back to back outlets
#1
07-14-03, 08:58 PM
back to back outlets
I recently added cable to my boys rooms in a joining wall.
One of these rooms has an outlet next to cable box placement.
The plan is to add another outlet on the other side (in other room).
My question is regarding the wiring.
Existing outlet has two lines coming in. How can I tap into the existing to activate the new one.
Would appreciate some help.
One of these rooms has an outlet next to cable box placement.
The plan is to add another outlet on the other side (in other room).
My question is regarding the wiring.
Existing outlet has two lines coming in. How can I tap into the existing to activate the new one.
Would appreciate some help.
#4
07-15-03, 01:55 PM
Member
So this means that you already have two black wires on the two brass screws, and two white wires on the two silver screws. Right? So your problem is that you don't have any screws left. Right? If all this isn't right, stop here and post back.
Before you start, examine the sides of the receptacle. Each side should have a removable tab that connects the two screws on that side. Verify that the tab is still in place on both sides. If not, stop here and post back.
You need to install what is called "pigtails". A pigtail is a short section of wire (about 3 or 4 inches). Remove both black wires, and connect both of them, plus the black wire from your new cable, to a black pigtail with a wire nut. Then attach the other end of the pigtail back to a brass screw. Do the same with the white wires. Finally, add the grounding wire from your new cable to the grounding wire nut that should already be there (is it?).
All of this will make the box pretty crowded, so you'll have to be very neat in folding the wires back into the back of the box as you put the receptacle back in.
Before you start, examine the sides of the receptacle. Each side should have a removable tab that connects the two screws on that side. Verify that the tab is still in place on both sides. If not, stop here and post back.
You need to install what is called "pigtails". A pigtail is a short section of wire (about 3 or 4 inches). Remove both black wires, and connect both of them, plus the black wire from your new cable, to a black pigtail with a wire nut. Then attach the other end of the pigtail back to a brass screw. Do the same with the white wires. Finally, add the grounding wire from your new cable to the grounding wire nut that should already be there (is it?).
All of this will make the box pretty crowded, so you'll have to be very neat in folding the wires back into the back of the box as you put the receptacle back in.
#5
07-15-03, 04:21 PM
For John
Thanks very much for your reply!
Your input confirmed my thoughts on the pigtail idea.
As it ended up, the two lines coming in to the existing plug were in the "easy release" holes in back. I didn't know how long it would be before I got a reply so I tried simply attaching the new line to the unused side screws and was delighted that it actually worked.
I am not new to elecrical wiring by any means but I am always one to ask first before doing something stupid. I'm really glad you're here so I can pick your brain for future projects.
If what I did was not a good idea please let me know.
Now there is no excuses when I try and kick the kids out to their own rooms, cause mom hooked em up.
Next project: under/above cabinet lighting.
Thanks John
Your input confirmed my thoughts on the pigtail idea.
As it ended up, the two lines coming in to the existing plug were in the "easy release" holes in back. I didn't know how long it would be before I got a reply so I tried simply attaching the new line to the unused side screws and was delighted that it actually worked.
I am not new to elecrical wiring by any means but I am always one to ask first before doing something stupid. I'm really glad you're here so I can pick your brain for future projects.
If what I did was not a good idea please let me know.
Now there is no excuses when I try and kick the kids out to their own rooms, cause mom hooked em up.
Next project: under/above cabinet lighting.
Thanks John
#6
07-15-03, 05:41 PM
Member
What you did is fine and is very common practice. However, most of us here frown on the use of those "easy release" holes on the back (we call them "backstabs"). Experience has shown that they fail frequently, and a lot of the problems we work here are related to those failures. So we always encourage people to convert the use of these backstabs to the use of screws (and pigtails if necessary).
