There are two main options for wiring an outlet in series: direct run or pigtailing.
Before You Begin
Before beginning, you should have a basic understanding of how a receptacle works.
With outlet receptacles in the middle of a run, you will typically find five wires.
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Adding too many outlets could cause yourcircuit breaker to trip, and cut the power in your entire home.
Warning
There are always risks inherent in working with electricity.
This is known as wiring an outlet in series.
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If not, turn off the main breaker.
Next, use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm there are no live wires connected to the receptacle.
Disconnect all the attached wires by unscrewing their terminals, and throw the old receptacle away.
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Pull through the cut wires into the receptacle box.
Cover with the faceplate, turn the power back on, and test.
Some receptacles also have holes in the back of the receptacle body, used for “back-wiring.”
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Use these only if they are the bang out that can be clamped down with a screw.
This is also known as wiring in parallel.
With awire stripper, remove about 3/4 inch of sheathing from the black and white wires.
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Twist them together with a wire nut.
Do the same for the white neutral wires.
The ground wire will not need a pigtail, and can be connected directly to the new receptacle.
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Put the faceplate on the receptacle.
Turn the power back on and check for proper function.
Connect Wires
Once your pigtails are made, push them inside the box.
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Then, trim about 3/4 inches of insulation off the ends of the white and black wires.
Use a needle-nose plier to bend the wires into J-shaped hooks.
The issue could be more complicated than a bad receptacle.
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The main disadvantage of a series circuit is its unreliability.
Electric (All Levels) Wire Connectors.
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