How to Install Rough Electricity in New Construction | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner wire her new basement that she’s in the process of turning into finished space.

#ThisOldHouse #AskTOH

Time: 6 hours

Cost: $100 and up

Skill Level: Moderate

Tools List for Installing Rough Electricity:
Hammer
Drill
Lineman’s pliers

Shopping List:
New work electrical boxes
14/2 non-metallic cable
Cable staples
Wire nuts

Steps:
1. Running new electrical work usually requires a building permit. Consult with your local building department for more information.
2. Electrical boxes should be mounted 18” to center off the floor for outlets. Secure the nails in the boxes directly to the studs.
3. Code requires that from any point on the wall, an outlet should be within 6 feet. This is the minimum requirement.
4. Drill a hole in the center of every stud for running wire.
5. Unroll the 14 gauge cable to flatten it, then feed it through the holes in the studs. Run enough wire to reach each box and have some extra slack for working.
6. Attach the cable within 6” of the box using a cable staple.
7. Strip 8” of sheathing off the wire and feed it into the box.
8. In boxes with multiple conductors, splice the bare ground wires together and cap with a green wire nut, leaving one bare wire exposed.
9. Mount an electrical box at 48” to center from the floor for a light switch.
10. Run a wire from the outlet, through the switch box, to the first light fixture. From there, connect the other fixtures with wire.
11. Attach the wires for the lights to ceiling joists with a cable staple.
12. Connect the wires to the light fixtures.
13. Secure the light fixtures in place.
14. Tie the feed wire from the closest outlet to the circuit panel. Ensure power is of

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How to Install Rough Electricity in New Construction | Ask This Old House

[PastorGooch]

Whoever chose the thumbnail picture knew what they were doing

[justgivemethetruth]

4:00 - Wiring ground together with special light green wire nut with single output wire. I never saw this before ... this actually told something I did not know.

[toms]

This guy reminds me of " The situation" from Jersey Shore.

[joedaddy]

Dedicated circuit for lighting would be optimal, possibly 2 circuits for power

[StoneHouse]

Perfect timing TOH!! I’m literally doing this now on my project!! It’s not new construction.. but, I’m sure I can use some of this information to better my install!! Thanks

[robertschaefermeyer]

Don't forget about communication lines for telephone, data, and television services.

[serbiansaber]

Dang they got me with the thumbnail, but shorty just standing there 😂

[HiltonRalphs]

Interesting. In South Africa we have to crimp the Earth wires together and we have separate circuits for plugs (15A) and lights (10A). Heavy duty appliances such as aircons, pool motors and geysers run off 20A MCBs.

[MegaPyky]

Should be 20amp 12/2 wire for receptacle ?

[BayAreaElectric]

#1 - Fastening within 6" of the box?. . . check your code! For those plastic boxes it is 8." #2 - Please torque your circuit breakers. #3 - It maybe code, but a good electrician will not use 15 amp, but 20 amp. wiring and circuit breaker.

[chazzmouse]

I love that she drilled some holes, it was like bring your kid to work day 😅

[craigkostoff]

18" up from the floor, middle of the box, the top or bottom ????

[johnt.]

How many outlets are allowed on a 20 amp circuit?

[IAmYourTuber]

1:45 then 2:35. That’s all the skills you need to see to know how to use them.

[judgelpf]

Didn't learn a thing! But I do have a new appreciation for tight jeans!!!

[drtij_dzienz]

14 gauge for an outlet? I thought you would want 20A, 12 gauge NM here

[oldrustycars]

"When you need a hammer, anything within arms reach becomes one."

[qmyers]

When your girlfriend is also the boyfriend...

[dustinbergeron]

Speaking as an electrician from Louisiana everything he said is 100% correct. The only thing I wish he would have mentioned is the type and correct wire to use. For most applications you can use either 14 gauge or 12 gauge. We typically use 14 gauge because it is easier to work with. The wire we use is called non metallic (NM) romex. For receptacles and single pole switches we use 2 wire with ground. For 3 way switches we use 3 wire with ground. For 4 way switches we use 4 wire with ground. What they used is called 14/2 with ground NM romex

[davidadame]

lmao typical electrician using pliers as a hammer. I do the same