extra outlet

everyone helped so much with my last post, I thought you might help with a new question....I have a two sink bathroom and only one outlet all the way at the end of the first sink, so if your at the second sink your cord stretches across the middle of the first sink. My question is do you think it possible for a novice to install a second outlet. I'm pretty handy for a girl, I've run my own cable through the walls but the only thing I've ever done electrical is install a ceiling fan. I would appreciate your advice........Thanks, Wanda

 

Yes you can run your own receptacle, but I'd suggest you read a little first get a good do it yourself book (Black and Decker has a good one) and read a little. Then if you have any question feel free to post and we can help you.

 

It also helps to know the access in your bathroom. I'm assuming from the tone of your messages that you do not plan on having the walls ripped open anytime soon. Is there access/basement access above/below to run wires?

 

There is access through the attic.

 

If the bathroom wall is the partition between the bathroom and the bedroom for example, you can route the cable across the bedroom wall if you don't have an objections to marring the finish of the bedroom wall.-----Good Luck!!!!

 

Cut a hole for an old-work box. Go up in the attic and drill two holes in the top plate, one above the old outlet and one above the new hole. Use 12/2 to connect the two. If the existing receptacle is GFCI, connect the new cable to the load terminals. This should be an easy job. No wall damage should be required. Buy a $8 circuit tester at Home Depot so you can check your work when you're done. This is an excellent novice project, and today's code most likely would have required that second outlet anyway.

As gard says, get a book or two.

 

No need for ripping out walls. If you have a light fixture in the bathroom, you can run a receptacle off that. First locate the vacinity of your new receptacle. Measure up from the basin to bottom of your receptacle (depending on code) and trace the outlet box on the wall. Cut out using a keyhole saw. Punch out one hole in top of box. Use toggle bolts (gator toggles work good) to attach the box to drywall. Assuming you have access to the attic, run 12/2 wire from the light fixture down to your outlet hole. Wire your receptacle, put the faceplate on and you're done. Of course you have to have to have the switch on for your receptacle to work. But who blowdries their hair in the dark?

 

Thanks everyone, great advice! Sounds easier than I thought it would be. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again......Wanda