Installing a new power outlet | How to add a power outlet

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 4/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS, YOU PAY $80 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 4 HOURS TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • YOU SHOULD OBSERVE SAFETY RULES FOR WORKING WITH AND HANDLING POWER DRILLS.​
BEFORE YOU START
  • A power outlet is needed to the right of this door while the existing outlet is to the left i.e. behind it when open. 
  • Running an extension cord is not practical as it blocks the door opening.
  • The below pictorial shows how to run a cable without blocking the door and install a wall mounted box.
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

The material you need for adding a power outlet (socket)

From left to right: a surface mount 3-module box complete with its frame, 1 schuko outlet, one american outlet, a few meters of PVC self adhesive cable trunking  and a 3x2,5mm² cable of a few meters length.

Wall power outlet: how to cut and fix the self adhesive trunking 

1- Peel the trunking and start by fixing lengths that do not need to be cut.
2- Press firmly on the trunking while moving your fingers all along its length.
3- Prepare the so-called "aviation cutters" that cut straight (yellow color).
​4-  These are the best for cutting trunking and electrical enclosures.
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5- On corners, cut the trunking at 45 degrees to create angles of a better finishing and appearance.
6- Work on one corner at a time.
7- Make sure the assembly is accurate before peeling the trunking or else adjust the cut and try again.
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8- It is very important to work on one corner at a time.​
​9- Hold the box in a manner to have its top at 30cm from the floor, level it and mark the holes.​
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10- Cut a small opening in the box on one side as a wires passage.
11- Make sure your opening is smaller than the trunking section.
12- Drill the holes with a 6mm bit, vacuum them, plug them.
13- Fix the box and complete the trunking installation.

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14- Self adhesive trunking is to be secured with a few screws. Drill 2 holes for each full length of trunking and 1 hole for short pieces.
15- A 5mm bit is enough, insert a plug and a screw through the hole and tighten the screw.
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Wall power socket: cutting and connecting the electrical wires

16- Cut the outer insulation of the cable on some 10 to 12cm of lengths. Do not go deep, cut in surface.
17- Take out the cable sheath, insert the wires through the box hole and fit the cable in the trunking all around the door.​
​18- Time to cut the trunking cover.

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19- And to close the trunking. Make sure the trunking joints are not aligned with the cover joints.
20-  Adjusting the cover on corners is more difficult than the trunking. Be patient and keep reshaping your cut until it is satisfactory as this is mandatory for a good appearance.​
21- Strip the wires ends (less than a cm).
22- Chose your color coding, mark the one you want to use as earth conductor with green/yellow tape.
23- Push the sockets into their mounting frame until you hear a "click".
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24- Connect the wires. Feed the small socket from the Schuko as shown.
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25- Mount the box cover to complete the job, install a plug on the other side of the cable and connect it to an existing socket outlet. The job is complete.
Buy your wall mounted multiple power outlets here:

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