How To Wire Outlets In A Daisy Chain Wire Multiple Outlets Series Receptacle

If you have an outlet that you would like to use to power an additional outlet then that can be accomplished with a process called "daisy-chaining". This is also called “series” wiring. It's a great method that you can use to wire several outlets in a row.
You can either tap off of an existing outlet to add additional receptacles in a room or you can simply daisy chain to send power to an area of new construction such as an unfinished basement, garage, et cetera.
Please note that daisy chaining is different than wiring outlets in parallel.
To wire in daisy chain or series one connects the live and neutral wires directly to the receptacles; to wire in parallel one connects the live and natural wires to the receptacle by a pigtail.
Be sure you have the power turned off and follow your local code laws and proper safety procedures. You may also need to consult an electrician.
You'll Need:
Needle Nose Pliers
ebay.us/3RDyb2
Phillips Screwdriver
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Flat Screwdriver
ebay.us/aWEg8g
Wire Stripper
ebay.us/W6eqtT
Wire Nuts
ebay.us/wk8gas
Electric Tester
ebay.us/GpELt5
Light Switch
Check your local Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, Fleet Farm, Etc
Electrical Wire
Check your local Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, Fleet Farm, Etc
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[@HowToVideoChannel]

Needle Nose Pliers ebay.us/3RDyb2 Phillips Screwdriver ebay.us/z8GOzz Flat Screwdriver ebay.us/aWEg8g Wire Stripper ebay.us/W6eqtT Wire Nuts ebay.us/wk8gas Electric Tester ebay.us/GpELt5 Light Switch Check your local Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, Fleet Farm, Etc Electrical Wire Check your local Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, Fleet Farm, Etc

[@surferdude642]

Daisy chaining or using pigtails are allowed by code, pigtails are usually preferred in order to keep each receptacle independent. Both methods are wiring in parallel, there are no series circuits when wiring receptacles. Leaving twisted ground wires without a connecting device is not permitted. You would use a wire nut, push in, lever nut, or a crimping ferrule.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes, that is exactly right.

[@Nellopi22]

​@HowToVideoChannel Any Stranded wire videos!?! I have a 1920 home with stranded wiring only black and white no ground on the second floor receptacles that have NO power. Please any advice where to start??? And @tedsanderz5380 i just seen your comments on backyard marines channel lol your a busy one

[@surferdude642]

@@Nellopi22 Yeah, I'm retired and have plenty of time on my hands, lol. Tbh, I've never been an electrician, but have some diy electrical and remodeling projects and have been studying and practicing by doing mockups for a few years now. I find electrical theory and the actual work to be fascinating.

[@-0james0-]

Ok… thank you. I wired it w pigtails and was worried it wasn’t right. I’m pretty new to electrical. Thanks

[@robertgaines-tulsa]

I've never seen anyone just twist ground wires together without using a connector except in other countries with more haphazard electrical codes. In order for the ground to work properly, it needs a low impedance connection just like everything else.

[@franklong6269]

Superb video. Simple, down-to-earth, to-the-point, and informative. Thumbs up!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@casSthEcrowN]

One of the most clear cut and detailed (without too much detail) videos I’ve seen. Thank you sir!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobmoyotl]

Thank you so much! You described this so well, and easy to follow along.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You are so welcome!

[@hawgdawg556]

This is exactly what I was looking for, only a little tighter in scale. :-) As you stated, the wire could have been longer. But thank you. This is just what the doctor ordered.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad I could help!

[@orlandobey5168]

Thank you so much for sharing. Your direction and instructions were clear to the point!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@adilismit2822]

Very clear, just what I was looking for, thanks

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it helped!

[@beverlyhovey3916]

thanks for this.adding some outlets to bedroom and this is great

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Gary-kc6qf]

Perfect and simple instructions...just what I needed. Thank you.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RahulRathi_Multimedia]

Thanks! To the point and very simple!!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it helped!

