How to Wire a Double Outlet

If you want to install a electrical double outlet, you should know that it is a little different than when wiring in a single outlet. However, wiring a double  outlet is very easy and can be completed in just a few minutes. This simple step-by-step guide will show you everything you need to know. Let's get started.

Step 1 - Shut Off Power to the Circuit

Before you start, go to your home's main electrical breaker box and shut off the power that will provide electricity to the outlet you will be installing. Once the breaker has been shut off, test the circuit with a multimeter our test flight just to be sure.

Step 2 - Prepare Wire from Circuit Breaker Box

Ensure that the junction box where you will be installing the new double outlet already has a wiring that runs from the main circuit breaker box. Take the wiring and cut off the ends with wire cutters. Then, use the wire strippers to strip about 3/4 inch of wire that will be used to connect the new outlet. Also, use the needle nose pliers to create a hook in the piece of bare copper wire that will be used to ground the new double outlet.

Step 3 - Install First Outlet Receptacle

After you have prepared the wiring in the junction box, install the first outlet by securing the black wire to the screw terminal with the brass colored screw. Then, attach the white wire to the silver colored screw terminal. Finally, connect the bare copper piece of wire to the screw on the outlet that has a green painted surface.

Step 4 - Prepare Short Wire Pieces

Locate the two short pieces of insulated electrical wire that you prepared earlier. Then, strip off about 3/4 inch of insulation on each end of the wires. Next, take the piece of bare copper wire and use the new nose pliers to create hooks on both ends that are 3/4 inch in length.

Step 5 - Install Second Outlet Receptacle

To install the second receptacle, insert the bare copper wire ends of the two pieces of insulated wire into the first outlet and the second outlet. To do this, look for a small hole in the back of the first outlet. Then use the needle nose pliers to insert the wire into the hole opening. The fit should be tight. Then, line up the wire with the same wire hole in the second outlet and insert the other end of the wire into it. Do this for both pieces of insulated wire.

For the ground wire, you need to connect the first hook to the ground screw terminal on the second outlet. Then, loosen up the ground screw terminal on the first outlet and slide the second outlet hook underneath the first one. Secure the ground screw tightly so that both wire hooks are held tightly in place.

Step 6 - Mount Receptacles and Cover

After you wiring the two receptacles, install them on the mounting plates in the junction box, and then place the cover plate over the two outlets and secure with the retaining screw.