Middle-of-Run Electrical Receptacle Wiring

Receptacle wiring is not overly difficult. The main problem individuals have is that they do not know which wires to connect where. Once you have figured this out then it is an easy job. Receptacles will be used in electrical sockets, electrical appliance. Small appliances and sockets are all similar. However, larger appliances such like ranges will have a different set up. The most commonly used receptacle in the home is a 120v receptacle.

Most Important Step

The most important step of all whenever you are doing electrical wiring is to ensure that your uninsulated wires are grounded. Each receptacle will have a grounding screw, and you want to ensure that these are properly connected. If you do not ground the unstripped wires, and they touch, you can short the circuit or even shock yourself. Another important safety tip is to turn the circuit breaker off for the socket you are rewiring. This will turn off any electricity to the wires.

Where do the Wires Go?

You will find that specific wires go to the different screws. Each receptacle will have silver screws and brass screws. The black wires are hot wires and will be connected to the brass screws. The white wires are neutral and will go under the silver screws. If there are two sockets, then you will have 2 black wires to connect and 2 white wires. Normally the white wires and silver screws will be on the left side of the socket (when looking directly at the receptacle) and the black wires and brass screws on the right.

If the receptacle is attached to a switch, then there are several wires that you will need to connect. You will have a black wire that is the power-in wire (black) connected to the upper brass screw, a power-out wire to an existing receptacle or switch (also black) will be connected to the lower brass screw. You will have a white wire that is the power-out to an existing switch from the upper silver screw and a power-in white wire that is connected to the lower silver screw.

Look before Replacing

If you are in any doubt of which wire goes where, it is recommend that you look at an existing receptacle. If you are replacing an old receptacle, then pay attention to the wires as you are unhooking them. Drawing a small diagram of where the wires go can be of great help when replacing the receptacle. Crossing the wires or not hooking them up to the correct sides will result in a receptacle that does not provide any electricity. Additionally you may also damage the appliance or item plugged into the receptacle if you are not careful.

The Receptacle Box

Almost all receptacles will have 2 cables in it. Normally the second cable will be used to feed the electricity to another receptacle box. This cable can also be connecting a light or switch. If you only have one cable, then make sure the unused screw is tightened down so they do not hit the metal box. Standard receptacles are a duplex--these are not plugs. They normally are rectangular in shape.