adding a receptacle

[rockwithjason]

This is for the people who are newbs at remodel type work. It's a simple addition of a receptacle above an existing receptacle. Let's get started

Here is the work area. an outlet is needed above the tv alcove for my corn snakes quarters. For this install we need to make sure we are in the same stud cavity in the wall so we can easily fish the cable up to the new receptacle. I used a stud finder to locate which side of the existing box the stud is on and then measured from a known location to keep that cavity in line with the new box layout.

 

[rockwithjason]

now I can transfer those measurements to the new location and choose a height for mounting the new box. I am using a standard old work box from home depot. it has ears that swing out when you tighten the mounting screws and they secure the box to the wall. I use the box as a template for the hole and then cut out the drywall using a jab saw. Use lots of strokes and light pressure when sawing so you can more easily control the cut.

 

[rockwithjason]

Now I check the fit of the box and make any adjustments needed. The fit was good so now we move onto the existing receptacle.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Good thread for newbies!

Ive cut in so many old work boxes that Im able to get them to snugly fit usually after the first try!

 

[rockwithjason]

Make sure the power is off, don't do anything stupid. I pulled out the old receptacle and lo and behold it's a back wired cheap *** install. No surprise there. I will replace this while I am here. I cut the old plug loose and pop the knock out in the top of the box loose with a screwdriver so I can push the cable up the wall to the new location. I used an inspection mirror to locate the cable and a short wire hook to snag it and bring it up out of the hole. Now I can push the cable in to the new box and mount it.

 

[rockwithjason]

Now we can wire up the new receptacle and install the cover. We are done in the new location. Next we make up the existing location. I used a greenie wire nut for the grounds because I happen to have a few around but you can use a regular wire nut or crimp collar too. I make up some pig tails and Z fold the wires back into the box to ensure no cuts in the insulation and plenty of room for the device.

 

[rockwithjason]

Make it up, mount it, cover it, power it up and hot check it. Now it's finished product.

Now going horizontal in a wall is a whole different animal so don't get crazy here. This method works with most residential construction where the devices are on the same floor. Going between floors can have some gotchas like fire blocks and such.

 

[sberry]

Have one to do this week. If a house has paneling you can take it off or its easy to find stuffs. Also when I remove cover from old box can see the stud. You can also remove old box and reach in with right angle and drill next stud, can do it from old hole and new so could go 2 bays. Replace old box with new old work box.
Good thread, there needs to be a few more of these here.

 

[DenisG]

Here is the work area. an outlet is needed above the tv alcove for my corn snakes quarters.

Slightly off-topic, but are you making room for a reptile cage or a terrarium or vivarium? Just curious.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Nice work!

 

[rockwithjason]

Slightly off-topic, but are you making room for a reptile cage or a terrarium or vivarium? Just curious.

the reptile already has a cage, i needed power for the light and heat rock. see the last picture and you will see the cage in place with the receptacle just to the left

 

[sberry]

Its amazing how many of ones problems in life can be coped with by the addition of a circuit or pipe. Ranks up there with fixing steel.