OUTSTANDING 👍🏼 !!! Thank you for your time and effort this is just great !!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Milton!

[@kasiehill7937]

You did a great job explaining . Thank you so much !

[@sku11gaming51]

Im currently learning how to do electrical work since I’ve joined mommy families company. These videos help a lot and I further understand the more complicated processes of roughing a house

[@aidenellis2304]

I am an electrician. You’re doing more receptacles than you need, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, just adds cost. I copied your example and did it myself. It’s total unbroken wall length around the whole room, so that room gets all the lengths added together and you divide by 12. You only need 5 receptacles for that room. But again, that’s minimum, so your extra 2 is fine. Also, the thing about using 12/2 for the receptacles instead of 14/2 is definitely unnecessary. You did acknowledge that it’s overkill, but that’s an expensive overkill! 14/2 already allows more than enough voltage and amperage for anything you’d plug into a typical receptacle. Hope this helps!

[@InfoOnly2U]

14/2 is trash 😂. They should stop making it. 15amps can barely handle a room with multiple things going on.

[@aidenellis2304]

@@InfoOnly2U you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. Show some evidence and facts if you have that strong of an opinion.

[@InfoOnly2U]

@@aidenellis2304 I'm an electrician and 100% of trip breakers and the receptacle that go bad are 15amp. Rarely have problems out of anything 20amp. Hell most of the electrical fires are from the 15amp wire guarantee with in the next couple of years they'll phase it out completely. Have several customers who turn on vacuum and boom breaker trip.

[@electricaf365]

@@InfoOnly2U 🤣

[@electricaf365]

The wire gauge has nothing to do with voltage

[@Gzus]

I'm preparing to wire a new addition I had installed in December and this video was VERY helpful! I understood that a wall >24" needed a receptacle and there couldn't be more than 12' between receptacles, but I didn't know that there needed to be a box within 6' of a corner. Thank you SO much for taking the time to educate us on this topic! I really appreciate it!!

[@igbonnigga]

k i II

[@Lisa-hj9xs]

​@@igbonniggawhy you seem to have problems with people wanting knowledge and appreciating it?

[@mlgrif]

Great video. This will help anyone that afraid to do it yourself. Will watch all your videos

[@KRJohnst]

Hi Josh! Thank you for making these videos. I am finishing my basement and you have helped tremendously with electrical rough-in. I was hoping to watch the video that follows this one detailing how to finish hooking up the fan/light switch and continued power to the outlets. Have you made that video already? Thanks again!

[@cvkl7895]

I will probably never be in the situation of a DIY of this scale, but I'm going to learn it anyways.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for watching!

[@jakeriffle6719]

Even learning how to wire an unfinished basement is a nice thing to know.

[@jaymacias321]

I just wanted to thank you for the detailed video you did on installing a circuit breaker panel box. As a electical student, it really helps to see your class lessons in real life practice. It helps take the nerves out of your first time at attempting the project. I also appreciate how you emphasize neatness in your work. Great quality to pass on especially for those working in construction sites. It is definetely a quality that gets noticed. Thanx so much

[@igbonnigga]

jaymacias Iame whlteboy

[@igbonnigga]

k i II

[@igbonnigga]

yoseIf

[@karlwilliams6626]

This is a great video and it’s exactly what I was looking for.

[@yoij-ov3sd]

Those tips about installing the light switch on the door knob side are great!

[@AlfordLau]

Thank you for explaining so painstakingly simple and in plain layman language. You are an excellent teacher.

[@ericramirez2303]

Your a good man, I’m currently going to a trade school, due to covid there was a lot of shortages with supplies but thankfully I was able to learn a lot and your videos help me with so many things, I have a produce only background so I’m fortunate To be able to learn my dream at a fast pace and you make it that much better. Thank you sir.

[@nelsoncaraballo9446]

WOW! Great video! You explained the 6/12 a lot easier than the electrical class I'm taking. Also like that you do measuring tape. Not all of us can run out and get the laser. BIG plus on using 12/2. Your correct on loads. You can put a 15 or 20 amps outlets on it.

