I should know this, but don't so here goes--Can I cut the three 120v wires to a receptacle and insert a set of wires to another receptacle so that there are three wire nuts each with three wires? Or do I have to insert another receptacle and then plug a cord with a receptacle on the other end of it into the inserted receptacle?(which I think is the same thing, but not sure)Thanks

BFL13 wrote:I should know this, but don't so here goes--Can I cut the three 120v wires to a receptacle and insert a set of wires to another receptacle so that there are three wire nuts each with three wires? [YES]But easier and maybe better way is to connect your three new wires directly to the old receptacle on one end and to the new receptacle on the other end. This assumes you have access to the lugs on the old receptacle. Or do I have to insert another receptacle and then plug a cord with a receptacle on the other end of it into the inserted receptacle?(which I think is the same thing, but not sure) [NO]Thanks

What are you trying to accomplish ?Most receptacles have an extra set of screws to be used (usually) for "daisy chaining" to another receptacle without any connectors.Doing that, you usually have to double up on the ground screw.

Thanks. I can't just add the new receptacle to the string from the "end receptacle", I have to tap into a 120v "wire" I can get at where the new receptacle will go. Whatever I plug into that will be added to the possible load on that circuit's breaker, which is ok.

Short answer is yes. Long answer is I'm not always happy with wire nuts.

As I understand what you are trying to do, then yes. Every new receptacle I have ever seen had at least two screw terminals for the black and white wires. ... perhaps one only for ground. You can simply cut your Romex wires, trim the ends, and fasten all of them to the new receptacle outlet. Be sure to pass the ground wire circuit through too, even if you have to screw both bare leads down under one screw terminal. Most new outlets also have push in connection holes in the back...you can use them instead of the screw terminals. JUST BE SURE YOUR BREAKER IS OFF FIRST !

Tapping Into 120v Question | Good Sam Community

36 Replies

time2roll
Nomad
Oct 29, 2018
You can jump off any receptacle to gain the extra connection. No reason to pull it off the end. Of course some receptacles are better configured for this than others. New receptacle with the provision to add an additional circuit might be needed.

If you do make a wire nut splice it needs to be in a box and accessible. Can't just bury and hid a splice connection in the wall.
Ed_Gee
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2018
As I understand what you are trying to do, then yes. Every new receptacle I have ever seen had at least two screw terminals for the black and white wires. ... perhaps one only for ground. You can simply cut your Romex wires, trim the ends, and fasten all of them to the new receptacle outlet. Be sure to pass the ground wire circuit through too, even if you have to screw both bare leads down under one screw terminal. Most new outlets also have push in connection holes in the back...you can use them instead of the screw terminals. JUST BE SURE YOUR BREAKER IS OFF FIRST !
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Oct 29, 2018
Short answer is yes. Long answer is I'm not always happy with wire nuts.
BFL13
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2018
Thanks. I can't just add the new receptacle to the string from the "end receptacle", I have to tap into a 120v "wire" I can get at where the new receptacle will go. Whatever I plug into that will be added to the possible load on that circuit's breaker, which is ok.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Oct 29, 2018
What are you trying to accomplish ?

Most receptacles have an extra set of screws to be used (usually) for "daisy chaining" to another receptacle without any connectors.

Doing that, you usually have to double up on the ground screw.
CarnationSailor
Nomad
Oct 29, 2018
BFL13 wrote:
I should know this, but don't so here goes--

Can I cut the three 120v wires to a receptacle and insert a set of wires to another receptacle so that there are three wire nuts each with three wires? [YES]

But easier and maybe better way is to connect your three new wires directly to the old receptacle on one end and to the new receptacle on the other end. This assumes you have access to the lugs on the old receptacle.

Or do I have to insert another receptacle and then plug a cord with a receptacle on the other end of it into the inserted receptacle?
(which I think is the same thing, but not sure) [NO]

Thanks

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Tapping Into 120v Question

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