Knowing how to wire an outlet is a useful skill to have, allowing you to change out damaged or old electrical outlets in your home in just a matter of minutes. Here are the basic steps to wiring a wall outlet.

1. Cut the Cable.

Cut the electrical cable to approximately 11 inches, exposing three wires: black (hot wire), white (neutral wire), and copper (ground wire).

Pull out all three wires from the cable sheathing. Remove the white wire’s paper covering.

2. Strip the Wires.

On the wire strippers, find the right gauge hole and insert a wire into the hole up to the correct length. You’ll want to strip the insulation off ¾-inch of the wire. Close the strippers and carefully pull off the end of the wire.

3. Bend the Wires.

Insert the exposed end of the wire into the stripping pliers, and bend it to make a hook.

4. Connect the Wires.

It’s important that all wires are connected to the right screws to make the outlet work.

First, connect the black wire to the brass screw. Make sure not to screw down right over the insulation, because the connection will become loose after some time.

Next, connect the white wire to the silver screw. You want to ensure that the hook is properly oriented so when the screw is tightened, it allows the hook to close tighter. If the hook is facing the wrong way, it will do the opposite, which is open up as the screw is tightened.

Lastly, connect the copper ground wire to the green screw. Test all wire and screw connections by giving them a bit of a wiggle to ensure they are all tight.

Do You Need Expert Help?

As you can see, it only requires a few steps to wire a residential wall outlet. However, while wiring wall outlets is very doable for many people, hiring expert hands is the best way to make sure the job is completed safely, quickly, and properly the first time. Contact TalkLocal to be matched directly with up to three reliable electricians working in your area. Get the help you need now!