[@alejandrosanin4739]

Thanks for sharing this helpful video. Greetings from 🍁Canada

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samymorocco5825]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏 so much for easy explanation ❤❤

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You are welcome 😊

[@cos4185]

Clear, concise and made perfect sense! Thank you!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robotinvasion]

Thanks a ton. I needed a refresher.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it helped!

[@ronswoodshack]

Thank you Sir!! Saved the day!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it helped!

[@janaviano152]

Thanks very useful instructions.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markshepherd8378]

Very clearly explained. Excellent!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-gl8rl9zr4h]

Hands On, I like it. Thank you!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad you like it!

[@Oscargarcia-pf1dd]

Thank you that's exactly what i needed to know

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimbola77]

thank you sir for sharing.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You bet!

[@ELincorregible770]

Muy bien explicado amigo. Mas claro ni el agua.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@matthewparker8643]

Perfect video

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad you think so!

[@user-gl8rl9zr4h]

THANK YOU!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You're welcome!

[@alanpamatz7697]

Thank you!👍

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You're welcome!

[@SonicWolfen]

Adding a comment for the sake of the algorithm. Thank you for the knowledge!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Thank you!

[@anghamrabwan9072]

Thank you I like it

[@HowToVideoChannel]

I'm glad you like it

[@bakarydiarra266]

Thanks

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You’re welcome!

[@bigdaddyDRE]

I have been looking for an easier way to do this thx

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Glad to help!

[@mv-db4463]

Pigtail = NO brainer (barring the LAST 2+ outlets if residing in the same gangue box): Pigtail is usually better because if ONE outlet fails (anywhere on the daisy chain) the electricity still feeds all the other outlets in the daisy chain either before or after the failed outlet.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Very true. The pig tail method is a great method.

[@crazaholic1968]

Thank you so much. Excellent video. I have an outlet where the top receptacle has power but the bottom one doesn’t. And the tester shows open hot. How do I fix it? The wire connections are solid, and nothing loose. Does it mean the nearby outlet connection might be loose so it’s not completing the circuit thereby the bottom receptacle on the first outiet not having power?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

I’d open it up and see where all the wires are going. Perhaps, re-wiring it with a new receptacle would solve the problem.

[@georgeryan9139]

You can use a pigtail nut for your ground wires or a crimp.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

True.

[@josephb9885]

Thanks for the great information. Is there a maximum number of receptacles you can put on a daisy chain line?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

There isn’t a specific number unless your local code has any rules. However, the more power you pull on a specific line the more likely a breaker could trip.

[@josephb9885]

@@HowToVideoChannel Great - Thank you for the reply!

[@emartinez6584]

Have you checked the temp difference between the last plug and the first plug , like maybe running a vacuum on the last plug and something like a tv on the first plug too see how hot the first plug gets ?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

No, but you could probably do so in your own house. Most bedrooms or offices are wired in a sequence.

[@TheDomKMB]

That’s illegal in Ontario, but now I know so thank you

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Usually “series” wiring is against code because it relies on something being plugged in to complete the circuit. Exactly like how old Christmas light strands didn’t work if one bulb was missing. That is series. “Parallel” wiring is usually allowed. This can either be accomplished by running the wires through each receptacle like a “daisy chain” or by using wire nuts and “pig tailing” to each receptacle. Wiring to each receptacle is usually done with GFI outlets. Whereas a bedroom would most likely be done using pig tails. That way if receptacle number 2 in the bedroom went out, receptacles 3, 4, 5, et cetera still have power.

[@jeremiahmcelroy2726]

One thing to point out is this is a parallel wiring... Idk what you mean about them "not liking parallels wiring". That's the standard in every home and it's exactly what you're doing right here. Series ran outlets aren't a thing. Daisy-Chaining /= series

[@HowToVideoChannel]

This is daisy chaining is similar to series wiring. Parallel is a different form of wiring than daisy chaining. Check out the video description for more information.

[@joemcgowan5372]

Do you have to upgrade the breaker as you add additional receptacles?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

It depends on how much load is on your breakers already.

[@seinundzeiten]

quick connect often comes out several years

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yeah, I really prefer wrapping the wire around the screw.

