Intro - Checklist - Prep - Rough In & Box Placement - Stud Preparation - Wire Installation - Terminal Placement - Wire Connection I - Wire Connection II - Fixtures & Outside Wiring - Track Lighting - Wiring Extensions - Breaker Box
Extending Wiring in Older Homes
Many older homes are inadequately wired. Some older houses have only one 120-volt system (as opposed to today's standard of two systems which bring the household total up to 240 volts). If you have only two wires entering your house from a nearby utility pole (as opposed to the standard three wires), you probably only have 120-volt capacity. You'll have to call in the utility company and have an electrician upgrade your voltage system if you want to use many of today's modern appliances.
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Before extending your wiring, make sure you understand the ampere capacity of the wiring you currently have in place.
If you're extending a number 14 wire (which requires a 15-amp fuse), don't expect to operate a refrigerator and dishwasher both on this one line. If you have any doubts or questions, or should you run into a situation not covered here, do not experiment. Consult with a licensed electrician for your own safety and that of your loved ones.
Note: Turn off the controlling breaker before beginning any electrical work. Tape over the breaker and leave a note on the breaker box that you are working on that circuit. When extending wiring, always use the same size wire for a continuation of any wiring circuit, and make certain the circuit is grounded before you begin. Locate the last outlet in the wiring run nearest to where you want your new outlet. Test this with a voltage tester or lamp, to be certain the outlet is not hot, before continuing. Remove the plate, disconnect the outlet, and take the entire receptacle out of the wall.
Note: If the box you wish to extend from has reached its capacity, and you cannot find a second box from which to run the new cable, replace the box with a larger, deeper one. (See section on Roughing In above.) This existing outlet will have wires connected to only two of the four terminal screws. The two unused screws will be your starting point for wiring to the new receptacle. Pinpoint the new outlet's location by finding the nearest wall stud. Put the template where the new outlet will go (the same distance from the floor as the existing outlet) and trace around it. Use your utility knife or keyhole saw to cut out the hole for your new box. Attach the new junction box to the wall (as outlined above under Basic Wiring).
Carefully remove the baseboard with a pry bar and wooden wedge. Cut out the drywall behind the baseboard with a jigsaw or drywall saw. Then notch the studs just above the sole plate. Use a fish tape to snag the wire and pull it through the existing outlet box and through the wall. Hook up the wires and push them back into the box. Run the wire along the grooves and install nail guards over the notches to protect the wires. Fish up the wire to the new outlet. Use push terminals to connect the two boxes, matching the colored wires to the correct terminal, as described in the sections on terminals and connections under Basic Wiring above.
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