How to make two from one socket and how to correctly connect a socket from a socket

Do you have a need for additional sockets, but a major overhaul is not yet planned? The cost of calling a professional electrician is high, but you don’t trust cheap technicians and want to solve the problem yourself?

The prospect of suffering without a vital electrical outlet for the next few years while waiting for repairs is not at all attractive, right? But without the proper experience, it’s difficult for you to immediately figure out how to make two from one outlet and where to start?

We will show you how you can solve this problem yourself, without calling an electrician - the article shows popular ways to install an additional outlet from an existing one. The tools and corresponding consumables necessary for installation are considered, which can be useful in the process of electrical installation work.

Options for installing an additional outlet are accompanied by visual photographs and informative video recommendations.

Should I wire the socket from the socket or not?

The option of installing an additional outlet will help get rid of quarrels between family members who require electrical points to turn on various household appliances.

This problem arises especially acutely in the kitchen with the purchase of new equipment - a blender, mini-processor, yogurt maker, bread maker, multicooker and other appliances.

It turns out that the existing sockets can no longer cope with their responsibilities - their number is physically insufficient to meet the needs of all households. There is a whole article on our website dedicated to selection and placement kitchen sockets.

Therefore, it would be advisable to decide to install an additional outlet from an existing one.

A technically equipped kitchen needs a sufficient number of electrical connection points. This should be remembered at the stage of drawing up an interior design project for the future premises.

But here you may encounter a real problem - it is not always possible to complete such a task. There are a number of restrictions when it is categorically impossible to carry out such a modernization of the existing electrical network:

• if you need an outlet for an electric stove;
• when you decided to connect a boiler with the washing machine;
• if the total power of the devices is more than 2.2 kW.

In houses or apartments where the owners purchased a new electric stove to replace the old gas stove, a new outlet will be required to connect it. In such a situation, it is impossible to wire another one from a regular outlet to turn on this powerful device.

Here you will need to install a separate branch from the distribution box, or even better, from the panel. Yes, and a residual current device for powerful equipment needs to be installed. To learn about the rules for connecting an outlet for an electric stove, we recommend reading this material.

Another unfortunate example is when the bathroom only has an outlet for the washing machine. But over time we purchased a boiler. Read about how to correctly position and connect sockets in the bathroom Further.

These devices cannot be plugged into one double socket at the same time - the wiring may burn out.It will always be problematic to control the order in which the boiler and washing machine are turned on.

The result of a network overvoltage can be disastrous - it’s good when the problem was discovered in time or the circuit breaker tripped and a fire was avoided

It is also necessary, even before starting work on installing another outlet, to calculate the expected power of the devices that will simultaneously be included in the new block of outlets.

Often they plan to upgrade the connection point to the electrical network, which is powered by a wire with a cross-section of 1.5-2.5 mm². Therefore, the total power of the devices can be slightly more than 2 kW.

You cannot turn on a dishwasher, an oven and a heater, or a boiler and a washing machine at the same time in such neighboring sockets, powered from one core.

Options for arranging two outlets from one

Having decided to independently install an additional electrical outlet, you will need to learn how to correctly install a new outlet from an existing outlet and familiarize yourself with the recommendations and advice of experienced craftsmen.

If you do not have confidence in your own abilities, then it is better to invite an electrician who has considerable practical experience behind him.

When installing an additional outlet yourself, you have to decide what it will be like:

• new point, distant from the existing one by a couple of meters;
• twin model instead of single;
• whole block from 3-6 points.

Depending on your individual needs, you should choose the most appropriate option. If there is simply not enough one more electrical point to turn on all the necessary devices, then it is more convenient and easier to install a dual model.

Even a beginner who has no experience or special knowledge of electrical installation work can implement such a solution.But if this is your first time connecting sockets, we recommend that you first study the following material, which provides step-by-step instructions on connecting electrical points.

The electric stove requires a separate power cable that can withstand a large load

When you move the sofa in the room and change the location of the TV, or buy a PC for older children, you can’t get by with a double socket. You will need to install an additional one or two new ones.

And if the power consumption needs are higher, but the thickness of the wire cross-section allows it, it is best to install a block with 4-6 slots. This solution can fit harmoniously into the interior without cluttering the walls with unnecessary details.

