How To Wire An Electrical Outlet - EASY Receptacle Wiring STEP BY STEP

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Do you call them outlets or receptacles? I placed timestamps below 👇 to help you navigate this video. Safety First 00:38 Receptacle details 00:55 How to remove the jacket/casing from wire 02:25 How to strip wires 03:11 How to make a wire hook using needle nose pliers 03:50 How to secure wires to a receptacle 04:58 How to secure a receptacle to an outlet box 06:43 How to install a receptacle cover 07:41 Outlets box with two wires 8:36 Outlet box with three wires 09:20 GFCI Receptacle wiring explained 10:16

[@SouthTexasRocker1]

Eo

[@danmumbere-lm8wf]

sap

[@DanielMartinez-rn2yf]

You are a great teacher I'm Hispanic and I still learning inglish,whit you I understand everything thanks Sir so much keep up the great work

[@icantthinkofaname6799]

I'm a 1st gen citizen in the U.S and Hispanic, I understand the struggle, you can do it👍🏾

[@Ambientes]

Órale

[@brayancueto420]

No hablo ingles fluido y le entendi cada oración. Impresionante jajaj

[@carolmason9386]

Excellent video. To the point, I also love how you repeated black to the gold and white to the silver. You saved me going back to double check myself.

[@davethomson1821]

I remember it as Black to Brass (B to B)

[@notfrm2006]

@@davethomson1821someone told me black people like gold chains, white people like silver chains, that’s how I remember 😂

[@PP-nh1lv]

The fact that you did this whole procedure whilst wearing those rubber gloves in itself is an accomplishment!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

This comment made me laugh. Thanks!

[@LG-ve9us]

yeah especially while installing that small receptacle cover screw... well done!

[@coldsteel50ae82]

Yeah cause those gloves are terrible. They stick to everything 🤣

[@teamdada2194]

6” not 10”.

[@BLD-sl4cm]

For real I want it to be extra safe so I grabbed rubberized garden gloves to do it and I pretty much immediately gave up on that cuz I was like I tested it with a multimeter it's not on

[@DavidGibson-et3dp]

Just wanted to thank you for all your post. You're a great teacher and helped me wire my finished basement.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You’re welcome, David! I’m glad you are finding my channel helpful. Stay tuned for more!

[@jeffcsr1972]

Man thanks to your video I was able to wire closet light to a wall outlet the right way. I truly appreciate your videos for us beginners.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Awesome! Congratulations on your installation. You’re welcome. I appreciate viewers like you that watch and comment on my videos. Good luck with your next project!

[@SimplySwankEducation]

I am using your videos for my homeschool, thanks a lot for having clear and kid-friendly content.

[@hulksmash9748]

It’s just refreshing watching videos like this

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad I could help!

[@aaabbb-fm5mn]

You are one of the best teachers and you keep every thing so simple and easy to learn from your directions. You successfully make people over come their fears and doubts of taking on a project. In fact your video are so helpful and good, that I didn't have to look at any other videos . I have many more compliments accept my 4 months son keeps trying to take the phone from my hands, lol😂. Keep up the great work and thanks for your easy to learn from videos.

[@johnmartin4332]

In my opinion, you have the best home improvement channel on youtube. Very good explanations that are easy to follow! Keep 'em coming!!!!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey John! Your comment means a lot to me and I really appreciate you taking time to tell me that. I mean it!

[@johnmartin4332]

@@TheExcellentLaborer Live in NC and recently closed in screen porch and have begun to wire inside and then finish it with shiplap. Your wiring suggestions have really helped me.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That’s awesome! I hope one day I can do a screened in porch video too. I’ve been wiring houses for years. Since I was a teenager! Actually like doing. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Fantastic video. Literally covered the three main types of outlet situations.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I try to keep the video says thorough as possible. Thanks for watching!

[@stevemcarthur7721]

To ensure breakers have not been mislabeled, check for power on the outlet to be worked on, then throw the breaker and check that the outlet now has no power.

[@Bankhead49]

We’ll done. One thing I would add would be to screw the empty terminal in all the way so it’s not sticking out. That’s the way I was taught. I doesn’t seem like a big deal but every small safety precaution adds up and one day it could be the difference.

[@dianeruiz0721]

Excellent job my friend! My son-in-law and nephews are all electricians and licensed. This is exactly how he showed me to do this procedure and you demonstrated it beautifully! You have a new subscriber!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for subscribing and watching. I’m glad you enjoyed the video Diane. Take care!

