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The NEC requires electrical outlets be installed in a kitchen that has a sink 12 inches wide and 24 inches deep. According to the code, that outlet must be within 2 feet of the kitchen sink. Bathrooms must have at least one electrical outlet, it must be GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the bathroom sink.

You’ll need to locate and hire an electrician near you if there’s an electrical project you don’t feel comfortable tackling yourself. Generally, look for a contractor that specializes in the type of appliance or component that you need help with. For wiring, outlets and similar projects, a general electrician is your best bet. For larger remodels, a general contractor will often take care of electrical projects via subcontractors.

The best place to put an electrical outlet depends on your needs. A good rule of thumb is to install outlets every 6 feet in large rooms. Hallways over 10 feet long need one electrical outlet minimum. 

If you find yourself needing extra plug-ins for all of your gadgets, you may want to increase the number of electrical outlets in your room. When adding outlets, keep in mind that older homes could have outdated electrical panels. In these cases, you may need a pro to upgrade you from 100-amp to 200-amp service before increasing the power load.

It’s possible to distinguish a positive black wire from a negative black wire if you know what type of circuit the wires are in. If it’s an alternating current (AC), then black wires are positive. If it’s a direct current (DC), then black wires are negative. 

Sometimes, a circuit has two black wires. In that case, the positive black wire will be solid black while the negative black wire will have a white stripe on it. If you’re still unsure, you can use a multimeter to check.