[@georgeryan9139]

In NY the more common way is pigtail all wires in the box.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes, that is a good way. Wiring in parallel. That way, if one receptacle fails it doesn’t turn off all of the rest of them down the line.

[@paulmayer1492]

would you wire this the same way if it was a 2 gang box instead of 2 seprate outlets?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

No, I’d wire nut jumper wires to each receptacle from the main incoming line.

[@danev6972]

Can you add a switch/outlet combo tapping into the last outlet run? Thx.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

As in you want to power a switch, or you want the switch to control the outlet?

[@alfonsoincorvaia2595]

Great video. I have a question, how can I determine which outlet would be the main power outlet when I may have 3 or 4 outlets daisy chained? Is there a way to determine which one is the main power outlet? Thank you.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

The only way would be to open them up and disconnect the wires to see how the current flows.

[@alfonsoincorvaia2595]

Thank you so much. I thought there might have been an easy way. Once again thank you Sir!@@HowToVideoChannel

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You’re very welcome!

[@travelaimer3138]

Question: what if I’m looking to add an outlet from outlet #1, which also has the daisy chain to outlet #2. I have a daisy chain as in this video..but I want to add power up to a tv outlet versus hanging a cord. Outlet #2 is too far/complicated to daisy chain off of.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes, you can do that. Check your state’s code to verify the correct method you can use or consult with an electrician in your area. Method 1: add two more wires to the top terminals on outlet #1 that lead to your TV outlet. Essentially, outlet #1 will be chaining to #2 and the TV outlet. Method 2: take two small wires and connect them to the top terminals. Then, connect the line wires for outlet #2 and the TV outlet to each small wire using wire nuts. Hot to hot, neutral to neutral. Essentially, you’ll be splitting the raising chain in 2 directions. Method 3: disconnect all of the wires from outlet #1. Take the wires leading to outlet #2, the load wires leading into outlet #1, the wires leading to the TV outlet, and 2 new small wires that you’ll connect to outlet #1 and tie them together with 2 wire nuts. Hots and neutrals. This method is known as pigtailing. Basically, you are sending a tail from the load wires to each of the outlets. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@gold-blooded]

Can I use this method if I’m hardwiring a security camera to my garage door motor outlet?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You could, but then if that outlet ever failed your camera would lose power.

[@SleepingGaint]

I’m looking to add just one new outlet, My outlays have 12 gauge wire, (yellow) I have some 14 gauge wire (white) in the shop. Can I use the 14? Or should I get some 12? Thanks

[@HowToVideoChannel]

I’d use 12 since that’s what is already there.

[@djshag]

What if there's two hot wires and only 1 positive. Believe there are two hot wires as its taking the power to the next outlet. Can I merge the two hot wires and insert them into one gold screw, or should I use one black wire to each gold screw and leave the white wire on the other side only in 1 screw?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

It depends on how the power is moving. If there are any additional receptacles, et cetera. However, you should be able to bundle the wires. You may also want to call a local electrician to explain the situation and see if they provide you with any advice.

[@Fish-please]

Thanks...now i know just enough to be dangerous 😅😅😅

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Better learn a little more then. :)

[@lotharhamburg5343]

🔥🔥🔥🥴

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Thanks

[@johncarrigan9352]

can you branch the first one in two different sockets, ie non linear chain

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes. You should be able to do that without an issue.

[@saveuel9715]

110.14 (B) states that: "conductors SHALL BE spliced or joined with splicing devices identified for the use" so the authority having jurisdiction will tell you that your ground does need to to have some sort of splicing device if you're adding a pigtail regardless of the fact that the ground is bare, the fact that it's being spliced automatically requires a splicing device. Obviously because the ground is one of the most crucial aspects of an electrical system and the splicing device ensures that it won't lose connection.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes, it’s a great trade practice to use a wire nut on the ground wires as well.