Rules for connecting a socket from a socket

Having dealt with the necessary socket type, which is to be connected to an existing one, you will have to purchase the necessary materials and take tools that will be useful during the work. We also have to resolve the issue of masking the wire.

Rule #1 - hide the wire correctly

The power wire that will connect the existing electrical point to the one being installed needs to be hidden somewhere. This is a question not only of design, but also of the safety of the premises.

It’s good when the issue with another outlet is resolved at the stage of rough repair work. At this time, it is easiest to hide the wire in the groove

The length of the wire and the option for masking it will differ in different cases. So, if there is hidden wiring in the room, then you have to hide it in the wall, making a groove for this.

This method is extremely expensive - because the wall decoration can be seriously damaged.Therefore, in difficult situations, when the room has a beautiful renovation, they choose something less destructive so that the walls and wallpaper on them are not damaged.

As an option, place the socket 15-30 cm from the floor and hide the wires in a special wide plinth, which is easy to install with your own hands.

When the socket is located above the tabletop, it is convenient to use a double model or place a second one next to it. It is desirable that it has the same design and color. With this installation, the wires will be perfectly hidden behind the covers.

Another option is open wiring. This is true if the room is decorated in a retro style - the beautiful openwork interweaving of wires leading to sockets and switches harmoniously echoes other interior items.

There is no need to hide anything, and if you need to replace an area, access is not difficult.

Rule #2 - subtleties of installing a double model

A quick and easy way to turn one socket into two is to remove the decorative trim, unscrew the old working mechanism, taking it out of the socket box. Instead, you have to install a new socket with 2 working sockets.

It differs from a single one in 2 seats that can withstand a total current of up to 16 A.

This model is installed in one socket box. Its working mechanism differs from a single one by the presence of 2 terminal blocks, separated in different directions.

The double rosette mechanism is visually different from the single model. The main thing is that all wires are connected correctly

For installation you will need:

• turn off the electricity in the entire house/apartment;
• make sure that the house is truly de-energized;
• remove a single socket, freeing the wires from its operating mechanism;
• cut off frayed ends of exposed wires;
• remove the insulation from the ends about 1 cm;
• insert the brown phase wire into the right contact of the mechanism;
• insert the blue zero wire into the left contact;
• insert the yellow-green ground wire into the central ground contact;
• Tighten all contacts of the socket operating mechanism with a screwdriver;
• bend the wires like an accordion in the socket box and insert the working mechanism on top;
• fix everything with self-tapping screws;
• put on the decorative cover of the socket and tighten the fixing screw in the center.

After completing the work of turning one socket into 2, it is necessary to check its functionality. If everything works, you can turn on the electricity in the apartment/house. You can read more about connecting a double socket into one socket box in this material.

Rule #3 - nuances of installing a new outlet nearby

The option of installing a new electrical point at a certain distance from the existing one will require more time and effort. Here, as in the previous version, you have to turn off the power to the house/apartment and only then begin work.

To make sure that the brown wire is a phase, you can use a special indicator screwdriver. When it comes into contact with a phase, its lamp lights up

Next, you need to mark the location of the future deployment. Now you need to disassemble the old socket by removing its mechanism. To be done in a trailing manner connect to it is the supply wire for the new socket.

The wires are secured in the same way as for a double socket. One difference is that 2 identical wires are inserted into each contact, and the fastenings are tightened with a screwdriver. To get a train.

The ground wire needs to be split in two - attach 2 yellow-green pieces, place a sleeve at the junction, crimp it with press pliers, and put a heat-shrinkable tube on top for insulation.

One branch will be inserted into the mechanism of the old socket, and the second - into the new one. The supply core of 3 wires is extended to the required length.

You can use a special cap to connect two pieces of wire - this connection is reliable, but to remove it you will have to bite off part of the wire

A hole is made in the wall to install a socket box - the wall will have to be drilled. Then the power wire is threaded inside, and the glass is fixed with an alabaster mixture. All that remains is to connect the working mechanism of the socket - the steps are the same as for the double socket.

After installing the decorative cover, all that remains is to hide or disguise the wire, using the most suitable option for this.

Rule #4 - features of connecting the block

When the thickness of the main core is sufficient, and the potential devices that will be powered from future sockets have moderate power, instead of one old socket, you can build a block of sockets in a modular frame. It could be 2 in a row, 3, 4, 5 or 6 pieces.

To give such a block an aesthetic appearance, buy a decorative modular frame. Moreover, the color and material can be selected according to personal preferences.