[@samgonzalez1447]

Great video thanks!🙏

[@floridagirl386]

No offense but if you have sons & nephews they can lend a hand to dear old auntie! Instead of show you how to do it.

[@michaelboyle9512]

Josh buddy, I always end up on your channel looking for the info I need. Why didn't I come here first... I just put in a task description in the search and it led me to not what I needed. Thanks man. After 4 videos of wasted time I can friggin get this done.

[@OwdeeTeeTee]

Thank you for the great info. I have enough electrical experience to be confident in doing the job but its always nice to be re assured. I also learned about the wire length slot and the tabs. All i have done is replace existing outlet plugs and dimmer switches so that was all taken care of, but when i decide to tackle the next wiring project i can use this info. Thank you

[@EMFSafetyZone]

Perfect, just what I was looking for! Thank you

[@CivilianDan]

Thank you again. I finally learned what those metal breakaway tabs are in between the top and bottom of the outlet. Makes sense now. Thank you for showing the multiple wiring varieties in separate boxes. Very appreciative of your lessons.

[@My2ndtimearound]

Excellent instructions and great dexterity while wearing rubber gloves. My hands aren’t that nimble, I admire the guy.

[@victoriaorozco3263]

Your way of explaining and going in to detail on your videos is great I'm remodeling a 5th wheel slowly but surely good job.

[@applypressure9193]

Got a new subscriber here second year electrician at the age of 37 best thing I did was join this trade and your videos help a lot

[@nc6552]

I’m from the show me State I called it an outlet and you’re straight to the point very helpful. Thank you.

[@Sandra-qs1mi]

My comment concerns the tabs at 2:08. I'm an elderly woman and just finished replacing outlets in my son's recently purchased home. The outlet at the front window, I took one of the tabs out. This allows for him to flip the switch at the front door as he enters his house for the floor lamp to come on which is several feet away. Then he can flip the switch to go upstairs for bed without crossing the room to turn the lamp off. I didn't remove the tab for the other outlet so that it would always be on allowing for him to use his vacuum cleaner as needed without dealing with the switch. He's very happy. Thought you might like an example.

[@joequinn3056]

At 9:20 u might wanna explain why all them wires are in the box in the 1st place because I had alot of ppl ask me why I need all them wires to install 1 outlet! I understand that other outlets/lights are being powered from another outlet/light! Not all ppl get that! BTW Love the channel!!!

[@joshockert]

This was great! So many of these videos are worthless but yours is awesome.

[@abirmuhtadi1788]

thank you for turning the background music down. great explanation!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome. I’m glad I can help. Take care!

[@megangarey7468]

This is amazing. I am currently wiring for solar and this made it super easy to understand!!

[@beckery2]

You've got multiple views by me because I've had to refer to the video for my own safety and I could never thank you enough

[@nunyabidness9257]

Thanks for making this video, I’m wiring my solar powered cabin and am doing the receptacles now. Will definitely subscribe because your video was well explained and clear.

[@brendanbischoff6898]

Wired one today with both hot and neutral on the silver screws. Woops. Silly HVAC guy 😂 Thanks man lol

[@TheKRISPYKREMEMAN]

Youre smart as all get out bro keep it going. Enjoy your content thoroughly. God bless you and prosper!

[@joaquinvaldez9473]

Your videos make me feel like the real Bob the builder! Absolutely great and to the point thanks brother 🙏 👍

[@carrangil]

Use of a square #1 bit helps tightening screws without slippage. Game changer for me.

[@More1TM]

Thanks, man! for this real good "how to for dummiez" ! Recommend this video!

[@WMLor-gz2un]

Thanks for the details about the outlet, I am an electrical dummy, I appreciated it

[@barbersuperstar1]

Recent subscriber, your videos are very user-friendly and approachable. Question, im going to be adding a wall dividing the master bedroom. One side has a light switch, the other will not. When adding the light switch powered by a outlet, when you turn off the light will it turn off the outlets?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Adrian! A light switch powered by an outlet will not turn that outlet on and off. It will only control the light. Hope that helps!

[@jacquanallison9601]

Thanks for your videos I really do get a lot out of them . Can you do something on installing different dimmer switches .

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks! I can do that sometime. I appreciate you watching!

[@justinryanmusic7204]

Great videos! Quick to the point but great explanations. Thanks so much! I’m the GC on my family’s house build right now and I really think I could at least help my electrician out a lot after watching your videos. It’ll speed things up and maybe save me some money.

