Adding a receptacle in opposite wall of existing receptacle

There are a couple different ways to add a receptacle in an adjoining room without causing drywall damage. This article will talk about adding one in between the same two wall studs as the receptacle you are pulling the power from.

Adding a receptacle in opposite wall of existing receptacle

If you have any questions please ask in the comment link below, I will answer them to the best of my ability, also if you have future projects that you would like step by step instructions please post in the comment box I will usually answer the same day.

1) Tools and Materials

a) cut in box (inch and a half deep at least)

1) get the metal box with hangers attached

b) romex (14/2)

c) romex connectors (1 metal and 1 plastic snap in)

d) Meter

e) wire strippers

f) wire nuts

g) Stud detector(maybe)

h) razor knife

i) ground screws

2) Remove existing receptacle. When removing a receptacle you should always turn the power off first. You can use your meter or turn the power off to the house. When using a meter turn the meter to AC voltage. Always set it at a higher voltage than the one you are working on, probably 200ac.

a) Remove the plate cover. This will be the easiest part of your project. On the top and bottom of the switch there will be small screws. You will need the thin flat head screwdriver to remove these. If the location you are installing the switch has multiple switches you will need to remove all the plate screws. Then remove the plate and place the screws and the plate together for replacing later. Do not lose those little screws believe me they are easy to lose.

b) Remove the receptacle. When removing the receptacle always grab the receptacle by the yoke. That's the top and bottom of the receptacle, the power is located on the side and if you neglected to turn the power off you will get shocked.

c) Test the receptacle with your meter, from the silver screw to the gold screw and make sure it is off and remove the wires.

3) Knock out a 1/2" hole in the top of the box you just took the receptacle out of. All boxes have knock outs precut in the boxes, so you will have to knock it out. This may take a little time depending on the box.

4) Cut hole in the opposite wall. Before you do this make sure your hole is in between the same two studs that your existing box is in between or you will be patching. Use the stud finder for this.

a) Take a pencil and mark where you want to put the box(not directly behind the existing box, you probably don't have the room). Measure other receptacles in the room for height.

b) Place your cut in box against the wall with the opening facing the wall and trace it out with a pencil. Better too small than too big so make it tight. If you have to make it a little bigger for the box to fit it, in that's fine.

c) Make sure the box fits.

5) Feed the new wire. There are a couple of techniques here depending on what you are doing. I will talk about one today.

Romex

a) Run some romex through the hole in the box to the hole you just cut in, do not cut the romex yet. Go to the other side of the wall and grab it. Pull enough out to work with(about 2 feet).

b) Go back to the other side and measure about a foot out of the box and cut. Slide the romex connector up the romex and snap into the hole.

c) Slice the romex with your razor knife. Be sure to cut in the flat side of the romex and uncover the wire. Cut any excess sheathing and paper.

d) Connect hot to black, white to white and bare to either ground screw or ground wires in the box, and pigtail the wires. That means a group of wires in a wire nut with one wire coming out to connect to a device.

e) Connect the wires to the receptacle and put back.

f) Go back to the other side and grab the cut in box. Put in the ground screw now if you have a metal box and knock a hole in the top.

g) Now take the romex and slide the metal romex connector as far up as you can and tighten it to the romex. Make sure you take the locknut off the romex connector. Position the romex so when you slide the box in the wall you will be able to put it in the hole in the top of the box.

h) Slide the box in the hole and slide the romex into the top. Put the locknut on the romex connector and tighten. Now tighten the hangers so it secures itself to the drywall. Make sure it is level.

i) Attach the ground wire to the back of the box via ground screw.

j) Attached the new receptacle and screw in.

k) Put the receptacle plate on, turn the power on and test.

If you found this helpful please click on one of the ads at the top or bottom of the page for support.

If you found this helpful please click on one of the ads at the top or bottom of the page for support.

John

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. I can not be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.