[@GurmandeepSingh-sw2om]

Awesome explanation sir

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks and welcome

[@jamesmchugo9422]

Good video. A couple things though… about the wiring and slack. At the receptacle boxes give yourself an extra foot or so loop so it there is ever damage to the wire at or in the box, there will be extra wire to correct it without having to rewrite the circuit. Also, about the wire anchors, most beginners have no idea that wire should be lose, have the ability to move under the anchor and have a little give in the run of the wire. Maybe I missed it, but I don’t think you covered it. The anchor is to keep the wire from getting pinched between the studs and drywall, and any place the wire is tight to stud and pulled too tight when making corners or running he circuit it’s a potential hot spot, a short in the making. Otherwise, a good video.

[@haydenjohnson1520]

Yes you should always leave your wires 6 inches from the exit of the box.

[@missffinley]

Thank you for sharing the additional information.

[@TreyWK]

@@haydenjohnson1520 Code calls for 3" inside of the Box and 3" outside of the Box. But as an electrician I always like a little more for maintenance.

[@haydenjohnson1520]

@@TreyWK I’ve always cut it out from the length of the back of my hand.

[@meganw6007]

@@TreyWK How does that work for 12 gauge wire, small boxes, thin walls (3"!!) and thicker GFCI outlets or "smart" switches? I ran into that with my house (old work) where the boxes were tiny, the 12 gauge wire was hard to bend back into the box, and getting the kitchen to have GFCI protection was so difficult, as was trying to get any "smart" stuff put in, since nothing fit easily and the wires were so beefy to push back in. Any thoughts other than just getting bigger boxes (shallow work boxes are the only solution I've found)?

[@dcportmess4380]

Great video Josh! I wired my own garage last year and did it similar to how you did it this room. Two things I did different though. Number one thing was I used a chalk line to mark the studs across the wall where the holes need a drill for the wires. The second thing was I used a old hammer that was 16 inches tall to mark the bottom of the receptacle box so I did not have to measure the height each time. I watched your other electrical videos and they were very insightful. I also subscribed to you a while back. Cheers!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for your tip! I will mention this comment in my next video. I appreciate you subscribing a watching my content!

[@kzvnq]

I'm going to do the same with my dad's garage/shed. Im renovating it into a bedroom since my room inside my house is small so garage is an option. Just need to learn how to do the electrical part which I'm new too. I would hire an electrician to do it, but I already have the tools and equipment to do it! The rest of the process I'm alright with. Hope this turns out good.

[@alexrosembert562]

@@TheExcellentLaborer I would like to know what the different btw 1 year / 4 years in school..

[@DaysDX]

good ideas! A chalk line and just using whatever as a consistent measurement for height.

[@stevemcarthur7721]

@@TheExcellentLaborer Very informative videos, much appreciated. Saw a tip to cut the home run wire at 45 degrees so you always could identify, and make sure you actually ran the power to the switch

[@samanthavannest9893]

Thank you so much for the video. very easy to understand and thorough. my first time doing rough electrical and i am very confident after this specific video.

[@yogibeer9319]

This helps me a lot! Thanks! I’m gonna put them metal plates over the stud too just in front of the hole the wires run through so I don’t drive a nail or screw through the wire later after the drywall is up.

[@atb2003]

NEC 300.4(A) requires nail plates to be used where the bore or wire running through the stud cannot maintain 1 1/4” depth. Otherwise I really enjoyed your video, good to see how someone else does it. Thank you.

[@armyfazer1410]

Thanks! I had been looking for that reference!

[@coolhluke8089]

I've done a lot of adding outlets putting in ceiling lights or bathroom fans but wiring a whole house seemed overwhelming. You made this so simplified that I have complete confidence now. Thank you

[@igbonnigga]

coolhluke Iame whlteboy

[@igbonnigga]

k i II

[@igbonnigga]

yoseIf

[@cypsteel]

I love your passion and clarity in your videos Josh. You have had me as a subscriber for awhile and I am also in the process of building my house. I would caution everyone here on the crimp sleeves as shown in the video. I did that for the first two rooms before I figured out that's not the way you're supposed to use them. There is a special 4 way tool that is supposed to be used instead of crimping with lineman's pliers. I would check your packaging if you want to avoid problems with a picky inspector.

