HOW TO MOVE AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET UP THE WALL | Add an Outlet | Install Outlet for Wall Mounted TV

In this video I show you how to move an electrical outlet up the wall. This can be used for anything but in this case I am installing an outlet for my wall mounted tv.
Items and tools used in this installation:
Klein Multimeter Kit: amzn.to/2PL5cfj
Wire Strippers: amzn.to/321ic2R
Lineman Pliers: amzn.to/3dUolmY
Fish Sticks: amzn.to/3fY4TYX
Drywall Saw: amzn.to/3d7eICd
Oscillating Multi Tool: amzn.to/3mCT2kp
Stud Finder: amzn.to/3wISf69
15 Amp Tamper Resistant Outlet: Pick up at local home improvement store.
Carlon Old Work Box: Pickup at local home improvement store.
Ideal Wire Nuts: Pick up at local home improvement store based on size of wiring and number of wires.
Romex 14/2 wiring: amzn.to/3mBKytS
Thank you for watching and for subscribing. You can support the channel at no cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links. This helps support the channel for new content!
Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

[@Jeepenjk-km1ws]

I am a licensed Electrician in 3 states. I see only a couple things I would do beside what you did and that is use a tan or red wire nut just because you have more then 3 wires under the wire nut (I never use yellow ones). #2 I wrap tape around the Receptacle over the top of the screws after I screw all of the screws down even the ones you don't use this just makes sure the bare ground wire doesn't hit the hot wire or the brass screws. Other then that you did a great job.👍🏻🙂

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey David, I used yellow as it is #14 wire and the 4 wires is still within the manufacturers spec (Ideal) for the yellow wire nut. The tape in my area just is not used by the electricians. It is funny though because when I do these videos I typically send it to a few of my electrician friends around the country before I upload them, and they rarely fully agree on things like this. Always like to get their perspective. I certainly don't see anything wrong with using the tape though, I can see it's purpose. I appreciate the feedback!! Take care! 🙂

[@lboogiesmith483]

What kind of tape around the receptacle?

[@horrortreestories9503]

@@lboogiesmith483electrical tape.

[@johnnycrow2407]

Why couldn’t you put the wire from the upper receptacle on the spare lugs of one of the other two lower receptacles instead of using the splices to add another wire in each one.

[@timmathias3576]

Just use wagos

[@sonny323]

Finally a good video. Without getting dizzy. 1 camera on a stand. 1 guy using both his free hands with great explanation Thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad to hear that you liked it! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@jathniel_supbrothersheeh1610]

I have NEVER dealt with electrical work.....after watching this I feel super empowered/prepared and will apply the recently acquired knowledge to work! Thank you!

[@beeyatwo8ight58]

Be careful 😂

[@rhoonah5849]

Although thorough, this was a pretty basic video on a rather straightforward job so please be careful. There is infinitely more to learn about wiring.

[@DalyVideo]

Saw your video today and installed the outlet for our new tv and everything worked out great. I don't have a fish thing, but I was able to feed the new wire through the back of the lower outlet box right up along the stud and grabbed the wire from the new hole up top. Worked perfectly! Thanks so much for posting this!!!

[@markcorpuz2779]

Very thorough without talking too much like other instructional videos I've seen. Great job!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Not sure why I am just seeing this now but I am glad you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Mark!

[@rjrosa2438]

Thank you!!! None of the other videos showed this exact model! I really appreciate you making this video!

[@pierredouge105]

Thank you. This is exactly what I was looking to do with my current setup. Excellent explanation.

[@paulettelaberge-sexton4674]

Perfect instructions! I was able to move my outlet up a few feet after watching this video. FYI, I didn't need a fish stick for the short distance; the wire was rigid enough. Thank you!

[@kbrown6819]

That was a very good video tutorial for a non-electrical guy like myself. Appreciate the information.

[@joannothing]

Great video! As a new homeowner I've been adding new outlets to hide my security system and this video helped me a lot to understand how to run the wires. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rappingloon726]

I've always been super reluctant to try running wire. This takes some of the mystery away. I'll have to watch a few more. Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Absolutely! I totally understand. It is definitely an activity that deserves our full attention when doing it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Thomas! 😎

[@DS-zo8xs]

So glad to see pigtails on the outlets. Not enough people that do diy videos show that.

[@joshuagorrell9235]

This was so much better explained and shown than half the other videos I've seen on the issue

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey, thank you very much for the feedback! It is very helpful so I know what is helpful and liked by folks. Glad you liked it. Thank you again!

[@wazup3333]

@@HowToHomeDIY are you suppose to screw in the top box to the side of the stud? how did you attach the box to stud?

