Adding An Outlet To An Existing Circuit Diagram

Wiring diagram for dual outlets.

Adding an outlet to an existing circuit diagram.

When an outlet receptacle falls in the middle of a circuit run rather than at the end there are generally two cables in the outlet box. Verify that no power is present in the circuit. As you can see from this scenario adding a receptacle or outlet to an existing circuit requires you to take into consideration the existing wiring to the circuit and particularly the load that will be placed on the circuit. Arrangements are included to use an existing receptacle circuit or lights and switch circuits as the source for a new wall outlet.

Wiring an outlet to a switch loop. Test the same outlet for absence of power using the tester. The source is at the outlet and a switch loop is added to a new switch. Watch the video to learn how to add a new outlet to an existing run.

Here 3 wire cable is run from a double pole circuit breaker providing an independent 120 volts to two sets of multiple outlets. Different wiring arrangements are included to allow for either the light or the switch to come first in the circuit. Hook up the outlet as you normally would. One cable is the incoming power source entering the box from one side while a second cable exits the box to continue onward to downstream locations on the circuit.

This wiring is commonly used in a 20 amp kitchen circuit where two appliance feeds are needed such as for a refrigerator and a microwave in the same location. Wiring a new outlet to another outlet. Once power is verified turn off the electrical power to the wiring circuit. This wiring diagram illustrates adding wiring for a light switch to control an existing wall outlet.

I m going to walk you through tapping a circuit and installing a gfci outlet in a w. To add an outlet to a light switch you start by making a pigtail using the hot wire the wire going to the fixture controlled by the switch and a third length of wire. To add a new outlet to a group of receptacles already in place splice the new wires to one set of wires on one of the existing outlets. Test an existing outlet on the circuit intended for the additional outlet using a 120 volt tester.

There are diagrams for adding lights to a ceiling fixture you already have and for using an existing wall outlet as the source for a new switch and light. The hot source wire is removed from the receptacle and spliced to the red wire running to the switch. Adding a new electrical outlet to an existing run is a straightforward process. Here we have an ideal situation the drywall on one side of the wall has been removed and the wiring is exposed.

For general purpose circuits you are only allowed 12 outlets on a 15 amp circuit and 16 on a 20 amp circuit.