Adding a New Outlet

[sethmac]

Need some advice on my strategy for running a new outlet into a small office (use to be a closet) that doesn't have an outlet.

I'm running a new outlet and planned to pigtail it off of an existing outlet in the room next door. I planned to run romex from the new outlet to an existing outlet and pigtail it in the box. Couple of questions:

1) Is this the best way to do this? Would it be better to try to access that line from the attic and add a junction box to do my pigtail rather than running all the way down to the existing outlet? (Was afraid of not having enough romex to make my connections if I cut it in the attic.

2) Can I drill a new hole to get down to the existing outlet or should I attempt to remove the Fireblock foam and use the existing hole?

Thanks!

 

[Ray-CA]

I've added an outlet to a new wall by putting it in the same stud bay as the power source (existing outlet.) You should be able to run from the un-used terminals on the existing outlet to the new one (if you have open terminals.) Otherwise, you'll probably have to use pig-tails.

Ray

 

[teamextreme]

You can do it either way. The easiest way is to cut into the romex in the attic, but as you were concerned there will not be enough wire to make up a splice in a single box. What I do is install 2 j-boxes with a foot of romex between them. Make the splice for your new run in either box.

You can try fishing down the wall, but unless you've got a lot of fishing experience it can be difficult. Also, to avoid some real brain damage, you really need to demo the existing outlet box to access the romex you're dropping down the wall. Then re-install new box. You can't use a cut-in box though, becuase the drywall cutout is too large from the new-work box you took out. I used to use another new work box, cut the nails off and drill 2 hioles in the side to mount to the stud with screws. Probably not technically legal, but... Thankfully, they actually make boxes now that will work for this exact application so you can avoid using my trick. I would drill a new hole at the top of the bay, but be very careful not to hit any existing wires.

 

[James-W]

What equipment are you planning on running with the new outlet? What equipment, if any, is the outlet in the next room running, and what else is on the same circuit that might be turned on?

What I am getting at is, it might be a better idea to run a new circuit rather than tap into an existing one. It all depends on how much of a load is on the other circuit.

 

[Bib Overalls]

I second making the tap in the attic if you can. Like teamextreme I have used two J boxes to find the slack needed to make the tap. I use "handy boxes" with cable clamp at both ends. Trying to make the connection in an existing box will frustrate you no end.

 

[sands35]

Another idea:

If you need to run a wire laterally through a wall - i.e., drill holes through studs.

Take off the baseboard, then you can cut holes into the drywall. The baseboard will cover up the cut up drywall. Typically, only a bit of caulk is needed to finish off the gap at the top edge of the baseboard as it touches the wall.

That said, having done this before, it's easier to go up to the attic or down the basement then mess with finished drywall and baseboard.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

How about a picture?