[@davidruiz5383]

First, great video, I am learning from you Question: what happens if black wire is connected on gold terminal on bottom while white wire is connected on top, of different side of outlet. Thanks

[@sargentnocap1414]

They can be on either screw just make sure black is on gold and white is on silver.

[@Johnthedagger]

Am getting ready to wire our new outbuilding (24x36) and between mini splits, propane heaters, switches, lighting, outlets, and cameras, it gets confusing. Have been through many of the "experts" on KZbin but your channel is easily the best on electrical work and greatly appreciate the well filmed, easy to understand, and comprehensive looks at the various projects DIYers might encounter. Keep it up👍

[@guyindesert]

Another great video 👍. We cut the plugs at the bed wall leaving half as constant power the other half can be switched for like night stand lights /lamps

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Joshua! That’s a good idea. I could understand using it for that reason. Never really thought about doing that. Thanks a lot for your input! Thanks a lot for watching as well!

[@billybrown6330]

Should have tightened the two unused terminal screws on the receptacle and made the wiring much shorter. Some Cities require that the receptacle be taped to cover the connections.

[@watavuemountain481]

Awesome as always brother!! We appreciate your step-by-step more than you know. I use your videos constantly as a reference as we build our tiny cabin. And we always have called them Outlets!!!! Thanx again, Be Safe!!

[@drewborgholthaus2010]

Do you have any videos on how to run wires and add electrical outlets in an already finished house? My garage has 1 outlet in the ceiling and 1 outlet on the wall and that’s it, I’m looking at adding another outlet and also wondering if that’s something I need a permit for if I’m simply adding it to an already existing circuit.

[@rajthegamer4099]

wow thanks so much for this addition to beginning of my electrical studies😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@JohnONeill-z5b]

Bro- I love these videos 🥳 can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to your channel for reference, incredibly helpful information and perfectly explained 🍾🙌🏽

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That just made my day. Thanks a lot man! I made these videos to be as helpful as they can be for people. I hope your projects are going well. Take care!

[@beckery2]

Renovating a home and I could never thank you enough for your information! I watched multiple KZbin videos but did not feel comfortable doing this until i found your post! You explain well succinctly which i greatly appreciate! Thank you again and yes i subscribed with all the bells! You rock!

[@wendylaudone2449]

My husband and I are building our house and your videos have been really helpful. Simple and easy to follow. Question: Why do you use all 12/2 or 12/3. Why don't you use any 14 wire?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Wendy! Honestly we use all 12 wire for simplicity sake. I just buy about six rolls of 12/2 wire when I start a house and just start rolling with it. I don’t have to stop and grab different gauge wire. I know it cost more to do that but it’s just what I prefer. 12 wire for everything is overkill but I would rather have ever killed and under kills. I appreciate you watching! Good luck on your build!

[@surferdude642]

Some electricians recommend having separate circuits for receptacles and switches. 14 gauge for switches, light's and fans, and 12 gauge for everything else. It's not a bad design strategy rather than strictly by room and location. I would use 12 gauge throughout though, because the cost difference would be negligible in the grand scheme. If you ever wanted to add a receptacle down the road, you can get power from a switch box. For most cases switch boxes are required to have a capped neutral wire available.

[@HardHeadMilitary]

@@surferdude642 we use all 12, and run outlet home runs per room, and usually 2-3 lighting sections. Say a 2000sqft home with upstairs, all LED lighting. Downstairs 2 lighting circuits (right side and left side), separate circuit upstairs

[@SG-zh5xd]

@@HardHeadMilitary I did the same thing

[@TomCee53]

While 14 ga is code, many electricians & inspectors prefer 12 ga on new installs to provide for expansion.

[@walter992]

Great info. One very important item to mention with a GFI is it MUST be the first outlet in the series to provide protection to all the other outlets. Great videos.

[@Carlos-sy7cv]

Beginner here. Can you explain?

[@Painfulwhale360]

@@Carlos-sy7cvbecause if the GFI outlet at the beginning of the circuit is tripped then it would turn off power to all the other outlets that follow after it.

[@MrTooTechnical]

Great vid. I always like pigtails and always tape the around the perimeter of the plug for ultimate safety. Plastic boxes or not, I still tape. Woohoo. Thanks.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for watching Dave!

[@kdavidsmith1]

Thank you for this video. It helped me install a new outlet.

[@duanesgarage6294]

My father used to say black and brass both start with B. Easy way to remember. I still hear him saying that to me, every time I do some wiring.

