The electrical outlet is a device used for transferring electrical energy between circuits. Normally, the electrical power source is connected to input terminals, and there is a need to control the electrical devices connected, so connect the power plug of the device to the outlet. Another name for the outlet is a receptacle. The outlet comes in different configurations, and commonly used are voltage and current ratings. The outlet has features for providing current from low to a higher value. Here we will discuss different types of wiring processes used for receptacles or outlets. So let’s’s get started with
What is an electrical outlet, or receptacle?
- The electrical outlet is also called a receptacle, and according to IEC, it is known as a socket outlet. Based on NEC details, an outlet is the point of wiring where current is taken out and connected devices are used for working. The outlet receptacle is where one or more receptacles are connected at the outlet for load connection with switches or plugs.
- The normal outlet has terminals or screws on both sides. The brass screws are connected with line wire, and the silver screws are connected with neutral wire.
- In a simple way, the hot wire of the main breaker is connected with a narrow blade point where the neutral wire is connected with a wide terminal.
- The ground wire is connected with the ground terminal.
- Brass screws are electrically connected through a breakaway fin, so connect one brass screw with a live wire, giving power to the other brass screw.
Outlet Structure and Terminals
- Here you can see the diagram of the outlet, which has 5 terminals. The right side has two brass screw terminals. These terminals are connected with each other. These terminals are once with a wire of power source.
- These terminals are used for making connections of multiple outlets in series.
- The top left terminals are neutral. These are silver screws and left lower points used for grounding.
How to wire Outlet
The wiring process of the receptacle or outlet is easy, for this makes the connection of phase terminals with the power source at the right side of any screw. Then connect the neutral point of the power supply with the left side screw.
Make a connection of ground or earth wire with an earthing screw.
Single Outlet Wiring Diagram
Double Outlet Wiring Diagram
Electrical Outlet Wiring Diagram with 4 Outlets
In this outlet wiring diagram, we use 4 outlets. In this wiring diagram, the two-wire cables provide line voltage from the electrical panel with the first outlet box. The wiring for using 4 outlets can be seen.
- In this wiring diagram, line and neutral wires are not connected with each other.
- Neutral wires connected are required for multi-wire branch circuits to avoid open neutrals.
- Ground wires and device terminals are connected to each other in every outlet box. All ground wires are connected with each other in every electrical box. Ground also connected with ground terminals of devices such as lights, switches, etc.
Dryer Outlet Wiring
- Here we have dryer outlet wiring where three-wire 10 AWG NM cable provides 240 volts from the power source to the dryer outlet box. The black wire has 240 volts, and the white wire is providing neutral with the dryer outlet.
Wiring Multiple Outlets in Parallel
Here we have made wiring diagram of multiple outlets in parallel combination. The main features for this combination is that outlet connection such that not have dependency for working with other outlets. If any one outlet not working it will not affect complete circuits.
Multiple Outlet Wiring in Series Connection
Here we have wiring diagram of multiple outlet in series combination where each outlet comes with two terminals for phase and neutral. The main drawback of this wiring is that if any outlet is not working it will affects all other connected outlets.
Multiple wiring with Switched Outlets
In this bewlo diagram we have many outlets conneced with single pole switch. The switch is connected in such way that live wire of switch connected all other parallle connection outlet. In this way switch control ON or OFF working of outlet
 Switch wiring with Outlet
The switch is connected with outlet through removing live wire from outlet brass point and connected with first terminal switch. 2nd switch then connected with brass point of outlet. So switch controll outlet
 AFCI and GFCI wiring with Outlet
In this wiring diagram load point ofg GFCI connected with outler and GFCI from that point connected with AFCI load point. Standard outler has protection from AFCI and GFCI. The wiring use AFCI or GFCI called outlet series wiring.
How to Wire an Outlet
Follow these points for wiring the outlet.
- First of all, turn off the power supply from the fuse or breaker. Ensure that the outlet is off with a non-contact voltage tester.
- Remove external sheathing layers on black or red NM cable through slitting the jacket with a cable ripper and trimming sheathing and paper insulation with a knife or wire cutters.
- Strip away about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of plastic insulation from wire insulation in the box through the use of strippers.
- If there is more than one cable in the box, use a pigtail. Cut 6 inches of every wire in the cable through a scrap of similar circuit cable.
- Make a J-shaped hoot on every end of the wire with the use of needle-nose pliers.
- Make the connection of the white neutral wire with one silver screw terminal on the outlet, and hook the wire in the clock wire over the screw terminals.
- If all connections are secure, reconnect and tighten any loose wires. The receptacle can be directed with a ground slot, which is safe for the ground slot on top.
- Put the cover plate on the outlet and secure it with mounting screws. On the power source through circuit breakers.
FAQs
What are the 3 wires in an outlet?
- The 3 wires on the outlet are black, which is the red hot wire that provides power to the home from the main supply; white is the neutral wire that delivers power to the closed circuit; and green is the ground wire.
What is the correct way to wire a receptacle?
- Black or red wire connected to brass-colored screw and white wire with silver screw or neutral and green or bare wire with green screw. Wrap hook over screw in clockwise direction and set outlet in box and secure with screws.
What is the line and load side of a receptacle?
- The line part of the outlet is connected with the incoming power supply. Load side connected with power outgoing devices.
How to wire a switch to a receptacle?
- For switch wiring, power first comes into the receptacle. The neutral wire goes to the outlet, and the hot wire is split. There is a need for a wire nut for splicing hot wire to receptacles; also connect another wire in a similar wire nut and operate the switch. Read our Engineering Blogs
