How to wire an outlet: A quick and easy tutorial

When learning how to wire an outlet, it’s important to understand the right and wrong way to do it. The correct method involves connecting the hot (black) wire to the brass screw, the neutral (white) wire to the silver screw, and the ground (bare or green) wire to the green screw. Reversing the hot and neutral wires or leaving wires loose are common mistakes to avoid.

If you are unfamiliar with electrical work or don't have existing wiring in the outlet's wall, it is best to call a licensed electrician. However, if you already have an outlet setup and are a confident DIYer with wiring experience, this guide will show you how to wire an outlet safely and correctly. Let’s dive right in.

How to wire an electrical outlet step-by-step

What you will need

• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Needle-nose pliers
• Voltage tester
• Electrical outlet
• Electrical tape (optional)

Turn off the power

Before you begin any electrical work, turn off the power to prevent the risk of electric shock. Head to the breaker panel and flip the switch that controls the circuit you are working on. Double-check that the power is off using a voltage tester. 

It's also a good idea to tape or label the breaker switch so that no one accidentally turns the power back on while you're working.

Confirm the breaker’s amperage

Check the amperage of the circuit breaker that powers the outlet. The breaker’s amperage determines the correct amperage of the outlet you will install. For example, a 15-amp breaker should use a 15-amp outlet, and a 20-amp breaker should use a 20-amp outlet. Always ensure the outlet you select matches the circuit breaker's amperage rating.

In addition, when selecting the outlet, choose a tamper-resistant outlet. Tamper-resistant outlets (TRRs) have built-in shutters that prevent foreign objects from being inserted into the socket, offering extra safety, especially in homes with young children.

Prepare and strip the wires

Strip away about 6 to 8 inches of the outer insulation from the wire, exposing the three individual wires inside: the black (hot) wire, white (neutral) wire, and the bare (ground) wire. Then, use a wire stripper to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of each wire. This will create clean, bare wire tips that you can easily connect to the outlet.

Likewise, on the outlet side, if you are dealing with a situation where there are multiple wires of the same color inside the box (e.g., several black or white wires), use pigtails to categorize them into one wire.

Connect the wires to the outlet

With the wires stripped and ready, start by attaching the ground wire to the green screw on the outlet. Use a needle-nose plier to form a loop in the wire, making sure it wraps around the screw in a clockwise direction. Then, tighten the screw firmly.

Next, connect the black (hot) wire to the brass screw on the outlet. As with the ground wire, form a loop with the hot wire, wrap it clockwise around the brass screw, and tighten the screw securely.

Now, connect the white (neutral) wire to the silver screw on the outlet. Do the same thing: form a loop with the neutral wire, wrap it clockwise around the silver screw, and tighten the screw securely.

Secure the outlet to the electrical box

Once all the wires are securely connected, carefully push the outlet into the electrical box. Ensure that no wires are pinched during the installation, which can cause short circuits or potential fire hazards. 

Use the mounting screws provided with the outlet to attach it to the electrical box. Tighten the screws evenly to make sure the outlet is secured and flush with the wall.

Install the outlet cover plate

After the outlet is securely mounted, slide the cover plate over the outlet and secure it using the screw provided. Tighten it just enough to hold it in place, but don’t make it too tight as it could crack the cover.

Test the outlet

Now that the outlet is installed, it’s time to test it. Turn the power back on at the breaker panel. Use a voltage tester or plug in a device (such as a lamp) to check that the outlet is functioning correctly. And you are good to go!

If the outlet doesn’t work, double-check your wiring connections and ensure that the wires are securely attached to the correct terminals.

How to wire an outlet from another outlet

Wiring an outlet from another outlet is known as daisy-chaining and allows both outlets to share the same circuit while functioning independently.

Begin by turning off the power at the breaker panel and verifying it with a voltage tester. Then, prepare a Romex wire (12/2 for a 20-amp circuit or 14/2 for a 15-amp circuit) and strip the outer insulation off both ends to expose the black (hot), white (neutral), and bare (ground) wires. 

