Wiring a receptacle in series can be a simple and straightforward task with the right tools and a little bit of knowledge. Whether you’re adding a new outlet to an existing circuit or replacing an old one, understanding the basics of series wiring will ensure a safe and functional installation. By following a few simple steps and adhering to the recommended safety guidelines, you can complete the job efficiently and effectively.
To begin, gather the necessary tools and materials, including a voltage tester, wire strippers, electrical tape, and a screwdriver. Before starting any electrical work, always ensure that power to the circuit is turned off at the breaker or fuse box. Once the power is disconnected, locate the existing receptacle or electrical box where you plan to install the new outlet. Using the voltage tester, confirm that the power is off at the outlet. Next, remove the faceplate and mounting screws to access the wires.
Next, identify the wires that will be used for the series connection. Typically, black wires are used for “hot” connections, white wires for “neutral” connections, and bare copper or green wires for “ground” connections. In a series wiring configuration, the hot wire from the power source will connect to the hot terminal on the first receptacle, and the hot terminal on the second receptacle will connect to the neutral wire from the power source. The neutral wire from the first receptacle will then connect to the neutral terminal on the second receptacle. Finally, the ground wire from the power source will connect to the ground terminal on both receptacles. Once all the connections are made, secure them with electrical tape and reassemble the receptacles and faceplates. Restore power to the circuit and use the voltage tester to verify that the new outlets are functioning correctly.
Wiring Basics for Receptacles in Series
Understanding Electrical Wiring
Before wiring receptacles in series, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of electrical wiring. Electricity flows in a circuit, which is a continuous path that allows electrons to move. In an AC (alternating current) circuit, the flow of electrons periodically reverses direction.
Types of Electrical Wires
There are two main types of electrical cables used in household wiring:
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Romex | Used for most interior wiring applications |
| BX | Metal-clad cable with greater durability |
Circuit Conductors
Electrical wires have three conductors:
| Conductor | Color | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hot | Black or Red | Carries electricity from the power source |
| Neutral | White | Completes the circuit and returns electricity to the source |
| Ground | Green or Bare Copper | Provides a safety path for excess electricity |
Safely Removing the Old Receptacle
Before you begin wiring a receptacle in series, you’ll need to remove the old receptacle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to do it safely:
1. Turn Off the Power
This is the most important step for your safety. Turn off the power to the circuit that powers the receptacle at the circuit breaker panel. Verify that the power is off by testing the receptacle with a non-contact voltage tester.
2. Remove the Faceplate
Using a screwdriver, remove the faceplate that covers the receptacle. The faceplate is typically held in place by two screws.
3. Remove the Receptacle
Now, you’ll need to remove the receptacle from the electrical box. This can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to do it:
**a. Remove the Mounting Screws:** Locate the two mounting screws that hold the receptacle in the electrical box. These screws are usually located on either side of the receptacle.
**b. Pull the Receptacle Out:** Once the mounting screws are removed, carefully pull the receptacle out of the electrical box. Be careful not to pull too hard on the wires connected to the receptacle.
**c. Disconnect the Wires:** Now, you’ll need to disconnect the wires from the receptacle. Use a screwdriver to loosen the terminal screws on the receptacle. Once the terminal screws are loose, pull the wires off the receptacle.
**d. Remove the Old Receptacle:** Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the old receptacle from the electrical box.
You’ve now successfully removed the old receptacle. You can now proceed to wire up the new receptacle in series.
Connecting the Initial Power Source
Before wiring a receptacle in series, you must first establish the initial power source. This involves connecting the incoming electrical power to the first receptacle in the series.
Step 1: Turn Off Power at the Breaker
Turn off the power to the circuit at the electrical panel. This is essential for safety and prevents any accidents during wiring.
Step 2: Identify the Incoming Wires
Inside the electrical box for the first receptacle, identify the incoming power wires. These wires will typically be black and white.
Step 3: Connect the Black Wire
Connect the black wire from the power supply to the brass-colored terminal on the first receptacle. This terminal is usually marked as “LINE” or “HOT.” Tighten the terminal screw securely.
Step 4: Connect the White Wire
Connect the white wire from the power supply to the silver-colored terminal on the first receptacle. This terminal is usually marked as “NEUTRAL.”
Step 5: Grounding and Box Preparation
1. Install a grounding wire between the grounding terminal on the receptacle and the grounding wire in the electrical box. The grounding wire is usually green or bare copper.
2. Securely attach the receptacle to the electrical box using the mounting screws provided.
3. Carefully tuck all wires neatly into the electrical box and secure them with a wire nut or electrical tape.
| Color Code | Description |
|---|---|
| Black | Hot (LINE) |
| White | Neutral |
| Green/Bare Copper | Ground |
Looping the Wires and Connecting the Second Receptacle
Now that the wires are stripped and connected to the first receptacle, it’s time to loop them and connect them to the second receptacle. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Looping the Wires
Take the white wire from the first receptacle and bend it about an inch from the end. Wrap the looped end around the screw terminal on the second receptacle labeled “white” and tighten it. Repeat this process with the black wire and the “black” screw terminal on the second receptacle.
2. Connecting the Green Wire
Find the bare copper wire (or the green one with a bare end) and connect it to the green screw terminal on both receptacles. This is the ground wire and it’s crucial for safety.
3. Securing the Receptacles
Once the wires are connected, gently push both receptacles into the electrical box. Make sure they are flush with the wall and secure them with screws. If the box has mounting tabs, bend them inwards to hold the receptacles in place.
4. Installing the Faceplates
Install the faceplates over the receptacles and secure them with screws. This will give your new outlets a finished look.
5. Testing the Outlets
Plug a lamp or other electrical device into one of the outlets to test if it’s working. If it lights up, the wiring is successful. Repeat this test for the other outlet as well.
6. Covering the Outlet Box (Optional)
If the outlet box is exposed, you can cover it with a blank faceplate to give it a cleaner appearance. Simply remove the mounting screws from the faceplate, attach it to the box, and secure it with screws. This is a good option for outlets that are not in regular use.
How To Wire Up A Receptacle In Series
A receptacle is a device that allows you to connect an electrical device to a power source. Receptacles are typically wired in parallel, but they can also be wired in series. Wiring a receptacle in series is more complex than wiring it in parallel, but it can be done if you have the right tools and materials.
Tools and Materials
To wire a receptacle in series, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Electrical tape
- Wire strippers
- Screwdriver
- Receptacle
- Electrical wire
Instructions
- Turn off the power to the circuit that you will be working on.
- Remove the faceplate from the receptacle.
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the receptacle in place.
- Pull the receptacle out of the electrical box.
- Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the electrical wire.
- Wrap the bare wire around the screw terminals on the receptacle.
- Tighten the screws to secure the wire.
- Push the receptacle back into the electrical box.
- Screw the faceplate back onto the receptacle.
- Turn on the power to the circuit.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my receptacle is wired in series or parallel?
You can tell if your receptacle is wired in series or parallel by looking at the way the wires are connected to the receptacle. If the wires are all connected to the same screw terminal, then the receptacle is wired in series. If the wires are connected to different screw terminals, then the receptacle is wired in parallel.
What are the advantages of wiring a receptacle in series?
There are no advantages to wiring a receptacle in series. In fact, wiring a receptacle in series is less efficient than wiring it in parallel. Wiring a receptacle in series can also cause the receptacle to overheat.
What are the disadvantages of wiring a receptacle in series?
There are several disadvantages to wiring a receptacle in series. These disadvantages include:
