Add Outlet To Wall? Leave it to the Professionals

We have some good news if you’re searching online for how to “add outlet to wall.” Your search ends here at Prairie Electric in Vancouver, Washington!

There are a couple of reasons for that.

First, we are the electrical contracting experts for the greater Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon area. That expertise has been built up over many decades of stellar work and superior customer service.

Second, the process of adding an outlet to a wall is fairly straightforward. You’re just a few seconds away from a solution.

However, we must add this disclaimer. If you are not an expert yourself, then you should call Prairie Electric right away. We’ll do the job for you in no time. You won’t have to worry about any of the dangers inherent in the broad world of electrical work.

For those of you who are expert DIYers, read on. Everybody else? Contact Prairie Electric for all your electrical contracting needs — for the home, office, and utility/public spaces.

Adding an Outlet to a Wall: A Broad Overview

Those of you who are still here have surely read the disclaimer above. But in case you didn’t: This type of job should only be performed by certified electricians.

The content here is merely for general informational and entertainment purposes. It’s fascinating stuff, this electrical work. That’s why we like to share broad overviews like this with our blog’s readers who are not experts.

Installations of this type can get complicated, depending on a number of factors, including the setting or location. A licensed electrician can install a new outlet with no problem. They can also perform the other duties of adding an outlet to a wall.

IMPORTANT if you rent or are part of a townhome or condo association. Confirm that you’re permitted to perform this type of outlet box work in the unit.

Tools/Materials

Drill, wire stripper, jigsaw, screwdriver, pencil, voltage tester, drywall knife, pliers (lineman and needlenose), electrical tape

Cost

Should be less than $100 but depends on your specific material needs.

Time

Somewhere between 30 minutes and a couple of hours, depending on proficiency and comfort level.

Steps (Reminder: This is a general overview of the process. Consult an expert.)

• First, turn off power to the wall or section at the electrical panel. Use a no-contact voltage tester to ensure that the power is off.
• Next, find the proper location. Outlets should attach to wall studs. Make sure there is no plumbing or other mechanical things behind the wall at that location.
• Then, determine how best to power the outlet — either from the breaker box or an existing box outlet location.
• Up next: Drill hole to enable the installation of the electrical box. Trace an outline where you want the outlet to be. Use the tracing to cut through the drywall, using whatever tool is powerful enough for the job.
• Run your electrical wires from the holes in the new outlet to the electrical panel or other outlets. Wire your new receptacle first and then connect the new wire to the existing wires circuit.
• Remember your basic wiring principles. Three conductor wires (black, white, copper). Brass screws (attaching the hot conductors), silver screws (for grounded or neutral wire conductors), and green screw (for equipment ground conductor). White wires attach to silver screws; black wires to brass; and then the ground wire.
• Next: Attach your box to the wall. Install the outlet cover plate.
• Turn the power back on and test the new outlet.

Prairie Electric

Contact Prairie Electric for all your electrical contracting needs. We have a large team of electricians, and we can help you with any project.

We were named the 2018 Subcontractor of the Year by The Daily Journal of Commerce. And we’re proud of our work in the community. Our expertise extends across multiple projects. We’ve done electrical work on schools, hotels, production facilities, and much, much more.

We can also answer questions about wire nuts, light switches (light fixtures in general), existing outlet problems, and existing circuit breakers. Just about anything. We’ve been helping our neighbors since way back in the 1980s. We look forward to speaking with you.