How to Install an Electrical Outlet: Lower Your Cost with Smart Outlet

Imagine this: You've just moved into your dream home, all set to make it heaven! As you plan where your furniture will go and how your electronics will be arranged, you realize that having sufficient electrical outlets in the right places is also essential for a functional living environment. However, this realization also comes with a daunting question: how to install an electrical outlet without worrying about its initial and operational costs?

The good news is that you have choices, and one of the most innovative and cost-effective options is to consider smart outlets. They have energy monitoring technology and make your life more convenient. They also allow you to track and manage your energy usage, potentially lowering your costs and reducing your environmental impact. In this article, you'll get to know about how to install an electrical outlet and its cost, along with the details of smart outlets. Continue reading!

• Electrical Outlet Wiring: How to Install an Electrical Outlet
• Outlet Installation Cost: How Much Do Electricians Charge Per Outlet?
• Features of Smart Electrical Outlet
• Smart Outlets with Energy Monitoring to Lower Your Cost

Electrical Outlet Wiring: How to Install an Electrical Outlet

Here are the things and materials you need to arrange before getting into how to install an electrical outlet:

Tools Required

• Phillips Screwdriver
• Slotted Screwdriver
• Tape Measure
• Utility / Box Knife
• Writing Utensil (Pencil)
• Wire Cutters

Materials Required

• Wire Connectors (or Wire Nuts)
• Wire (14-2G AWG)
• Outlet (15 AMP)
• Outlet-Face Plate
• “Old Work” Electrical Box

Optional Tools that You May Need

• Electrical Tape
• Outlet Tester
• Stud Finder
• Voltage Tester

Keep all these things to ensure you complete the how to install an electrical outlet process hassle-free.

Complete Guide on Installation

The step-by-step guide on how to install an electrical outlet is as follows:

Step 1: Identify a Power Source

First thing first - locate a power source nearby where you want to install the new outlet. The power source for your new outlet can be an existing outlet, light switch, or junction box.

However, before commencing any work, it is absolutely essential to turn off the electricity supply to the specific circuit you'll be working on to ensure safety. Locate your circuit breaker box and turn off the corresponding circuit to ensure your safety.

Step 2: Find Out the Suitable Location for Your New Electrical Outlet

The second step in how to install an electrical outlet is all about determining the precise location for your new outlet. The following steps will help you with this:

1. Tape measure and pencil are used to measure and mark the height at which you want the outlet to be installed. Common outlet heights are around 12 inches from the floor. Make sure that it's at a convenient and accessible location for your intended use.
2. Analyze the wall where you plan to install the outlet. There shouldn't be any obstacles like wall studs, pipes, or other obstructions that may interfere with the installation.

Step 3: Trace the Electrical Box and Cut Out the Opening

The process for tracing the electrical box comes next in how to install an electrical outlet and is performed as follows:

1. Start by using the height measurements from a similar outlet as a reference point for positioning your new outlet. This will help maintain consistency in your installation.
2. Trace the box with its open end against the wall and avoid including the four blue tabs in the tracing.
3. Carefully use your utility knife to cut out the rectangular shape, making sure to cut through the 1/2-inch thick drywall.
4. A well-cut opening should feel loose when tapped lightly, and once you're confident it's entirely cut, you can either remove the rectangular section or push it gently into the wall.

This meticulous process guarantees a clean and secure fit for the electrical box, setting the stage for the smooth installation of your new outlet.

Step 4: Connect the Wires from the Power Source

In this critical phase of how to install an electrical outlet process, you'll connect the wires from the power source to your new outlet.

1. Remove the cover plate from the power source and unscrew the top and bottom mounting screws that secure it within its electrical box.
2. Use a slotted screwdriver to create an opening in the power source's electrical box, through which you can thread a new wire leading to your new outlet.

