Wiremold Installation (complete noob)

[Vinko]

I'm installing Wiremold (plastic) to extend an outlet from one wall to a wall next to it.

So I've got the "starter box". The original outlet, can I just branch off the the two wires to the "new outlet" or do I also have to branch off the ground if I want another grounded (on the new) outlet? Or can I just ground off the new outlet another way?


I'm also using 14 ga. wire for the branch. Is this ideal? It's what I had around.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Stuart in MN]

You have to extend the ground wire from the existing outlet. 14 gauge wire is okay if it's a 15 amp circuit.

 

[Vinko]

You have to extend the ground wire from the existing outlet. 14 gauge wire is okay if it's a 15 amp circuit.

Thanks.

Yes, it's 15 amp.

Out of curiosity, what if it were 125/20?

And here's another one I've been wondering about: I've always used insulated wire for the ground.

I noticed an electrician that was over here helping me had a roll of non-insulated wire for ground. I suppose that's the way to do it?

I've got a book somewhere, I've got to read it because I've got quite a few questions, and I'd really like to be able to do more of my own (simple) stuff.

 

[mrb]

14ga has to be protected by a 15 amp breaker, 12ga has to be protected by a 20 amp breaker.

Ground has to be with the circuit conductors -it cant come from somewhere else.

 

[Vinko]

Ground has to be with the circuit conductors -it cant come from somewhere else.

Thanks. It's good to know. I don't know why I thought I could ground a receptacle at or "into" the conduit box. Obviously, I need to go back to 8th grade electrical shop

 

[mrb]

Thanks. It's good to know. I don't know why I thought I could ground a receptacle at or "into" the conduit box. Obviously, I need to go back to 8th grade electrical shop

forgot to mention, if your existing installation is conduit and using the conduit for the ground, then the ground wire in your plastic wiremold would originate from the box where you take the wiremold off from.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

14ga has to be protected by a 15 amp breaker, 12ga has to be protected by a 20 amp breaker.

Ground has to be with the circuit conductors -it cant come from somewhere else.

I can't protect 12ga wire with a 15 amp breaker??? That's a new one on me....

 

[mrb]

I can't protect 12ga wire with a 15 amp breaker??? That's a new one on me....

it was late, I should have said "maximum"

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

it was late, I should have said "maximum"

OK, I was wondering if I had missed something somewhere... For a general household circuit, I agree it should be a 20 amp maximum breaker on 12 ga and a 15 amp max on 14 ga.

I'm starting to have "senior" moments myself... I can't stay up late anymore unless I take a nap...