To connect this version of outlets, you must first turn off the power to the room. Or better yet, the entire apartment/house.

When installing a block of sockets instead of one, you should clearly maintain the distance between them so that later the decorative frame will hide all unnecessary

Then you will have to carry out actions similar to installing the second outlet. The only difference is that the distance between the socket box of the old and new electrical points will be minimal.

Its exact parameters depend on the size of the glass itself and the width of the decorative lid-lining.

Having connected all the wires in series to each of the new sockets of the future unit, and connecting the ground to the working mechanisms, the installation work must be completed, similar to the installation of a second socket located at a distance from the old one.

After installation, it is important to check the functionality of the new outlet - the light should light up

Now you can turn on the power - all work is completed. With this option for installing another socket, there is no need to hide the wires, because they will all fit in the socket boxes. We recommend that you read more about connecting the outlet block in this material.

Errors when wiring the socket

And although installing an additional outlet is a simple task, beginners often make mistakes.Such an unfortunate misunderstanding as incorrect installation of a new electrical point can result in major troubles.

Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to the most common mistakes and try to avoid them.

First, you need to use a wire to connect the new outlet that is the same thickness as the existing one. Otherwise, there can be no question of correct operation.

Secondly, it is advisable to use wires from the same material - if the socket is powered by a copper wire, then the second one from it should also be connected using a copper wire of the same diameter.

The third mistake made when connecting independently is violating the order of connecting the wires. To prevent this from happening, you need to clearly understand the purpose of each and correctly determine the place of its attachment.

For convenience, it is advisable to look at the old one by disassembling it before purchasing a new outlet. This is done strictly after turning off the power supply.

You should pay attention to the presence of a grounding wire - if there is none, which is often found in Khrushchev-era buildings and other old buildings, then it is better to take the wire for the new outlet without ground. How to proceed in case of connecting an outlet with grounding is written here.

The fourth mistake is an incorrect or insufficiently strong connection of the wires to the working mechanism of the socket. Here, without experience, it is quite difficult to find a balance.

Therefore, in order to minimize the amount of work ahead, it is advisable to conduct a rehearsal for connecting the wires on a spare section of wires. You can use a light bulb to check the quality of the bond.

You can choose the most convenient option for fastening the wires together - you need to buy original terminal blocks or other products, fearing counterfeits

The fifth mistake was when the wire was run diagonally. This is unacceptable, and it is prohibited by electrical wiring standards - the wire should be laid vertically. Although home craftsmen are not yet capable of this.

You should not do this - if cosmetic repairs are carried out in a couple of years, then finding the exact location of the wire will be extremely problematic and it can be accidentally damaged.

The wires in the contact of the working mechanism should also be secured efficiently. You will need a screwdriver for this.

The sixth mistake, or rather, a nuisance, is an unsuccessfully chosen design of the decorative overlay of the socket. This point will not affect the performance of the mechanism in any way - it will only be conspicuous, standing out from the general design concept of the room.

To avoid such dissonance, you should select in advance the most suitable model that can harmoniously fit into the existing style composition.

It is now not difficult to choose a socket model that is suitable in color and shape - manufacturers are vying with each other to offer the most sophisticated options. It is important that the product does not turn out to be a fake

Knowing the main problem areas of the upcoming work on installing an additional outlet, it will be easier to avoid common mistakes. Of course, these nuances do not concern the work of professional electricians - the experts will do everything right the first time.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

To make two sockets out of one socket, you can use the simplest possible method - install a double model instead of a single one. This option is demonstrated step by step in the video:

The video clip briefly outlines the basic principles of connecting sockets in series:

Before starting work on the outlet, you should clearly determine which wire is responsible for what. The video tutorial will show you how to do this correctly without any practical experience:

Video review of popular connectors used to connect wires to each other:

Having considered the feasibility of constructing a new outlet from an existing one and having made a decision on its installation, you will have to carefully consider all stages of the work.

In the future, you will have to strictly adhere to the operating rules of the new electrical outlet in order to avoid overloading the line - you cannot simultaneously plug in 2 fairly powerful devices into such sockets.

We decided to connect ourselves double socket from one or from one to make two, but are not sure that you are doing everything correctly? Or have you already done this kind of work and can you give useful advice to visitors to our site? Please leave your comments, participate in discussions, ask questions.