[@theoriginaldustbunny863]

he didn't attach it to the stud, the box type he installed has "wings" which get flipped out after he puts it in the hole and he continued screwing on those to snug the box up to the backside of the drywall. Next time you are in a hardware store look at the boxes for "old work" and you will see this on the back side. The "new work" boxes get nailed to the stud but he was in a finished area so he had no accessible stud to pound nails into @@wazup3333

[@LisleBrathwaite]

Outstanding!! So clean, precise and no fumbling around. My compliments, sir.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@etf1767]

Straightforward and very helpful. Thank you!

[@johngreene6414]

This is perfect for the project I am tackling ....great job on laying it our so simply.

[@stevenstevenson3351]

Thank you!! You're very detailed. God bless you!

[@adrainm9521]

You made this so understandable! Thank you so much!

[@stephanieoleszek2562]

Oh my goodness you're so awesome! My husband usually does this type of thing, but we just lost him suddenly so I am figuring things out as needed. Thank you so much! 🎉😊❤

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am so sorry to hear that. I am really glad to hear this was able to help you out. Thank you very much for the feedback Stephanie. Take care.

[@christophergrove7857]

Top notch. Well done. Thorough and concise. Thank you!

[@rayswayzee4705]

My man, super instructional! I appreciate you.

[@user-yy1bj1nj4g]

Short sweet explanation without lot of fluff. Thanks for doing this!

[@jnm.624]

How long by average does this take ? I don't want to start my project in the light of day & dark of night.

[@josiemartinez-rangel2224]

Great video 👏 👍 you explained it just perfect! Thanks

[@afreshablazed]

Easy to understand !! Marvelous instruction !

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Great! Glad you liked it! Thank you for the feedback.

[@ramonhughesq42]

Great video! I feel super empowered! Thank you!

[@sandarasun7171]

I think even I can do it myself. Thanks for sharing!

[@MrTylermonk]

Awesome video! Super easy explanation and exactly what I was looking for!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for the feedback!

[@ryandelaney4320]

❤

[@BrianDohertyPhotos]

Super helpful! Not sure why I was so stressed about it.

[@mardobombardo2971]

Thank you, great video, staying with code, good step by step

[@rosibelwolf]

Great step by step instructions. Thank for sharing.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! I am glad it was helpful. Thank you for the feedback!

[@EvA-oz8jf]

Great how to presentation. Very concise and easy to understand.!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am really glad to hear that you found it helpful! Thanks a lot for the feedback and kind words!

[@jazmin3775]

You made it so easy! Thank you for sharing!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! I am glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback Jennifer.

[@bobbysifuentes]

Thank you Adam! You saved me a few hundred dollars with this info! I’m so thankful for KZbin!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! You are welcome. Thanks a lot for the feedback Bobby!

[@killinitasaprofessional5514]

Very clear instruction. Thanks.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback!

[@patrickjames1080]

Thanks for keeping it simple!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You bet! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@michaelchabolla2563]

So helpful. Thanks!

[@DavidAlanTo23]

This video just helped me add my first outlet 😊

[@frankgustapo7209]

Thanks for the video, it came in handy.

[@timewhys5074]

Fantastic explanation. Thank you very much!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You're very welcome! Thank you for the feedback!

[@user-dj2qy7ge3s]

Thank you for this!

[@micheleroundtree9556]

Thanks! Great job explaining!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! I am really glad that you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Michele!

[@anthonywalters8809]

Great job! Thanks

[@tomlin6207]

Nice step by step instruction. Thank u

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@howardnudi960]

Very Good! Thanks.

[@lisaoconnor5139]

Really good instruction! Thx.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for the feedback!

[@GlenWinfield]

Great explanation and you made it look easy so going to try it myself

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback and good luck on the project Glen!

[@jasongonos6530]

Excellent video thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback!

[@Jc-fk5qq]

Great job 👏

[@transammanyep3075]

Thank you!!!! I have two Sonos speakers that i will do this method for

[@KBQuick81]

Yes it was very helpful! New subscriber.

[@lobo851]

Great video.

[@jasonodette8818]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!

[@yumikohamada9060]

Excelente video, fácil de entender. Thank you very much !!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am really glad to hear that you liked it. Thank you very much for the feedback!

[@jontrimble6874]

Pretty good video. Here's a tip that you'll find helpful. When working with old work boxes, always remove the ears on your receptacles and switches, as they'll snug down to the boxes. The old work boxes are designed to have the ears removed on the devices. This eliminates the small gap you can have when installing the cover plate.

[@slickwilly6868]

Couldn't he have just connected the new wires to screws on the bottom receptacles?

[@jontrimble6874]

​@slickwilly6868 The reason we use pigtails is so that if the device ever fails, all the downstream devices will continue to function.

[@waynegordon6385]

Man you made it sooo simple vs other videos

[@michaelrobert761]

Great video. Very easy to follow.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@rubencarrerou9506]

Thank you so much! God bless!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! God bless you too!