[@FueMalacai]

How would you add a switch next and then a light

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You mean use the outlet to power a light switch, then send that power to a light? First, check with your local code to be sure of what you can and cannot do. Run a hot line from the outlet to the off position of your light switch. Then run a line from the on position to the fixture. When the switch is turned on, the circuit will be completed and light the fixture. You may also want to check out some of the ‘switch’ videos on my channel.

[@briangibson9102]

I have two outlets that are daisy chained. I need to convert the first one to a single outlet for a wine wall that is being installed and we want to hide the plug. Can I just connect all the wires after removing the double outlet and just run/add a third/spliced wire down to the single outlet that I am going to install? The single plug only has one set of connectors unlike the double.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

That sounds like it should work. Be sure to check with a local electrician to see if there are any local code problems.

[@briangibson9102]

@@HowToVideoChannel Thank you for the reply. Just patching the hole now :)

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Awesome!

[@user-gl8rl9zr4h]

I have a dead GFCI outside next to the garage door. I want to replace it and add another GFCI inside the garage for a freezer. Adding a GFCI to a GFCI within a circuit that also runs into the house that supplies two outlets inside the home. Do you have a video?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

It would be very similar to this and it depends on how your existing receptacles are wired. If they are done in series or daisychain, then you can simply continue that to your new outlet for your freezer. If they are done in parallel, using the pigtail method, then you can simply pigtail a new line to send to your outlet for your freezer.

[@steveh2248]

Do not run gfi to freezer run a dedicated outlet. I lost 1000S due to gfi and freezer 😅😅😅😅😅

[@steveh2248]

AS A PLUMBER OF 35 YEARS U TUBE HAS CAUSED SOME PROBLEMS

[@markk5295]

When hooking up a daisy chain and one light in a bedroom. How would you do that

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Usually the light will have a different power source. A separate wire. If not, you will want to check with a local electrician to see if the state code allows you to pull power from outlets. To do it, you’d simply run an additional of romex from one of the outlet boxes to your light switch box. Then you can power the switch and fixture using that line. You’ll definitely want to pigtail the line to the light switch box rather than daisy chaining off of the outlet. That way, if the outlet fails, your light will retain power.

[@richardblanchard2743]

I wonder if there is a limit to how many receptacles can be chained together.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

It depends on your state’s code. However, the reality is that it depends on how much power you will use and whether or not that line will blow the breaker. A chain of outlets is kind of like multiple extension cords.

[@richardblanchard2743]

@@HowToVideoChannel The reason I ask this question is because all the current in the chain flows through the brass break off link between the top and bottom outlet. Brass has more resistance than copper and is it known how much current the little tab can handle or what tie voltage drop would be for each receptacle?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

That is a great point. If you are going to be creating a long chain of receptacles, then I would suggest using the pigtail method from the main line to each receptacle. Essentially, you would run your main line all the way around the room, and cut it where each outlet box would go. Then, you would pigtail and wire nut jumper wires to power each receptacle.

[@lancer525]

I've got a puzzler for you. (it's puzzling me, you might think it simple) I have one 14/2 coming from the panel, going to a single pole switch, operating a single led outdoor light. I want to add another switch off the same feed, coming from the first existing box, going to another switch (this one is lighted) for an interior light. Same feed, two different boxes 24" away from each other, two different switches, two different lights, each light operated by only one of the switches. How the heck to wire that one up? Thanks!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You’ll have to separate the power from the main line into 2 different lines. One for each fixture/switch combo. Use a pigtail from the main line to send power to the first fixture/switch with another pigtail sending power to the second fixture/switch. Hopefully, that main line is easily accessible in a switch or fixture box with enough room to do the pigtails.

[@twinkie3793]

my house is old so my outlets do not have a ground. So what would i do with the ground wire?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You may have metal boxes and conduit which would act as the ground.

[@milfordcubicle4127]

Can you do two j hooks on the ground?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

As in two wires connecting to the ground?

[@jaredrowberry1238]

How many outlets can I daisy before I really start losing power on each outlet.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

I would only do 1 room. So 10 outlets or less. There are other factors that play a role. What gauge wire, what amp outlets, et cetera. You may want to call a couple local electricians to gather some of their information as well.