Step 5: Prepare and Install the New Outlet

The final step of how to install an electrical outlet is given as follows:

1. Pull the new wire through the designated hole for the outlet and into the electrical box. You may need to bend or remove one of the tabs at the back of the new electrical box to facilitate this.
2. Once the wire is threaded through, insert the box into the wall, securing it by turning the screws on the electrical box to draw in the "sails (small, loose flaps located at the top and bottom of the electrical box in "old work" installations, made to grip the drywall from the back and hold the box securely in place.)."
3. Remove the new cable or wire sheathing bundle with a knife to expose the three individual wires: black (HOT wire), white (NEUTRAL wire), and copper (GROUND, often bare).
4. Connect these wires, matching them to their respective counterparts, similarly to the "pigtails" on the power source outlet.
5. The outlet wiring is done; now, you can press it into the electrical box and attach it securely using the mounting screws provided. Don't forget to attach the outlet cover plate to complete the installation.
6. Turn on the circuit breaker to restore power and check if the connection is working and secure.

Outlet Installation Cost: How Much Do Electricians Charge Per Outlet?

All done with how to install an electrical outlet? Here's an overview of the price you can expect to pay for outlet installation:

The cost of electrical outlet installation can vary significantly based on several factors. Electricians typically charge around $175 to replace or install a standard outlet.

But, the price may fluctuate as per your location, the complexity of the installation process, and any additional work required. The lowest charges are around $100 and go as high as $500 per outlet.

Features of Smart Electrical Outlet

Smart outlets help you with home automation. Here are some of the key features of smart electrical outlets:

• Remote Control: Smart outlets offer you complete control of all your connected appliances from anywhere using a compatible smartphone app.
• Voice Control: They are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing you to control your electronics using voice commands.
• Scheduling: Setting schedules for when the smart outlet should turn on or off is easy. It's helpful in automating lights, appliances, or other devices, helping to save energy.
• Overload Protection: Some smart outlets have built-in surge protection or overload safeguards to protect your connected devices from power surges or electrical issues.
• Energy Monitoring: They have built-in energy monitoring capabilities, providing data on power consumption for the devices connected to them. This can help you track and manage your energy usage

Smart Outlets with Energy Monitoring to Lower Your Cost

Traditional outlets can consume a significant amount of electricity and offer no control over the appliances connected. Smart outlets, however, enable energy efficiency by allowing you to monitor and manage the energy usage of connected devices, helping you lower your overall energy costs.

Here's the best smart outlet with excellent energy-monitoring features:

EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug and Relay

The EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug and Relay is the ultimate smart plug for energy-conscious individuals seeking to monitor and optimize their power consumption. This smart outlet offers precise energy monitoring with an astounding 99% accuracy, allowing you to keep a close eye on the hourly energy usage of your plugged-in devices. Its ability to predict power consumption through the EVVR App sets it apart, empowering you to take proactive steps to enhance energy efficiency.

The Magnetic Retention Relay technology ensures stable performance while consuming significantly less working energy (a mere 0.5-1W). It has safety features like zero-crossing switching protection, overload protection, and over-temperature protection. The tamper-proof shell design and button lock function enhance security. This energy-monitoring smart plug also handles currents up to 16 Amps, making it compatible with high-power appliances. All this protects your home from electrical fires so you and your family can stay safe.

Key Features

• Safety Features: Zero-Crossing Switching, Overload & Over-Temperature Protection
• Tamper-Proof Shell Design and Button Lock Function
• Supports High Power Appliances (up to 16 Amps)
• Space-saving design with a 90-degree Extension Cord
• Remote Control via HomeKit, EVVR App, and Wireless Siri Voice Commands

Conclusion

The process of how to install an electrical outlet isn't complicated, but it's essential to get professional assistance to avoid any mishaps. Electricians, on average, charge you around $175 per outlet, but the price may go higher and lower based on various things.

In case you are searching for the best smart energy monitoring outlet, the EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug and Relay is the most reliable option. Featuring excellent safety features and smart app compatibility, this energy-saving outlet allows you to track your energy usage without compromising on safety. EVVR also has other smart home products like the EVVR Center Lite, EVVR Pad S, EVVR In-Wall Relay Switch, etc. So, contact us and get your favorite smart home solution now!