[@the1wiseguyy]

This is a great video. I am about to move an outlet today once i get the equipment. Thank for the video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Really glad to hear that you liked it. Good luck with the project and thank you for the feedback Alton!

[@darrindowell3773]

Exact thing I need to do for a new tv. I also prefer this over alternatives. Wish me luck!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You got it! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback.

[@pwest2986]

Great job!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@suegeoffroy4988]

Great teacher now ill try it

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you for the feedback Sue. Glad it was helpful!

[@dj_ramo]

Great video, thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome. Glad to hear you liked it! Thanks for the feedback Omar!

[@chriss4268]

GREAT JOB

[@juanmata5957]

Nice video, very helpful.. Thanks..

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@CHESTURCH]

Dude very helpful. You asked to comment and let you know. Lol well here's me letting you know! I love those old work boxes for this sh!t, makes it nice and easy

[@Wadson]

This video aged very well - Learning something new in Q3 of 2023!

[@TubeGym]

This was helpful I subscribed ❤

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@cb7963]

Excellent

[@josefasacothelordofbeats7623]

Wow real straight forward with the bs 🎉 love the video

[@lennyfreeman4447]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@sdtvmounts7955]

That was awesome

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you! I am glad you liked it!

[@josegomez7422]

thank you

[@leonpeterson5130]

Awesome and straightforward video. Question: is there a Max amount you can pigtail into one feed?

[@viviana5107]

Awesome

[@faradpack]

Thank you. Good video. I had seen one but this one is better. Now a question: I want to also add a third outlet to the very top of wall for a camera for example… Should I A- take a new piggy connection from the back of the TV? Or B. Add a third line to the bottom out let piggy

[@adadani]

This was super helpful. How can I tell what gauge wire I need?

[@cdb989]

Ok ok I’m convinced I can do this, it’s pretty basic.

[@jam92es]

Thanks! Very straight forward and easy to follow. Could you run into an issue of tying too many outlets to one circuit though? For example if you plugged things into all 6 outlets?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

There is no limit to how many outlets can be put on a circuit. However, what is important is knowing what your amp draw is going to be on the circuit from what will be plugged in and used and whether or not the wiring, outlets, and breaker are capable of handling it.

[@jam92es]

@@HowToHomeDIY I guess if you don't know this info, would you be better off "moving" the existing outlet up the wall rather than adding a brand new one? That way it's harder to overload the circuit as the number of outlets hasn't increased?

[@rajapushkarna]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge. One question is how to find which wire to use? Also, how to find out the amp rating of the socket?

[@KellyGardin]

Great video. When can you come over?

[@christopherc8324]

Great video. Did all my wiring, but now converting garage to living space. I need to do this 3X for kitchen counter outlets...any issues with 3 relocations on one circuit? Don't think so, but can't hurt to ask .

[@Chasebaseball100]

great tutorial. How do I know which gauge wire to buy?

[@mrsd6allnatural]

Yes, I agree with the others. This clear, to the point and shown well. I feel better about trying this. However, I want to know will there be any limitations with what is ran from these three outlets? Thank you

[@JuanHernandez-ub3ez]

Max 15 amps with that wire size so probably not good for washing machine

[@progression_decibel]

Great video - this takes some of the worry away on how to run a new outlet from existing ones! One related question - when running new Romex (like shown in this video) or using one of the "pre-fab" in-wall wiring kits like Legrand, Sanus, etc., is it code/acceptable to leave the Romex "dangling" inside the wall cavity without stapling it to a stud like you would do in new-work?

[@McGehe]

I actually came to this video to find out myself. Surely it has to be stapled X amount of inches away from where the Romex will go into the new box?

[@maggiemoosuperglue]

Hey, love the video. Question: how do the wires separate? (See 4:40-4:45) Are the white/black/ground all bundled together within the white cable?

[@pittysmom]

Thanks so much for the clear explanation! I am just moving an outlet up the wall and not leaving the bottom one. But would this not be mostly the same technique?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

The short answer is yes as I’m assuming you are going to use the original receptacle box as a junction box. I’m not sure exactly what you mean by not leaving the bottom one. Do you mean the receptacle or you want to remove the box completely? If you remove the box completely then new wiring would need to be run from the box or panel that comes before the box you want to remove and then take the wiring past there to the point you want the new location of the receptacle. If you are leaving the box for the current receptacle and using it as a junction box, then it cannot be removed and has to be accessible. It can’t be covered by sheetrock or anything permanent but you could screw on a blank box cover. I hope all of that makes sense.

[@MylesEngel]

Any tips on how to do this exact job but when there’s a fire block between your bottom plug-in and where you want the top plug-in?

[@FernandoRodriguez-ds5ri]

What if I want to completely cancel the old bottom outlet, can I just wire nut the new cable inside the old box then fish the new cable up the wall.