[@timothymetzler7715]

I just went thru and wired my fathers new house well new remodeling and I am not a licensed electrician nor have I went to school but KZbin definitely helped me along and I am learning a lot more from you

[@jaimedpcaus1]

Really good and straight forward. 👌 I like the fact that you didn't talk to much and went right into the job. The work will speak for itself. This is s best no nonsense basic tutorial, thank you.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I do try to keep my videos very easy for people to understand. I appreciate your comment Jaime!

[@mitch5601]

Excellent tutorial, thank you for sharing.

[@Ramherrera]

These are money saving skill for real! thank you man! keep up the good work!

[@GabrielOliveiraeng]

Top demais! Acompanhando aqui do Brasil! 🔰

[@mikimiki195]

Video was ok Your not leaving enough slack for future services

[@domhamai]

I have the same wire strippers as a network engineer, can confirm they are very good. Great range of gauge on then too.

[@Raptor-hv7zu]

As new apprentice to the industry thank you so much this helps a lot please keep up the good work much love ❤🙏🇦🇺❤️

[@elmerlopez185]

Soy electricista en guatemala. Veo los accesorios que uds tienen y me alegro mucho de poder apreciar sus mejoras en este hermoso trabajo. Adelante al éxito.

[@chejvasquez5202]

Pura paja vos patojo coche 😹😹

[@xchino0427]

​@@chejvasquez5202this nigga 😂

[@dollmm23]

You are a great instructor, and I'm sure you would also be a great electrician ( you are already). Just get your license and become an "oficial" electrician. Thank you SOOO much for this tutorial and the links. I'll try to wire my new cabin referring to this video and following what you do. God bless.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. Good luck with your project!

[@igbonnigga]

dollmm Iame whltegirI

[@noahbrewster8263]

Thank you, Josh!!

[@jamarcox7203]

Thank you for you work I’m planning on going to school to be an electrician since I bought my first and your video really help being a beginner and all so thank you again 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@montyhaskett9392]

Nice video! Pro tip: If you put your wire on a spindle (Like a pipe) and let it spool off it is much easier than trying to pull it from the center so you wont have to "straiten it".

[@symcardnel1741]

How do you keep the roll of wire from "unspooling" from the spindle/pipe, while your up on a ladder 20 feet away?

[@montyhaskett9392]

@@symcardnel1741 I am not sure I understand the question. Example: Use a couple of the drilled holed ya got in the studs, stick a small dowel or pipe thru a couple of them to create a spindle with your wire spool and pull wire as you need. It will not unspool unless you pull on it.

[@pbbelk4136]

also at 10:22 another cool trick take your hammer and place it upside down up against the stud you want a receptacle box on and set the box bottom on top of where the end of the hammer handle ends and that’s roughly 16”👍🏻👍🏻

[@focused0002]

This video is thoroughly amazing!

[@gregorylyon1004]

In Michigan you can only use 14/2 wire for indoor lighting. All receptacles for plug in have to be 12/2 or better wire

[@MikeThompson-eq2qe]

Just thought I would give some experience as to the distance of the staple. Outside of code requirements for your local municipalities I suggest at the "J" box (WALL OUTLET) leave a 6-8 in. lead below the staple bent in a hooked pattern in the stud wall. This will allow for any wire shortages in the outlet box as time passes you will have 6-8 in. of surplus wire in the wall. because sometimes things don't work out the way we hope. That little bit of extra wire is not going to break your budget and in the long run may save you a ton of hassle.

[@igbonnigga]

Mikethompson Iame whlteboy

[@plumbbuild6517]

Easy tip is to make ajig for your wire to spin on and attach it between two studs and it will pull out straight and Easy without struggling with trying to un coil by hand. That's the way I've been doing it and it works great.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That’s a good idea! I have done that with wire on a spool. Never with Romex. I might have to rig something up. That’s one thing I love about having this channel is hearing what everyone else does. Thanks a lot!

[@TrueCrimeQueen]

I love your content! Be safe out there everyone 💜💜💜💜

[@lv7603]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You are a great instructor.

