How to Install a New Electrical Outlet in an Existing Wall

Watch as I show you how to install an additional electrical outlet or socket from an existing socket - a spur socket.

Amazon links to the tools and materials used in this video...

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US Links:

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[stevewhite]

Why didn’t you earth the new metal back box to the new double socket ?

[nimmichagger]

Thanks for such a simple video mate. An electrician quoted me £120 to do this. I did it myself exactly as you’ve done here in about 45 minutes.

[ivythewhiteboxer]

When drawing round a back box it is easier to turn it around so the sharp edges are against the wall and stops the box from moving as it digs into the wall a little.

[marksmith]

Just popping out to buy a new screwdriver so I too can make a damaged one. Great tip, thank you 🙏🏼.

[eddickinson]

Thanks man, that’s given me the confidence to screw up a similar project slightly less than I would have done otherwise! Nice edit and well presented.

[JohnCarr]

Another excellent video thanks Stuart. One word of warning about installing socket outlets back to back; if the wall is thin it can be a good idea to remove one of the side knock outs and drill at a shallow angle so the new socket is offset, i.e. not directly back to back. Chopping in a new 35mm box can result in a big hole with nothing to fix to. Similarly using screws and plugs to fix the back box in a thin wall can lead to drilling right through the original back box and socket.

[stephenjames]

Another great video, very well explained. When you removed the existing socket and the wires were temporary exposed for a short while, instead of wrapping the ends in tape, I put a wago connector on the end of eash wire, much easier to remove than tape and possibly safer. Keep making your great videos.

[Tigerbythetoe]

Greetings from the US. Interesting to see how things are done “across the pond”! I like how simple and modular the sockets and switches look. We do a lot more splicing with wire nuts at each box. They look lighter weight too than what we use, which makes sense. Not surprised to see that being an electrician in the UK also means that you still need knowledge outside the trade, with plastering and painting as well. I always say that it’s a trade that requires you to be very well rounded to excel. Thanks.

[citizenmilitia]

"if you don't have a damaged screwdriver, then just use a normal one and it will be damaged soon enough" - that had me in stitches

[TheFakeyCakeMaker]

Hello, this is actually unbelievable, good clear content, instructions and advice. YouTube has needed a decent DIY channel for a VERY long time and I think it finally has one, also you're a great presenter which is rare in this genre. Look forward to watching more content. It's especially good that this is UK based as much of the bigger channels are in the US and it's not always easy to know what applies to the UK and Europe especially with electrics. Great stuff.

[mattball]

Fab video - def consider if you don't need it recessed is going for a low profile surface mounted socket, or if you do go recessed you go off alignment so both back boxes are not directly back to back. Going slightly up (higher) the other side reduces any risk of damage to the power feed to the original socket when taking out the wall material.

Perfect timing on this one though as I'm needing to add a few spurs!

[mikeZLXD]

Good work with fitting the grommets, Stuart, this is very important.
As a qualified electrician, I must say this does get forgotten about/ not done at all.

[JasGawera]

Nice video - thanks. Just a few of tips for anyone thinking of doing similar.
Metal boxes can be used in stud walls. I have some in my house, for whatever reason the builder preferred to fit metal boxes on noggins in the stud wall rather than plasterboard boxes after the boards are up. Peek through the screw holes in the existing box to see.
You can also often judge the wall construction by looking how wide the door lining is. Blocks + dot and dab are thicker than studs.
Cutting out a neat box - an oscillating saw is great for this. I've done this with metal boxes and the socket is wide enough to cover any minor gaps as you say - no filling/painting required if you're careful and lucky.
If laying 1 cable, often it is better to lay 2, and add the new socket to the ring. Join the other cable with ideal splice connectors or any other connector rated at 32A in the back of the original socket. If you're on a stud wall, you may even be able to pull 1 leg through to your new socket and avoid the connectors.
Your auto wire strippers should be great at removing the outer sleeve on the T&E cable. Rather than the knife and cheesewire earth method.
You mush share your trick of instantly aligning the screw with the lug on the back box when re-fitting the socket. That's the bit that usually takes me a few attempts and a bit of language to persuade it to engage :)

Loving your videos - thanks again.

[harryinhuahin]

Another good and useful video - you're building up quite a library here.
One little point: when you forget something, like the grommet, it could be useful to add in a clearer shot of what you should have done... This might help the rookies, who might never have seen a grommet before, to clearly understand what you later did...

[gjwhizz]

Thank you for this video i didn't realise they did these Fast fix sockets, made life so much easier.

[MrBlackPoplar]

Just used for a refresher to install one after years of not having done it. Really useful, thanks!

[stevenrichardson]

Nothing flashy, it’s almost an idiots guide which is the best way to show people. Impressed 👍

[terrytopliss]

I always use block connectors to separate my wires while doing the same electrical job Stuart. Thanks for the video.👍👍

[dazdaz]

Fantastic advice on how to create a damaged screwdriver. I will have a toolbox full of them soon. 👍

[DonMorte]

Watching this video with absolute wall envy!
I have a cottage bungalow built in the early 1700s... our walls don't look like that!
A 'simple' picture hanging takes a rented jackhammer just to make a small dent! Haha!