Adding a New Outlet: Is It Really That Difficult?

Adding a new outlet is somewhere between trivially simple and infuriatingly complex, depending on the circuits, accessibility, and proximity to existing outlets. Whether you can do it yourself or should hire an electrician involves understanding the electrical codes, safety risks, and the practical challenges of the task.

Understanding the Complexity

Electricity installation in the home is governed by strict regulations to ensure safety. These regulations specify requirements like cable securing, appropriate grounding, and the size and rating of back boxes. Depending on your location, you might need to have your work inspected as well.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Adding an outlet is not very hard. However, the difficulty can vary depending on the location or the construction of your house. For instance, you might need to drill through studs to route wires or rip into the drywall to run the line. Tapping into an existing circuit is one option, but you must ensure it does not overload the circuit. If the existing circuit is overloaded, you might need to run a dedicated line, which means running wires all the way to the breaker panel and adding a breaker.

DIY Safety Tips

It is important to shut off the power to the area where you are working. Always have someone nearby for safety in case of emergencies. Emergency services can be reached by calling 911. If you are not familiar with electrical projects, it is crucial to follow basic rules and safety guidelines. Watching YouTube videos or using DIY websites that specialize in electrical projects can be very helpful.

Do You Need an Electrician?

In many areas, you do not need an electrician to add a new outlet. However, in some regions, like Canada, you might need a permit and an inspection. If you decide to do it yourself, you should bone up on several sections of the code to ensure everything is done correctly. Experienced electricians are a good choice, even if the task seems simple, because it can be a pain in the butt. Safety is paramount in electrical work, and electrical codes are in the details.

Professional Advice

Kevin strongly advises hiring an electrician, as he believes that even street-smart home owners might struggle with the task. Professional electricians are well-equipped to handle the job, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Unless the studs are exposed, it's safer and easier to hire a professional.