[@jameymatheny3092]

It used to be that bedrooms had two circuits. One 15A for lights + ceiling fan One 20A for outlets. The theory being that if something plugged into an outlet tripped the breaker, then the lights still worked so you could safely make it out of a dark room to go reset the breaker. And with the new code requiring Arc Fault CB's, I'm inclined more than ever to have two circuits because the AF breakers have a reputation of nuisance trips.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

In my location it is OK to put the lighting and receptacles on the same circuit for a bedroom. Garage, laundry room, kitchen, and bathrooms have to be separate circuits for lighting and receptacles. Hope that helps!

[@yomamaswatch4559]

Yessssssssir 🤟🏻

[@diegojones2481]

I would have to agree with Jamey. Lighting and receptacles are usually ran on separate circuits. Often lighting circuits are ran on 15a breakers and 14ga wire in residential. Outlets are commonly ran on 12 ga wire 20a breakers. It is not uncommon to see 14 ga wire used on receptacles and a 15a breaker..

[@elmerlopez185]

Yo hago dos circuitos mejor

[@jamesboardwine9746]

I'm in the HVAC trade but I like the 2 circuits with a smoke detector for rough in the bedrooms. Just makes sense to me.

[@TotalBraj]

I dislike saddle-boxes because they make it easier for drywallers to hit your wire with their rotozip. I only use them if a slider-box won’t fit in the center. You can measure from the edges of the door, inspectors will refer to this as a wall-break. All four walls of a room are viewed as one continuous wall. The next outlet can be 12’ from the previous outlet. I also prefer to fold the ground wires to the bottom-left corner before crimping, because it gives you more wire to work with later. That also keeps the grounds next to the neutral terminals, and away from the hot terminals. Switches can be at a maximum of 48”, for disabled persons and children. They are also best when installed next to doorknobs, when appropriate. Good looking romex though! I like using the same wire de-spooling method as you, except for homeruns. If you really throw it around it’ll look super slick, and it makes you feel like a cowboy.

[@TotalBraj]

Inspectors also require electricians to use cable stackers for more than two pieces of romex. All grounds are required to be bonded as well. Folding wires more deeply into your boxes will help you to prevent having to rerun wire after the Sheetrock is up.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Yep I use wire stackers too. I love them! They are way better than trying to staple multiple wires! Thanks for watching!

[@grantbuchanan2953]

Good clear instructions !!!!!! Nice job !!!!

[@bostonzebra35]

Excellent explanations, thank you very much.

[@techdave05]

For the 6-12 rule, you measure wall space going around corners also. Example: From your door to the corner, it's 4', you have another 2' before you must have a recept.

[@techdave05]

For the ground, if you're going to use the crimp ring, DO NOT cut the ground short. Leave one of the wires extra long then place the crimp towards the end, then fold it into the box. I've had to deal with that far too often replacing outlets/ boxes. Best thing to do is wire nut with a pigtail. They have green wire nuts with a hole in end specifically for grounds.

[@jeffreykbevins7116]

I have been doing electrical work for almost 38 yrs and I don't use the crimp rings, because I have seen them loosen up over time and not have a good solid ground or where that people have used them and just crimped them on the ground wires and never twisted them together any . I always use the green wire nuts with a hole in the end and make it up like a pigtail . And I have seen so many people that cut their wires so short for the receptacles and switches . I always leave my wires 7 to 8 inches long or a little more and fold them into a S shape or circular shape or both ways sometimes in one box if it's a double, or triple for bigger box . And I always make up a pigtail for the black wires and the wires going to the receptacle and never run the power through a receptacle to go on to the next receptacle and I never use the little spring loaded holes in the back to just strip and push the wires end . I have seen to many receptacles where the wires got hot and burnt the receptacle from where the wires have been pushed into those holes . And I mostly only use the more heavier made commercial grade receptacles and switches and they actually have a clamp that you put the wires back in and tighten down on the wire, instead of just having a screw that you bend the wire around . I buy those better receptacles for $2.50 to $3.00 each, but the switches are a little more than that, but you get a lot better receptacles and switches . And I go ahead and make up all of my connections with pigtails, in the boxes and have the 1 white wire and the 1 black wire ready to fasten to the receptacle and then have all of the wires also ready to fasten to the switches and then the last receptacle on the circuit will just have 1 white wire and 1 black wire unless it maybe sends power on for a light or something and have everything folded or circled back in the boxes ready for the receptacles and switches to go in and I stuff a paper towel or two back in the boxes over the wires to keep mud and paint off of the wires ( before that the sheetrock ever goes up ) and then who ever is painting or me takes a shop vac and gets the dust and any mud trash out of boxes before that the painting is done and all you have to do is after all the painting is done, you just come back and put the receptacles and switches in cause the wires are already wired together and are all ready to fasten to the devices and put the covers on . I have found this is so much better before that the sheetrock goes up and is much cleaner on the newly painted walls about handprints and fingerprints or making bang marks by accident or scratch marks and so on around the boxes in the new paint . Another thing is that if you wire all your wires together before that the sheetrock goes up you can see all your wires as you are wiring them together and don't have to mark each wire with a marker or maybe mess up and wire a wire with the wrong wires or something . It just makes a much better, neater, cleaner job in the end .

[@LincolnLog]

@@jeffreykbevins7116 hi Jeffrey, thank you for the great tips. Could you buy chance let me know those better receptacles that you use?

[@purtnearperkins]

6x12 Rule just means you will never have an outlet where you need one in a room. For only a couple bucks I always double the number of outlets in a room so there is always one in a convenient place. 😁

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

More outlets the better! I agree it seems like they are never where you need them. Thanks for watching!

[@alecsithong]

This is great for beginners. Thanks!

[@rohmichael2894]

Very pleasant way of a presentation. It certainly did catch my attention. Nicely done!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Roh! I appreciate you commenting and watching the video!

[@jp9803]

Wire lighting and receptacles separate so if the outlet trips your not in the dark

[@meshedgears2794]

That was a pretty good video, but you used a utility knife on the Romex, that is a big no no. The razor sharp blade can inadvertently strip one of the live wires and when you energize the receptacle you could have a short. If the live wire is casing is cut, then as one of the below commenter noted you will not be able to make adjustments with the wire stretched tight. In the future you should be using a cable ripper. They are less than 10 bucks and faster than your utility knife method anyway and they are designed with a dull short cutter to avoid the issue I mentioned. -MG

[@electricaf365]

🤣🤣🤣 yea okay pal

[@meshedgears2794]

@@electricaf365 UG another troll

[@kattfranklin6933]

You are awesome! Wish I was as young and limber. God bless you

[@user-kn6sz8ji1j]

I have a background in electronics and I never did any house wiring. Thank you for the video and God Bless.

[@michaeleverest3487]

The problem with designing circuits this way is if you lose power in a room, you really lose all power in that room- receptacles and lighting. It is better to separate general use receptacles in a room between 2 different circuits, and have lighting on its own circuit as well. There's some guys that will wire one circuit power room, I hate when I see it, seems they're really thinking only of expense vs profit and not utilization. The NEC code is just a MINIMUM of what has to be done, you still have to take into consideration best practices and other factors beyond NEC code compliance.

[@electricaf365]

So three circuits per bedroom? 🤣🤣

[@michaeleverest3487]

@@electricaf365 read my comment again. You'll not find the word "per" or "per bedroom". Think.

[@jonanderson5137]

I just got my boss to start wiring outlets and lights separately. People tend to forget that while electrical isn't a mechanical system, it still gets worked on, remodels happen, troubleshooting is needed. If your margins are so close that you can't overbuild just a little bit, you need to look at where you're spending.

[@georgespangler1517]

Little short on your wires best to have atleast 6 inches predrude

[@hunterbelinda99]

I even watch all the adds. Actually, put down my notes as the ads were playing and shopped Freight Furniture. Lol! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this video and can't wait to watch the rest. I plan to KZbin my tiny house build and will reference you once we start the wiring process. Thanks again!

[@EckmanWealthManagement]

I really liked the way this guy got right to business.

[@mfill5043]

Very informative and entertaining!! Use a laser level instead of measuring every stud for height of boxes and holes. Not sure if they have in your area, try getting wire on a roll -its straight as you pull it out.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks M Fill! That’s a great idea to use a laser level. I need to get me one. I did not see the pull out wire but will keep my eye out for it.

