The average cost to install an electrical outlet is $133 to $296 each. This guide explains what factors impact the total cost of installing an outlet.
How to Wire An Outlet: 6 Steps to Success
Wire your way to success with these simple steps
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Get quotes from electricians near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$25–$50
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Voltage tester
- Wire stripper/cutter
- Needle-nose pliers
- Screwdriver
SUPPLIES
- Electrical cable
- Outlet with cover plate
- Wire connectors
If your electrical outlet isn’t working, you’re likely wondering how to wire an outlet to get it back in working order. However, electrical work can be hazardous to your home and personal safety, so it’s best to hire a local electrician to wire or rewire outlets.
If you’re set on DIYing this task, exercise extreme caution and follow safety precautions. Follow our step-by-step guidelines to safely and successfully wire an outlet.
Prepping to Wire an Outlet
Photo: Andy Ginns / Adobe Stock
Before installing an outlet in your home, there are a few things you can do to prepare the area and ensure that the installation process goes smoothly. First, decide where you want to install the outlet and ensure that there is enough space in the electrical box for a new outlet.
Before adding a new outlet, check the wiring in the area to ensure that it can handle the additional load. If you're unsure, you should consult a licensed electrician before starting electrical work. This procedure assumes you have an existing electrical box in place as well as electrical wiring with the correct number of conductors—two insulated wires and one ground wire, with all three typically encased in a plastic jacket.
It also assumes your electrical outlet is at the end of a circuit. If your outlet is in the middle of a circuit, you will need to account for two additional wires in the outlet box—another hot and another neutral wire— and use “pigtail” wiring rather than direct wiring. If you have young kids at home, consider taking this opportunity to install a childproof outlet.
Safety Precautions to Follow
Safety is a top priority when it comes to electrical work, and there are several precautions you should take before wiring an outlet. First and foremost, if you encounter any issues or feel unsure about your abilities, don’t hesitate to hire a licensed electrician for help. Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and successful wiring project.
Always turn off the power to the circuit in question by flipping the corresponding breaker in your electrical panel.
Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that the power is off before starting electrical work.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from potential hazards.
Avoid working in wet or damp conditions and ensure that your workspace is well-lit and uncluttered.
Never touch exposed wires with bare hands or wet tools.
Be careful not to nick or cut the wires during stripping or cutting.
Shut Off the Power and Test the Outlet
Photo: Thicha studio/ iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesStart by finding your main service panel, or breaker box, then determine which breaker corresponds to the specific outlet you’re wiring. Turn the breaker switch to the “off” position, then return to the outlet and use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. If your voltage tester detects a current still in the outlet, repeat the step, ensuring that you power off the correct breaker.
Remove the Current Cover Plate and Outlet
Photo: BanksPhotos/ iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUsing your screwdriver, remove the old cover plate from the current outlet, then remove the old outlet receptacle. Carefully disconnect the wires, making sure to make note of the color and placement of the wires. To stay organized, taking a photo of the existing wiring is also a good way to make sure the new wiring is set up correctly.
Prepare the Wires
Photo: Grandbrothers/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesWhen you reach this step, stop and consider whether you feel comfortable enough with wiring to continue on, and if not, stop and contact a local electrician. With your wire cutter/stripper, remove about ¾ inch of insulation from the end of each wire and make sure they are straight and free of nicks or cuts. When replacing an old receptacle, check the ends of the wires to ensure those are free of nicks and cuts, too. If they’re frayed or damaged, use your wire cutter to trim the damaged portion and strip the insulation from the ends of the wires.
It also helps to look at the manufacturer’s instructions to know how much insulation to strip away. Some wire connectors, such as twist-on connectors, require that you strip only ½ inch of insulation. Stripping too much insulation can leave bare wire exposed under the cap of the wire connector, leading to electrical problems with your outlet.
Identify and Connect the Wires
Photo: Imagesbybarbara / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesThe wires in the electrical box will typically be black, white, and bare (ground). The black wire is the hot wire, the white wire is the neutral wire, and the bare wire is the ground wire. Hold the outlet up to the electrical box and connect the black wire to the brass screw terminal on the side of the outlet, the white wire to the silver screw terminal, and the bare wire to the green screw terminal. Repeat this process with the white (neutral) pigtail, then the black (hot) pigtail, so there’s one ground, one white, and one black pigtail connected to the circuit wires.
Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the outlet, ensuring that they are tight but not over-tightened. Double check that the wires are not touching each other or any other metal parts in the electrical box.
Secure the Receptacle to the Box
Photo: photovs / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesBefore securing the outlet receptacle back to the box, check that the wiring connections are secure by gently tugging each one. If everything is secure, push the wires into the box without creating sharp bends.
Hold the outlet up to the electrical box and position it so that the screw holes on the outlet align with the holes on the electrical box. Insert the screws into the holes and use a screwdriver to tighten them until the outlet is firmly secured to the electrical box. Make sure that the outlet is flush with the wall and that there are no gaps between the outlet and the electrical box.
Screw in the Cover Plate
Photo: Valmedia / Adobe StockOnce the outlet is secured, attach the cover plate using the provided screws. Then, restore power to the outlet by switching the breaker back on. You can now use a voltage tester to test the outlet and confirm that it's working correctly. If the voltage tester indicates a charge, you may also want to plug something into the outlet to make sure everything is in working order.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
When it comes to wiring an electrical outlet, it’s best to hire a professional electrician to ensure the work is done safely and efficiently. If you have experience working with electrical systems and feel confident in your abilities, doing it yourself can save on labor costs. This is true for installing an outdoor outlet, too. However, if you make mistakes during the wiring process, it can be dangerous and potentially lead to a fire hazard.
Hiring a professional electrician near you will give you peace of mind knowing that the job is done correctly and up to code. They can also identify any potential issues and make recommendations for improvements, which can prevent future problems. Additionally, a professional electrician can save you time and hassle since they have the necessary tools, experience, and knowledge to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
Another factor to consider is cost. If you hire an expert, the cost to install an electrical outlet can range from $75 to $485, depending on the scope of the job and the electrician’s rate. If you decide to go the DIY route, you can expect to pay about $25 to $50 per outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 107 total reviews
- Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - Regina H.
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Armstrong Electric LLC - Jeffrey J.
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - William R.
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Hubbs Heating & Air LLC - Jerald W.
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
Property-Tech Industries, LLC - Paul H.
Initially, the repairman could not find the problem. Apparently, there was some electrical shortage, but he could not find the definite problem. He left, but called back later to say he had a new idea. He returned and replaced the light switches on the doors. The refrigerator seemed to return...
Appliance Pro LLC - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
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I have to tell you I am all about customer service - I will go out of my way and even pay more for it if you give me great customer service. <br> <br>In a world where this is hard to find, these guys were awesome! I can not sing their praises enough. They were prompt, personable, funny, got...
Waibel Electric - Bradley H.
When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
- Gregory B.
We had no power to any of the electrical outlets in the MBR. We'd had an intermittent problem for a few years and they finally went out all together. We live on the 3rd floor of a 100 year old building and I know from past experience the wiring has been added to in hodgepodge ways over the...
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