How to Hook Up Two Electric Plugs at One Time

Installing two receptacles at one time is commonly needed for areas where electronics such as television and DVD combinations are located, computer areas, or in the kitchen where multiple appliances run at one time. Learning to install electrical plugs makes receptacle areas safe by not over-loading one outlet. As with any live electrical project, practice safety first. To prevent accidents, turn off the power source to the area where the electrical work will occur.

• 1

  Turn off the breaker to the receptacle you are going to use as the jump point. Remove the cover plate and the receptacle. Measure six inches above the receptacle and draw a line on the wall to the floor. Go to the part of the wall were you are installing the two new receptacles.

• 2

  Copy the previous measurement from the line you drew from the receptacle to the floor with a measuring tape. Use that measurement to mark the new receptacle location. Draw a line between the first receptacle to the second. Use a two feet or four feet level to make sure the mark is straight and level. Measure another six inches above this mark and draw another line from point to point. Use the stud finder to draw a line horizontally between the previous lines at the outside studs and cut the drywall out.

• 3

  Attach an auger bit to the battery drill and make a hole in every stud until you get to the receptacle installation point. Take the number 14 Romex and pull wire through the drilled holes. Romex is the brand name for a type of insulated wire. Be sure to pull to the new receptacle point plus 18 inches to reach out of the box to the next box. Also ensure the wire is long enough to go into the first receptacle, as this is where the wire attaches for power.

• 4

  Trace cut in box on the wall and cut out with key hole saw. Pull the wire through the hole. Push a knock-out through the cut in box and feed the Romex through. Knock-out tools creates the hole easily. Install the gang box to the stud. Push the wire through the original box as well. Add the second box in the same manner.

• 5

  Cut a slit down the outer jacket of both wires with a razor and cut out the excess. Cut the wire down six inches from the edge of the box. Separate the wire by color and the bare ground. Strip one half inch of insulation away from each wire. Put the two you have separated of the black under a wire nut and stuff the excess into the box neatly. Complete the same process for the white and the ground wire. The wire nuts safely separate the wires until you are ready to skin them.

• 6

  Take the wire strippers and skin the ends of the wire. Using the wire strippers curl the ends of the wire over to make a hook. Install the black wires on the bronze screw of the outlet so when it is tightened the wire will turn in the direction of the screw. Repeat the process for the white wire in the silver screw and the ground wire on the green screw. From the new box installed, run wires into the second box and repeat the process. Screw both receptacles into their respective boxes. The wire that is not black or white is the ground wire.

• 7

  Strip the Romex in the original receptacle using the same method. Undo the wire nuts in the old box and attach the new wires under these wire nuts and reinstall the receptacle. Install all receptacle covers, turn on the power and check for the correct wiring and power with the receptacle tester.