Wiring a string of outlets
I have 10 outlets on a 20-amp circuit (not all will be used simultaneous).
Do I start wiring from the first outlet and then to the second and so on until my last outlet? Or, do I pull my wire to my last outlet, create a service loop for each in the string, and then wire from the last to the first?
electrical wiring
asked 1 hour ago
Christopher Lond
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I have 10 outlets on a 20-amp circuit (not all will be used simultaneous).
Do I start wiring from the first outlet and then to the second and so on until my last outlet? Or, do I pull my wire to my last outlet, create a service loop for each in the string, and then wire from the last to the first?
electrical wiring
asked 1 hour ago
Christopher Lond
517
New contributor
Christopher Lond is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I have 10 outlets on a 20-amp circuit (not all will be used simultaneous).
Do I start wiring from the first outlet and then to the second and so on until my last outlet? Or, do I pull my wire to my last outlet, create a service loop for each in the string, and then wire from the last to the first?
electrical wiring
asked 1 hour ago
Christopher Lond
517
New contributor
Christopher Lond is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I have 10 outlets on a 20-amp circuit (not all will be used simultaneous).
Do I start wiring from the first outlet and then to the second and so on until my last outlet? Or, do I pull my wire to my last outlet, create a service loop for each in the string, and then wire from the last to the first?
electrical wiring
electrical wiring
asked 1 hour ago
Christopher Lond
517
New contributor
Christopher Lond is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 1 hour ago
Christopher Lond
517
New contributor
Christopher Lond is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 1 hour ago
Christopher Lond
517
New contributor
Christopher Lond is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 1 hour ago
Christopher Lond
517
asked 1 hour ago
Christopher Lond
517
517
New contributor
Christopher Lond is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Christopher Lond is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Christopher Lond is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
Cable from the panel to the first outlet.
For each outlet (except the last one), use wire nuts to connect each incoming wire (form panel or previous outlet), outgoing wire (to next outlet) and a pigtail (to this outlet).
Use the screws on the outlets, not the back-stab (push-in) connections.
If you need GFCI protection for some or all outlets, then either use a GFCI breaker or come back here with more details and we can help.
answered 1 hour ago
manassehkatz
6,5681029
add a comment |
manassehkatz's answer is sound except for how you connect the wires.
When wiring a plug with just a incoming and outgoing wire there is no reason to use a pigtail on the white and black wires.
You can simply connect the two black wires to the two screws one the hot side of the plug, and the two white wires to the two screws on the neutral side of the plug.
For the grounds you will have to either use a grounding wire nut, add a pigtail (so that you are twisting three wires together), or twist the grounds together in such a way that you have one sticking out further then the other. Then you just put the tag end on the grounding screw.
As to how to run the wire, simply go from panel to the closest end of the line, then loop to each plug. Doing so will ensure you do not have to branch out multiple lines from one plug box (requiring a larger box).
answered 51 mins ago
David
2065
New contributor
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It is absolutely safe & code-compliant to install a receptacle that has two sets of screws (normally that goes along with having removable tabs to "split" the receptacles to 2 separate circuits) by connecting "in" to one pair of screws and "out" to the other. The advantages of using pigtails are (a) easier to work on the wires if they don't have much slack (and in my limited non-professional-electrician experience, I can definitely vouch for that one myself), (b) if an outlet goes bad and you don't have a replacement on hand, with pigtails the removal - and later replacement...
– manassehkatz
32 mins ago
is a little simpler than without as you just cap the pigtails instead of having to join (and later move again) the "in" & "out" cables to keep the other receptacles working, (c) if you have any GFCI or other "special" items in the mix, pigtails keep it really simple.
– manassehkatz
31 mins ago
Will any of the receptacles be in places which would require GFCI or AFCI protection? You can protect individual receptacles or the whole circuit depending on whether you use a breaker or one or more GFCI or AFCI receptacles.
– Jim Stewart
21 mins ago
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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active
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
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oldest
votes
Cable from the panel to the first outlet.
For each outlet (except the last one), use wire nuts to connect each incoming wire (form panel or previous outlet), outgoing wire (to next outlet) and a pigtail (to this outlet).
Use the screws on the outlets, not the back-stab (push-in) connections.
If you need GFCI protection for some or all outlets, then either use a GFCI breaker or come back here with more details and we can help.
answered 1 hour ago
manassehkatz
6,5681029
add a comment |
Cable from the panel to the first outlet.
For each outlet (except the last one), use wire nuts to connect each incoming wire (form panel or previous outlet), outgoing wire (to next outlet) and a pigtail (to this outlet).
Use the screws on the outlets, not the back-stab (push-in) connections.
If you need GFCI protection for some or all outlets, then either use a GFCI breaker or come back here with more details and we can help.
answered 1 hour ago
manassehkatz
6,5681029
add a comment |
Cable from the panel to the first outlet.
For each outlet (except the last one), use wire nuts to connect each incoming wire (form panel or previous outlet), outgoing wire (to next outlet) and a pigtail (to this outlet).
Use the screws on the outlets, not the back-stab (push-in) connections.
If you need GFCI protection for some or all outlets, then either use a GFCI breaker or come back here with more details and we can help.
answered 1 hour ago
manassehkatz
6,5681029
Cable from the panel to the first outlet.
For each outlet (except the last one), use wire nuts to connect each incoming wire (form panel or previous outlet), outgoing wire (to next outlet) and a pigtail (to this outlet).
Use the screws on the outlets, not the back-stab (push-in) connections.
If you need GFCI protection for some or all outlets, then either use a GFCI breaker or come back here with more details and we can help.
answered 1 hour ago
manassehkatz
6,5681029
answered 1 hour ago
manassehkatz
6,5681029
answered 1 hour ago
manassehkatz
6,5681029
answered 1 hour ago
manassehkatz
6,5681029
6,5681029
add a comment |
add a comment |
manassehkatz's answer is sound except for how you connect the wires.
When wiring a plug with just a incoming and outgoing wire there is no reason to use a pigtail on the white and black wires.
You can simply connect the two black wires to the two screws one the hot side of the plug, and the two white wires to the two screws on the neutral side of the plug.
For the grounds you will have to either use a grounding wire nut, add a pigtail (so that you are twisting three wires together), or twist the grounds together in such a way that you have one sticking out further then the other. Then you just put the tag end on the grounding screw.
As to how to run the wire, simply go from panel to the closest end of the line, then loop to each plug. Doing so will ensure you do not have to branch out multiple lines from one plug box (requiring a larger box).
answered 51 mins ago
David
2065
New contributor
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It is absolutely safe & code-compliant to install a receptacle that has two sets of screws (normally that goes along with having removable tabs to "split" the receptacles to 2 separate circuits) by connecting "in" to one pair of screws and "out" to the other. The advantages of using pigtails are (a) easier to work on the wires if they don't have much slack (and in my limited non-professional-electrician experience, I can definitely vouch for that one myself), (b) if an outlet goes bad and you don't have a replacement on hand, with pigtails the removal - and later replacement...
– manassehkatz
32 mins ago
is a little simpler than without as you just cap the pigtails instead of having to join (and later move again) the "in" & "out" cables to keep the other receptacles working, (c) if you have any GFCI or other "special" items in the mix, pigtails keep it really simple.
– manassehkatz
31 mins ago
Will any of the receptacles be in places which would require GFCI or AFCI protection? You can protect individual receptacles or the whole circuit depending on whether you use a breaker or one or more GFCI or AFCI receptacles.
– Jim Stewart
21 mins ago
add a comment |
manassehkatz's answer is sound except for how you connect the wires.
When wiring a plug with just a incoming and outgoing wire there is no reason to use a pigtail on the white and black wires.
You can simply connect the two black wires to the two screws one the hot side of the plug, and the two white wires to the two screws on the neutral side of the plug.
For the grounds you will have to either use a grounding wire nut, add a pigtail (so that you are twisting three wires together), or twist the grounds together in such a way that you have one sticking out further then the other. Then you just put the tag end on the grounding screw.
As to how to run the wire, simply go from panel to the closest end of the line, then loop to each plug. Doing so will ensure you do not have to branch out multiple lines from one plug box (requiring a larger box).
answered 51 mins ago
David
2065
New contributor
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It is absolutely safe & code-compliant to install a receptacle that has two sets of screws (normally that goes along with having removable tabs to "split" the receptacles to 2 separate circuits) by connecting "in" to one pair of screws and "out" to the other. The advantages of using pigtails are (a) easier to work on the wires if they don't have much slack (and in my limited non-professional-electrician experience, I can definitely vouch for that one myself), (b) if an outlet goes bad and you don't have a replacement on hand, with pigtails the removal - and later replacement...
– manassehkatz
32 mins ago
is a little simpler than without as you just cap the pigtails instead of having to join (and later move again) the "in" & "out" cables to keep the other receptacles working, (c) if you have any GFCI or other "special" items in the mix, pigtails keep it really simple.
– manassehkatz
31 mins ago
Will any of the receptacles be in places which would require GFCI or AFCI protection? You can protect individual receptacles or the whole circuit depending on whether you use a breaker or one or more GFCI or AFCI receptacles.
– Jim Stewart
21 mins ago
add a comment |
manassehkatz's answer is sound except for how you connect the wires.
When wiring a plug with just a incoming and outgoing wire there is no reason to use a pigtail on the white and black wires.
You can simply connect the two black wires to the two screws one the hot side of the plug, and the two white wires to the two screws on the neutral side of the plug.
For the grounds you will have to either use a grounding wire nut, add a pigtail (so that you are twisting three wires together), or twist the grounds together in such a way that you have one sticking out further then the other. Then you just put the tag end on the grounding screw.
As to how to run the wire, simply go from panel to the closest end of the line, then loop to each plug. Doing so will ensure you do not have to branch out multiple lines from one plug box (requiring a larger box).
answered 51 mins ago
David
2065
New contributor
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
manassehkatz's answer is sound except for how you connect the wires.
When wiring a plug with just a incoming and outgoing wire there is no reason to use a pigtail on the white and black wires.
You can simply connect the two black wires to the two screws one the hot side of the plug, and the two white wires to the two screws on the neutral side of the plug.
For the grounds you will have to either use a grounding wire nut, add a pigtail (so that you are twisting three wires together), or twist the grounds together in such a way that you have one sticking out further then the other. Then you just put the tag end on the grounding screw.
As to how to run the wire, simply go from panel to the closest end of the line, then loop to each plug. Doing so will ensure you do not have to branch out multiple lines from one plug box (requiring a larger box).
answered 51 mins ago
David
2065
New contributor
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 51 mins ago
David
2065
New contributor
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 51 mins ago
David
2065
answered 51 mins ago
David
2065
2065
New contributor
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It is absolutely safe & code-compliant to install a receptacle that has two sets of screws (normally that goes along with having removable tabs to "split" the receptacles to 2 separate circuits) by connecting "in" to one pair of screws and "out" to the other. The advantages of using pigtails are (a) easier to work on the wires if they don't have much slack (and in my limited non-professional-electrician experience, I can definitely vouch for that one myself), (b) if an outlet goes bad and you don't have a replacement on hand, with pigtails the removal - and later replacement...
– manassehkatz
32 mins ago
is a little simpler than without as you just cap the pigtails instead of having to join (and later move again) the "in" & "out" cables to keep the other receptacles working, (c) if you have any GFCI or other "special" items in the mix, pigtails keep it really simple.
– manassehkatz
31 mins ago
Will any of the receptacles be in places which would require GFCI or AFCI protection? You can protect individual receptacles or the whole circuit depending on whether you use a breaker or one or more GFCI or AFCI receptacles.
– Jim Stewart
21 mins ago
add a comment |
It is absolutely safe & code-compliant to install a receptacle that has two sets of screws (normally that goes along with having removable tabs to "split" the receptacles to 2 separate circuits) by connecting "in" to one pair of screws and "out" to the other. The advantages of using pigtails are (a) easier to work on the wires if they don't have much slack (and in my limited non-professional-electrician experience, I can definitely vouch for that one myself), (b) if an outlet goes bad and you don't have a replacement on hand, with pigtails the removal - and later replacement...
– manassehkatz
32 mins ago
is a little simpler than without as you just cap the pigtails instead of having to join (and later move again) the "in" & "out" cables to keep the other receptacles working, (c) if you have any GFCI or other "special" items in the mix, pigtails keep it really simple.
– manassehkatz
31 mins ago
Will any of the receptacles be in places which would require GFCI or AFCI protection? You can protect individual receptacles or the whole circuit depending on whether you use a breaker or one or more GFCI or AFCI receptacles.
– Jim Stewart
21 mins ago
It is absolutely safe & code-compliant to install a receptacle that has two sets of screws (normally that goes along with having removable tabs to "split" the receptacles to 2 separate circuits) by connecting "in" to one pair of screws and "out" to the other. The advantages of using pigtails are (a) easier to work on the wires if they don't have much slack (and in my limited non-professional-electrician experience, I can definitely vouch for that one myself), (b) if an outlet goes bad and you don't have a replacement on hand, with pigtails the removal - and later replacement...
– manassehkatz
32 mins ago
It is absolutely safe & code-compliant to install a receptacle that has two sets of screws (normally that goes along with having removable tabs to "split" the receptacles to 2 separate circuits) by connecting "in" to one pair of screws and "out" to the other. The advantages of using pigtails are (a) easier to work on the wires if they don't have much slack (and in my limited non-professional-electrician experience, I can definitely vouch for that one myself), (b) if an outlet goes bad and you don't have a replacement on hand, with pigtails the removal - and later replacement...
– manassehkatz
32 mins ago
is a little simpler than without as you just cap the pigtails instead of having to join (and later move again) the "in" & "out" cables to keep the other receptacles working, (c) if you have any GFCI or other "special" items in the mix, pigtails keep it really simple.
– manassehkatz
31 mins ago
is a little simpler than without as you just cap the pigtails instead of having to join (and later move again) the "in" & "out" cables to keep the other receptacles working, (c) if you have any GFCI or other "special" items in the mix, pigtails keep it really simple.
– manassehkatz
31 mins ago
Will any of the receptacles be in places which would require GFCI or AFCI protection? You can protect individual receptacles or the whole circuit depending on whether you use a breaker or one or more GFCI or AFCI receptacles.
– Jim Stewart
21 mins ago
Will any of the receptacles be in places which would require GFCI or AFCI protection? You can protect individual receptacles or the whole circuit depending on whether you use a breaker or one or more GFCI or AFCI receptacles.
– Jim Stewart
21 mins ago
add a comment |
Christopher Lond is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Christopher Lond is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Christopher Lond is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Christopher Lond is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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