Wiring an Outlet with Multiple Sets of Wires

We have received numerous questions on our past electrical videos wanting to know why 1 outlet might have 2 sets or 3 sets of wiring in the same box. I understand how this can be confusing and a bit intimidating to a DIYer safely taking on electrical projects. I will walk through a few different instances of what to do depending on the type of receptacle you are installing.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:21 Purpose for Multiple Wire Sets
4:34 Standard Receptacle
6:09 GFCI
6:53 Receptacle with USB-C Ports (Includes Install)
8:53 Final Thoughts

Parts and Tools Used

Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[CarlosRodriguez-hbvq]

Excellent. For 20 years, my yard lights came on with my indoor hall lights. I used this info to switch them over to my porch light. Took me long enough

[bobthebuilder]

This is the third video of yours I've seen. I'm impressed I've been in construction for 40 odd years . I can build a house no problem. but someone else always did the wiring . I don't build anymore but I still do repairs many of which are electrical . I'm subscribing to your channel and recommending it to any and all home owners whom I work for .. as always, well done and thank you

[chetmarcotti]

I can tell you from my own experience that this young man has the best presentations I have seen. Nice job sir.

[Noreladim]

Thank you for the info. As a DIYer I've encountered situations like this in our home over the years and knowing this stuff beforehand would have made installing new outlets and switches so much easier. Love those Wago connectors!

[gregorywasik]

I was probably going to have another bland boring and depressing 4am but I 100% have you to thank for the change in mind set . Of all the unimportant drama I could have typed in my search bar I looked up wiring basics and found your channel, I'm like 25 minutes in to your content and feel an overwhelming sense of confidence. I've needed electric work done desperately and now I am going to be picking some things up on my way home from work . Hopefully in 12 hours my life will be a little brighter.. thank you for the wisdom and keep it coming

[jamestillar]

Thanks!As a mason contractor for 42 yrs., I have installed alot of boxes in the walls, but the electrical was done by the contractor in that field of work, which has left me lacking in my knowledge of electrical issues. Your video, s are very helpful. Txs. James Tillar, AAA MASONRY

[ariannagray]

This was GREAT. Thank you for not just showing me HOW to do this, but explaining WHY (how to track down which is the power in, etc). Very cool.

[ArcticFlies]

Great info. I really like the connectors. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve struggled with sets of 12 gauge wires trying to get them back into a small electric box only to end up tearing the small box out and replacing it with a deeper box. 12 gauge wiring is no fun to work with! The connectors and outlets are definitely on my immediate shopping list! Thank you.

[wayne]

Thank you so much, i just installed my first gfci in my tenants apartment. I own an older home and a few receptacles are not grounded. My tenant understands and he is very appreciative

[xringeagle]

Thank you very much for your videos. I am working on renovating a house built in 1995 and the electrical wiring is a bit interesting. Some of it does not make sense as far as why certain receptacles are connected and others are not. Your videos are helping me quite a bit. I'm commenting on this one, but I have watched several of your videos (sometimes 2-3 times) to help me figure out the correct way. It has also helped my regarding connectors and tools. Thanks again.

[cooter.malone]

I enjoy all your videos. I usually download all the YouTube videos I watch on all channels, so I can watch them as I get time. After I watch them, I delete most of them. But I usually save yours to a folder on my computer. LOTS of great information!! THANK YOU!!!!

[tomytne]

I just had to fix a plug like this. It had reversed polarity so I took apart to fix. I had no ground wires connected plus my main power was from bx cable to Romex. The wagu lever nuts worked great for pig tailing. The only thing I added was a piece of tape to keep the levers locked while fumbling with all the wires. I was checking videos to make sure what I did was even close to code! Your video series has been very helpful!!

[jameswalker]

Thank you this was informative and helpful. I opened an outlet with the exact configuration you described with 3 sets of wires, 2 back-wired and 1 side-wired, and I wanted to put in a receptacle with a USB port. Learning about Wago lever nuts and making pigtails was also really helpful, and differentiating between line and load is also good. Most times I've done repair I've taken pictures and put the next thing in the way the previous thing was done, but now I realize that's not guaranteed to work or be safe.

[lisasmith]

I just found an outlet like this in my room and boy did that have me scratching my head. This is very helpful. Thank you.

[arthurwright]

Great video. Everything a person would need to know to replace a receptacle with no superfluous banter! Great job!

[JeradBenge]

I can't say this enough, this man has made my life easier just by recommending the WAGO connectors. Add in all the other little tips I've gathered from watching, and I feel like I owe this guy an invitation to our next beachside cookout, and a growler of the private reserve.

[Chastonicity]

Thanks so much for your helpful explanation of WAGOs and how they really do simplify multi-wiring.

[johnlennon]

Love the way you explain things. Very simple and to the point. No music, no fanfare…if I want to hear music, I’ll take out my trumpet.

[kbfg-hfjy]

Really learning a lot with your videos, especially with the WAGO wire connectors.

[XenaTheQuadCamBikah]

Scott I’m happy to see you have a great following of subscribers. You deserve it. Thanks so much for the invaluable information. With info from your channel I’m learning a lot…so with your help I safely/successfully wired in gfci outlets in my kitchen and bathrooms. Will be purchasing the materials I need to upgrade old outdoor receptacles. My father built the garage here in 1962 and he installed the outlets and while they are three prong grounded and they work and are weather proof I want to swap them for new gfci and upgraded wp boxes. Thrilled to be a new subscriber here! Mucho gracias! ✌️ - Michele