[@nicholasravello5497]

How many times can this be done.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

I’d contact a local electrician and ask. They know the local electrical code.

[@brentjodrey5114]

can this be done not coming from a breaker , ill be using a generator

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes as long as there’s enough power. It’d be pretty similar to multiple extension cords.

[@kickha63]

When connecting the ground wire, instead of using a pigtail like you did, why can't you just attach both ground wires directly to the ground screw?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You can as long as they are secure.

[@Shedding]

what do I do if someone daisy chained my entire room? 5 outlets. I am trying to replace one with only one side of screws (2 screws instead of 4).

[@HowToVideoChannel]

When you remove one receptacle, make sure you put the new one in exactly as the old one came out.

[@Shedding]

@@HowToVideoChannel yeah, I would normally do that, but the new outlets only have 2 screws (the old ones have 2 screws on either side)

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Strange. Are there holes on the back for the wire to be inserted? Sometimes that is done in place of screws.

[@elainerussell924]

Would it be easy er to turn the power off ?😳

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Usually it is.

[@kybble]

Why is parallel looked down on?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Depends on the local codes. Sometimes always having the line hot isn’t considered to be safe. Also, depends on how they define parallel.

[@j.dragon651]

Why do they make the outlets so you cannot remove the screws?. You can only back them out so far.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

That way you won’t lose them.

[@j.dragon651]

@@HowToVideoChannel I am a machinist, I don't lose screws, I make screws.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Excellent

[@tedlahm5740]

Wired in parallel is the correct verbiage. This is still a parallel circuit. Otherwise it would not work. comment please

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Parallel is different from a daisy chain. Parallel would be pig tailing all of the wires in the box and then running a jumper to each receptacle. Daisy chain is running the line directly into and from each receptacle. Also known as “series” wiring. “To wire in series or daisy chain one connects the live and neutral wires directly to the receptacles; to wire in parallel one connects the live and natural wires to the receptacle by a pigtail.”

[@georgeryan9139]

The safer way is ground, neutral, hot.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Thank you!

[@ITzRobertoBRO]

What if my house/the room does not have a ground wire leading to the first outlet? 😅

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Hopefully, you have metal conduit and metal boxes. If so, they act as the ground.

[@draytonPW]

"Black on brass will save your ass."

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes

[@danielaruta8816]

Never make connections on a live circuit. Turn the power off at the service station panel.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Turning off the power is a safe idea.

[@earlparker2065]

😅

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Nice

[@jadoyon]

This video is wrong. These are not in series, this is still parallel - just using the terminal screws to make the connection. While potentially still in code, this is not the best way to do it as each receptacle is not independent. It is much better to make the wire connections independent and then have single wires coming off the connections feeding the outlets.

[@BitWalker]

Yes the connection should be separate. Use wire nuts or lever nuts to connect your wires then each set of wires connects to an outlet. That way if an outlet fails it doesn't affect the connections further down the chain.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

What you are describing is parallel wiring. The video is series wiring.

[@nxsmotorsports]

​@@HowToVideoChannelIf you severed the wire coming to the first outlet, the second outlet would fail to function. Parallel would allow them to function independently. You are correct and explained this well. Thanks for the video. This helped me!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Thank you for commenting and I’m glad the video helped you!

[@jeremiahmcelroy2726]

@@nxsmotorsports Yeah if you sever the wire. That doesn't make it not parallel. In series ran outlet you would run source hot -> outlet hot, outlet neutral -> next outlet hot, next outlet neutral -> source hot. This would make it so that the first outlet would need something plugged in to deliever power to the next outlet There is no such thing as series outlets in a home. Daisy-Chaining or running wires back to a junction box, both are a parrallel circuit. It's just does each outlet have it's own dedicated wire, or do they all take power off the same wire chain. Power from one outlet isn't passed through to the next outlet, it follows the wire back to the breakerbox.

[@user-zf1rd3nn6b]

Thank you , clear and concise!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You’re welcome!