I only have 2 outlets in my room and need to add an additonal 2. I would like to try this on my own if possible. I have basic knowledge about electrical outlets.
Find the end receptacle. It should only have one black and one white wire connected to one set of the contact screws. Then go from there. Run the wires to the new receptacle and then run the next one. Go buy Black and Decker's book on home wiring. It has 100s of color pictures in it and it tells you how to wire up something like 35 different kinds of circuits. I used the book as a reference when I wired an addition and re-wired all the receptacles in my house.
You have to consider the total amount outlets on the circuit you intend to add two more to. Also what they ultimately are to be used for. You should not exceed the code limit and plug in anything that requires a bigger size feed. Also important a ground should be carried through. I would research this before you proceed.
Follow JBD's instructions, use 12/2 romex wire and since the screws are full, you will have to remove the wire from them, twist them together and add one more set of wires which will go to the empty screws. DO NOT PLUG THE WIRES INTO THE SMALL ROUND HOLES just to make a quick connect. 1- If the receptacle is three hole grounding type, it will have 2 flat slots and a round grounding hole green screw (inside). 2- One of the flat blades will be wider than the other. (this is the neutral wire - white wire). 3- The smaller one is the hot side and the black wire goes to this one. (you may see that the corresponding screws are colored - white for neutral and brass for hot/line. Good luck, be safe and turn off the power before you start ! ! !
Any power wiring you add must be protected from damage by a 'recognized method`. I would suggest Wiremold surface raceway. It;s a lot easier than cutting patching walls. You can find it at the 'Home Depot`. They'll have a pamphlet on how to install it. If you have 'basic knowledge`, you can extend the existing circuits with this wireway. They'll have a pamphlet on this too if you're not sure of your 'knowledge`. i would not add any air conditioners or heavy loads, but if they're just convenience outlets there should be no trouble.
Use the same size wire as is on the original outlet (12 or 14). Connect the blacks and whites and the ground to the same sides of the receptacles as they are now. That is important. You will need to wire nut the ground wires together along with a short piece of wire to connect to the ground screw on all the receptacles except the last one. Only one wire is allowed under a screw. Make sure all connections are tight. That is very important to prevent fires. Turn off the power before working on the circuit and test it to make sure it is off. Good luck.