[@famskills]

I used to wire homes. The guys who taught me said "Black to brass to save your ass" and I never forgot it since a few decades ago.

[@zzoinks]

Is it possible that somebody installing the wiring mixed up the black and white when wiring to hot and neutral? In other words don't trust the colors

[@davidbierley7444]

Awesome. Straight and to the point.

[@LazielNaevalas]

Thank you for the knowledge, do you have a video on three ways and four ways?

[@johnny.9879]

Thanks for making this video and sharing the knowledge you have, nice and simple break down to follow and grasp 👍

[@decoy2494]

Upside down or ground up usually means that outlet is connected to a light switch

[@devinroxbury6414]

8:40 In this case do we need to take out the tabs on the back of the outlet that connect the 2 outlets?

[@zzoinks]

Your instructions are great. A question, is it a good idea to test for electrical current before working in the box because what if you turn off the wrong circuit breaker or it's just not properly breaking a circuit.

[@williamsantoyo6132]

Thank you so much man this is gonna help me out a lot at work

[@geraldnichols1853]

thanks for these great videos. Im currently wiring my cabin in northern Wisconsin and its a nice refresher course on wiring.

[@merrydang8055]

Thank you great explanations did 3 of them and 2 more too go!!!! Thanks again

[@paulciley3727]

I was taught the upside down outlets are your half-hots in residential. Power broken by wall switch. I don’t think it’s in the NEC. More of a convenience for the homeowner to know what outlet they can plug a lamp in to and what that mysterious wall switch does that doesn’t seem to go to anything. We always wired the half-hot to the lower outlet on the recep, to leave room for another appliance that may have a transformer integrated into the plug.

[@teambillco]

Thanks, I just installed an outlet for my refrigerator.

[@RM12110]

Thanks brother you saved me over 10K

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Awesome! It’s always nice to know you save money by using your own two hands. I’m glad I can help!

[@huskydigital]

RECEPTALE: According to the NEC, a receptacle is “a contact device installed at the outlet for connection of an attachment plug.” In other words, a receptacle is a type of outlet. A receptacle is a device that you can plug something into to power that device. In other words, a receptacle receives the plug, just like a trash receptacle receives trash. Glad to see you using the screws and not the push-in points, much better connection. I see wires in (push-in points) that run hot when under heavy loads, to point of insulation melting/burning off, leaving bare wires, waiting to short or arc! I usually (when running my own new wiring) will use 12-gauge for my 15-AMP receptacle not 14-gauge, just to have the extra current protection. Breaker will trip long before wire is damaged.

[@superiorpeninsula]

I've watched several of your great videos but still have some questions. If you begin with the gfci outlet, do the rest of the outlets not have to be gfci? Can they all be gfci?

[@surferdude642]

Yes and yes. If your first receptacle on the circuit is a GFCI, the rest of them (regular receptacles) will be protected if the wires come from the Load. They can all be GFCI if only the Line connections are used. The latter doesn't really make sense, because you can accomplish the same thing by using just one GFCI at the beginning, so it's really a waste of money.

[@abbyscholz6740]

Can you explain more about separating the plugs? I have one socket under my sink and right now it’s tied to garbage disposal switch. I’d like to use bottom socket for my motion sensor sink faucet…would that enable it?

[@LG-ve9us]

you would need to run a separate circuit to the bottom socket for that to be code, the GD should be on it's own circuit but can share a circuit with the dishwasher... but if you remove the tabs on the receptacle you could run another wire from the switch box to the bottom socket to make them independent of each other and that would work for what you need. just removing the tabs on the receptacle does nothing but disconnect it from power unless you run another power source to the bottom socket.

[@lavonpegram5969]

Have a blessed day!

[@showtime95667]

Great info! Do GFI also need to be TR(tamper resistant) ? Thanks

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome. In my jurisdiction every outlet must be tamper resistant. That includes the GFI’s. Hope that helps!

[@im2yys4u81]

Section 406.12 of the 2020 NEC requires the installation of tamper resistant receptacles pretty much everywhere (including the GFI). The exceptions are so few that it's easier to just go ahead and install them even where they aren't required.

[@maciste1968]

Great video for beginners. Thank you

[@daidegoat]

at 8:36 You should always pigtail a receptacle. If one uses the two terminal screws instead and the receptacle fails, the all devices on the load side will lose power. If pigtails are used, only that one device will fail while the others will remain operative.

[@daidegoat]

@Hb no it doesn't. Even if it did, one needs to take the time to do the job properly

[@poundermonster]

Great video! I have a finished wall with an outlet that’s the main circuit. That outlet is already wired to other outlets going to the left direction of my finished wall. I need to install one outlet going right of the main circuit outlet and I’m looking to get the power from the main outlet I just mentioned, can I add and screw the new outlet going right on the same screws of the outlets going to the left?

[@jefferycampbell4161]

Excellent explanations and demos. Thank you!

[@LucreciayHerber]

Im a minor and just swapped out a old outlet with a modern one and it took 20 mins but it works :D Edit: I also turned off the breaker for safety and wore gloves with rubber thats on the palm and fingers. well it covers it with rubber

[@openmind763]

Thank you Josh! Great presentation!

[@carlcapello9956]

It looks all good to me so, I think I would buy all of them and have a good collection when I need them.

[@michaelgould5167]

I was taught that installing a receptacle upside down indicated it was powered by a light switch. Usually where a nightstand by the bed would be.

[@JeffSG71]

Thank you !!! Great instruction!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome. Thanks for the compliment! Good luck on your project!

[@robertshade8631]

Josh good video.How can I tell if a house has been switched over from knob to tubing wiring to modern codes?

[@ThePreparedCitizen.]

Great video, when wiring outlets in a circuit as shown in your second example, does it matter which terminal each positive or neutral go to? I mean as far as what direction the current flows. Or is matching the colors the only thing you have to worry about? Thanx!

[@lynnspurlock7398]

Hey Josh you don't have to use gfi outlets if you the gfi breakers correct?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Correct! Starting from the breaker the whole circuit will be GFCI protected. I hope that helps!

[@lynnspurlock7398]

Absolutely thank you!

[@raes6829]

If you place the white wire on the top one, do you place the black wire also on the top one? Does it matter?

[@josetenorio3731]

Great info...it seems like I get the best how to info from ur channel than any other one's...but I'm getting confused on the neutral wires...when do u just put a wire nut n tuck them into the box or wire directly to the outlet...or does it even matter...maybe u can do a video on this ...ty

[@christopherbrooks4978]

Can you use the other terminals to jump from that outlet your installing to power a switch. Then wire ceiling fan to that switch? Thanks bro

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

This video I made can help you kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3aacohphMureNk . Hope it helps!

[@izzeddinkurdi-abojad5957]

I like precise people. You did a great job.

[@0Mr0President0]

Thanks man

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome !

[@Woaw_69]

When I moved into a new apartment my landlord it’s really willing to help so I had to replace almost all my outlets/fix them

[@jimmy5540]

If you don’t have a pair of cutters to strip the wire you can always use the outlet to do so, the 45 angles at the top and bottom of the outlet are there for putting your wire in it and it will strip it

[@carlcapello9956]

Have you ever worked with the new waco connectors? They are better than the wire nuts and easier to handle and connect the wires.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I have not. A lot of people have suggested them and I will try them out for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@stevenevangelist5221]

​@@TheExcellentLaborermake sure wago clamps are electric tape wrapped. Clamps have come undone during installation. Wires have come loose.

[@reneelelahrn]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!! Keep up the great videos.😁

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks a lot for watching! I will keep the videos coming!

[@SomeIsBest]

I'm in an old house. 1962? I'm moving an outlet, and I noticed oy the hot and neutral were hooked up. No ground. Should I wire the new outlet the same? Why did they not use the ground? Is it ground somewhere else?

[@sargentnocap1414]

If the wire thats in the box has no ground, use a gfci outlet instead of a regular one.

[@robdavis4209]

Good instruction Josh. Did I miss crimping of ground wires together? Thank you. @8:49 mark.

[@edgararcega3046]

8:36 what is the purpose of two 12/2 in a outlet box? I was planning on running a romex off my outlet to install a outlet up above for my TV but I saw there were 2 sets of wires in the current receptacle and now i feel things have got more complicated for me

[@Renatousa17]

Thank you very much, this video helped me a lot.

[@lcook0825]

Very well explained. Thanks.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that Larry. You are welcome!

[@thomasloganart]

Why are there 2 or even three 12-2 Romex wired to the same outlet? Thanks 🙏🏼 for the video.

[@Homelesskateboards]

Thank you so much this video explains it all !!

[@paganpoetprophet6441]

Good instructional video ,, I always learn in your class .thank you

[@edabbas]

Thank you brother

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@steved8563]

We also usually wrap a few bands of electrical tape around the outlet terminals just as an added bit of safety for incase someone changes the plates or someting just as a buffer over the terminals etc....