How to Install a Recessed Receptacle Part 2

In Part 1 of this series on how to install a recessed receptacle, you learned how to choose a location for the new outlet, mark and cut out the opening for the receptacle and run the wire to the junction box where the new outlet will be connected. Now in Part 3, you will learn how to install the outlet box, wire and install the receptacle and prepare the wiring so that it can be connected at a junction box. Follow the simple steps below to complete this project.

Step 1 - Feed Wire Through Outlet Box

At the top of the plastic outlet box, there should be a knockout plug that you can remove so that you can feed the wiring through it. Remove the plug and feed the wiring through the top of the outlet box so that it comes out through the front.

Step 2 - Insert Outlet Box into Drywall

After feeding the wire through the outlet box, push the outlet box into the opening you created with the drywall saw. The outlet box should fit snugly, but you should not have to force the outlet box into the opening too much. You can use a hammer to gently tap the plastic outlet box into place. If the outlet box is too hard to insert into the opening, remove the outlet box and trim away a little bit of the drywall with your drywall saw or utility knife.

Step 3 - Wire Receptacle

Now that you have inserted the outlet box, you're now ready to wire up the receptacle. In most cases, you will have two electrical wires: a black one and a white one. On the sides receptacle, you should notice two terminal screws. One will be silver in color and the others should be made of brass. Strip both pieces a wire about ½-inch from the end and use the wire pliers to create a hook at the end of the wires. Then, connect the white wire to the silver colored screw terminal. Finally, connect the black wire to the brass colored terminal.

Step 4 - Secure Receptacle Inside Outlet Box

After you have connected the wiring to the receptacle, push the wiring back up through the outlet box until the receptacle fits flush inside the box. Then, use the 2 screws that should have been included with the receptacle to secure it to the outlet box. In most cases, you will simply need to insert one screw at the top and one of the bottom of the outlet box.

Step 5 - Attach Cover Plate

Once the receptacle is secure inside the outlet box, simply place the cover plate over the top of the receptacle and tighten the single set screw.

Step 6 - Get Ready to Connect Outlet to Junction Box

Now that you have completed the installation of the receptacle, the new outlet is ready to be wired into the junction box. However, this is a step that is best left to a licensed electrician as it involves tying into an existing circuit or perhaps even installing a new circuit at the breaker box. Attach wire caps to both pieces of wire at the junction box, and leave them for the electrician to connect.