Run the wire from the existing outlet to the new location, securing it along the wall with cable staples or clamps. At the existing outlet, create pigtail connections by twisting short pieces of wire to the existing hot, neutral, and ground wires and then secure them with wire nuts. The pigtails will connect to the new outlet, where you will attach the hot wire to the brass screw, the neutral wire to the silver screw, and the ground wire to the green screw. 

After connecting, secure both outlets into their respective boxes and install the cover plates. Finally, turn the power back on, test the new outlet to ensure it’s working, and double-check the connections if it doesn’t. 

How to wire a switched outlet

A switched outlet (also known as a half-hot outlet) has one half permanently "on" or ready to provide electricity, while you can turn the other half off and on via a wall switch.

To wire the outlet, turn off the power at the breaker panel. Then, use a voltage tester to check that the power is off before proceeding.

Every step to wire an electrical outlet remains the same, except that the metal tab connecting the top and bottom hot terminals (the brass screws) of the outlet is broken with needle-nose pliers to allow them to function independently.

Prepare the outlet for half-hot configuration

Break the tab between the hot terminals on the outlet (the brass screws). This tab connects the two terminals, so breaking it will allow the outlet's top and bottom half to be wired independently. Use needle-nose pliers to snap the tab on the hot side (brass screws) between the top and bottom halves of the outlet.

The top half of the outlet will always have power, so connect the incoming hot wire (black) directly to the top hot terminal (brass screw). Then connect the neutral wire (white) from the power source to the neutral terminal (silver screw) and the ground wire (bare or green) to the green ground screw on the outlet.

Meanwhile, at the switch, connect the incoming hot wire (black) from the power source to one of the terminals of the single-pole switch. Then, use a short piece of black wire (pigtail) to connect the other terminal of the switch to the bottom half's hot terminal (the brass screw) on the outlet. This will make the bottom half of the outlet switch, allowing it to turn on or off.

Recheck the connections

Once all the wiring is completed, ensure that the top half of the outlet (always on) is connected to the hot wire coming from the power source. Also, confirm that the bottom half of the outlet (switched) is connected to the hot wire running from the wall switch.

Next, double-check that all other wires are securely connected. Then, tighten all the screws to make sure the wires are firmly attached.

Lastly, mount the outlet and switch securely into their respective electrical boxes. Ensure both are correctly seated and leveled. Install the cover plates over both the switch and the outlet, securing them with screws.

Turn on the power and test 

After securely installing the outlet and switch, turn the power back on at the breaker panel.

Test the outlet by plugging a lamp or device into the bottom half. Flip the wall switch on and off to ensure the switch properly controls the bottom half of the outlet. The top half should always be on so that you can plug in a device, and it will have power immediately.

Replacing an electrical outlet

If you are replacing an old electrical outlet with a new one, remove the cover plate from the existing outlet using a flathead screwdriver, and then unscrew the mounting screws to pull the outlet out of the electrical box. Inspect the wiring for any signs of damage and disconnect the wires from the old outlet by loosening the screws or releasing them from the terminals. 

After removing the old outlet, use a wire stripper to strip the wire ends (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch), then bend the wire ends into small loops using needle-nose pliers. 

Next, connect the wires to the new outlet: attach the hot wire (black) to the brass screw, the neutral wire (white) to the silver screw, and the ground wire (bare or green) to the green screw. 

Once the wires are securely connected, carefully push the outlet back into the electrical box, tighten the mounting screws to secure it in place, and install the new cover plate. Finally, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and test the outlet by plugging in a device to ensure it works correctly.

Wiring an outlet: When to hire a professional

When wiring an electrical outlet, always start by turning off the circuit breaker's power and verifying it’s off with a voltage tester to avoid electrical shocks. Remember that in some states, you may be required to obtain an electrical permit for certain types of electrical work, such as rewiring or replacing outlets in specific areas of your home. 

If you are unsure about how to wire an outlet or encounter damaged wiring, it's best to hire a licensed electrician to handle the job. Not only can a professional ensure that the work is done to code, they’ll also do it safely. It could save you from voiding your home insurance or causing damage to your home’s wiring system