[@techdave05]

Laser level takes too long to setup. We use our hammers as a story stick.

[@stephenmccarthy3553]

As an apprentice electrician I don't think the words how to wire a whole house and beginner should be used in the same sentence. I like watching your videos. You follow different codes than we follow up here, but your delivery and editing are spectacular... You don't leave anything out, so assuming you are a journeyman I feel comfortable referring to your videos when something slips my mind. But encouraging a beginner to wire a whole house seems like something every electrician I know would strongly recommend against. Just my two cents. No disrespect 🦄

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Stephen! I appreciate your honest comment. Your reasoning is understandable. I know I would have loved a video like this when I first learned how to wire a house. Take care!

[@avasmith33]

I’m a beginner but I get it. Familiar with how other stuff works which makes this easy

[@Lisa-hj9xs]

Lol. He has inspired me to do just that. And I can. And will.

[@ajmpatriot4899]

Great channel bud! I like your personality and there’s tons of great information! 👍

[@ajlincoln9963]

Good explanation. A good teacher!

[@spencerwyche2552]

Why not run 14/3,it's leas expensive and easier to work with?As far as removing the wire from the center of the roll,it's easier to roll it out from the outside and step on the wire as your waking it out.It keeps the wire flat.

[@sku32956]

That is the issue may be easier for the install but the owner of the house would like a beefy wire .

[@Nick-bh1fy]

Honestly when doing the work yourself the price difference between 14 and 12 is null after everything’s said and done so it makes sense especially if u plan to upgrade in the future

[@jasonsameasmydads6673]

if you are adding lights to a 20 amp circuit with 12 awg wire you have to use 12 awg for the lights also, if at any point in the circuit the wires are downgraded then you now have to only have a 15 amp circuit.

[@TCB2023.]

12/3 is 4 wires, ground is like the red headed stepchild everyone forgets about

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Lol so true! People can’t forget the red wire!

[@TwilightxKnight13]

That is certainly true, but since grounding is assumed, most in the industry only refer to the current carrying conductors. So a 14/3 would generally have a white, black, and red insulated wire and a bare copper grounding conductor. When you buy wiring it will generally say something to the effect of "14/3 with ground" not "14/4". You will rarely find any wiring that includes the ground in the #/# descriptor.

[@forestritchie6430]

Excellent video Sir. Starting my wiring and you're a wealth of knowledge with excellent teaching skills.

[@dawnmyers5166]

Thank you. I am a 60 year old female planning to build my 16x24 homestead myself and you explain that so can actually understand.

[@Lisa-hj9xs]

Yes ma'am. I am 61 yo female building a 30 x 16 for myself and my 3 furbabies. How did your build turnout. And any ideas on making room for bath, kitchen, bedrm and livingrm I 20x16. I have that much room almost complete on slab. Was gonna add on a 10x16 for bath and bedroom but am having major health issues and just don't know if I am able.

[@spencerwyche2552]

As far as your 6 ft. 12 rule,if you put a receptacle on every wall(assuming it's a small room)you will be just fine.If you have walls that extend more than 14 ft.,then you can always install 2 outlets on said wall.Try to make sure all outlets are aligned with the other outlets opposite each other.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

Correct. The 6-12 rule for homes built for sale is adequate. But for individually contracted homes, I'd be sure to inform the home owner that more is better. Two more per room (specifically office, living room and bedroom) in advance is better than wishing you had an outlet in another location.

[@glasshalffull2930]

When my place was being built back in the 1980s, I had the electrician install extra receptacles and phone jacks and even a run for a future jacuzzi and alarm system/sensors. Drywall wasn’t up and saved me lots of money in the long run. One thing I wish I had him do was put receptacles on either side of the master bedroom wall where the queen bed went. I hate crawling around trying to reach the plug that it covered by the head of the bed.

[@coolmonsgo4491]

Well informative ! I am new to the US. Just moving from the UK and wanted to learn a new DIY skill. Thanks for sharing! You’ve got a new sub buddy. Well done!

[@sixsixer1501]

I’m building off grid and this helped a lot

[@jasonpurvis8633]

Your “6-12” rule is a little off boss. But hey.. good vid

[@electricaf365]

Please explain