[@derpnerpwerp]

I know this isnt probably a huge deal, but I am in the middle of repairing a bunch of water damage to my floor and wall, and one of the things I read was that you want to avoid compressing insulation as it reduces its ability to insulate. I'm sure some slight compression has only a slight impact, but I think its relatively easy to cut out the i insulation where the box is going. So if it were me.. Id probably want to do that Edit: actually I read a little more about this and apparently compressed insulation actually has a higher r-value per inch, but the issue is you have less inches (thickness) so overall r-value goes down. So I guess if the insulation is compressed around the box, (assuming you havent pushed it in such a way to make a hole larger than the box itself) that is somewhat better than cutting it away.. and then theres a whole other discussion about trying to prevent cold air from entering around the box

[@ryandelaney4320]

I’m a journeyman plumber. I’m licensed in two, Two states. Chaya

[@marks4374]

Any time you extend a circuit and install an outlet it needs to be on AFCI protection. If you are looking to be code compliant.

[@Zeric1]

True in most rooms, depending on what version of the code they are adhering to. I've replaced some breakers with AFCI and plan to do more to improve safety. The whole darn house uses back stabbing on the outlets which increases the risk of arcing. Back stabbing connections should have never been allowed in NEC, terrible idea.

[@elihous]

Thank you very much for the video. Questions: what kinds of cable is the one we need to install , since you said 15 or 20 amp . And how do we know we have installed. Because you used the 3 prompt wire. Is it better to used the 15 amp instead of the 20 . Can you please ? Thanks for the video

[@EricTingler]

Hello, I know its been months but the way you know is looking at the braker that the outlet is wired to. For example: if breaker 9 cuts the power to the outlet that you are wanting to use to add another outlet take a look at the breaker. On the breaker it should say 15 or 20. Now you know if its a 15 or 20 amp! How that helped. Also, I am an armature, so make sure you are looking this stuff up to make sure I am correct.

[@mscrazycatlady75]

Can I use this same technique for a 220v outlet? Could use the appropriate wire and connect to a 220v outlet, drill a hole higher up, fish the wire and pull through the hole, then attach a junction box to the wall over the hole so that a wall oven can be hard wired?

[@ashleyhenderson687]

Hi!! How do you know what size wire you will need !?

[@chriskfla]

Nice video! What happens if one of the bottom outlets is controlled by a wall switch?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Then I would just connect it to the outlet that always has power going to it. If it is getting connected to a switched outlet then it is also going to be controlled by that switch.

[@jamezason]

Could you also have move the entire box up, instead of adding the additional one above? I assume most houses have the wiring dropping from the ceiling, as opposed to coming from the ground. But maybe that depends on what floor you’re on.

[@stevenreitz8438]

Great video! Instead of connecting the new wire to the pigtails, could you just attach new wires directly to the other set of screws on the old outlet?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You could, but in my opinion it is not as advantageous.

[@thomaspote7467]

I'm not an electrician, BUT, "...new wires directly to the other set of screws on the old outlet..." is not code. I believe pigtails are code.

[@rubencarrerou9506]

Nice job, but what about the tv wires, cable, etc! You will still have to hide them right? How do you do that?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Ruben! I personally will not have that issue as I will only have a fire stick on the tv that is going there. But if someone has a dvd player or console for instance down below on an entertainment center, then one of the kits I talked about in the video would need to be used to conceal them. There is a exterior concealment kit for wires that goes on the outside of the wall and can be painted if you want and then there is the kit that a hole is cut up by the tv and a hole down where you would want the wires to be, some plastic inserts are installed in the holes, and then the wires run underneath of the drywall. That kit can be used for low voltage wires such as hdmi cables, coax, etc. just not power cables. That would probably be the route I would go because nothing could be seen. I hope this answered your question! Good question by the way.

[@drbobjohnson812]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thanks for video, I was also thinking about the low volt cables while I was watching the video, so yes a good question. The time you are adding the power receptacle outlet is the best time to pass the rest of the low volt wires. When I use fire stick or Roku I hard wire them with Ethernet cable. Also if it is a smart TV I would use ethernet as well, just put in a two gang behind tv, and use the second gang opening for the other wires. Also at the original outlet box likely would need to change the lower one to a 3 gang. Or at least add a low volt single gang mounting bracket. Even if you don't think you need low volt wires, fish an extra an wire or string and just leave it there in case you want to add them later. I ran several low volt wires when I set one up. I use over the air tv so I also ran a coax cable. I also have an optical cable from TV to Surround sound receiver and an HDMI for DVD. If you connect tv to a computer then also an VGA or DVI

[@tvmountingpro4345]

👍👍👍

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thanks! 🙂

[@stephenpittman3341]

What if I want the top outlet to be double outlets. Do I do pigtails in the top outlet?