Installing a USB Charger Outlet
I have been wanting to upgrade some of the outlets in my home to a USB charging outlet for a while.
The convenience of not having to find a charging block and cord sounds amazing. Yes, you still need a cord, but it just seems more convenient to plug straight into the outlet. I talked my hubby into adding one in the kitchen.
Note- My husband is a skilled tradesman who knows how to work on electrical. Only attempt this if you feel comfortable doing so.
Material List:
- USB Charger Outlet
- Outlet Cover
- Screwdriver
- Needlenose Pliers
- Wire Cutter
- Voltage Detector
First things first...
⚡️⚡️SHUT OFF THE POWER TO YOUR OUTLET!⚡️⚡️
Then double check the power is off by using a voltage detector. Once it stops beeping, you are ready to start working on your outlet.
Take off your outlet cover and then unscrew the old outlet fixture from the box.
Here is the situation in our box.
We found 2 black (hot) and 2 white (neutral) wires attached to our outlet. This means this outlet is feeding another outlet. This isn't a big deal, it just means there are a lot more wires in the box.
You will unscrew the black, the white and the copper ground wires from your old outlet.
Notice they are hooked around each screw. The new charging outlet only has one screw for the black and one screw for the white wires.
To make this work we cut the tips off the black and white wires. We did not cut off the copper ground wire hook. (as seen in photo)
This will allow the wires to slip behind the plates behind the screws.
Here you can see the wires behind the plates. Once the wires are in, tighten the screws.
GOLD screw to BLACK wires
SILVER screw to WHITE wires
GREEN screw (on bottom of outlet) to COPPER (ground wire)
That's it! You have now successfully wired the new outlet!
Screw the new USB charging outlet into the electrical box.
Add your faceplate and turn the power back on and check to make sure your outlet is working.
That's it! Enjoy your new USB Charging Outlet!
Comments
Join the conversation
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Awesome !!!
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Thank you!
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Not a question, just an observation! I’m one of those anal women who always sees faces in places and I worry for your electric sockets in the U.S.! They always look (a) sad and (b) totally shocked (pun intended), like No! Please don’t plug anything into me!
yes! You’ve guessed right! I’m from England and we have happy looking sockets!
😅🤣😂😊😊
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LOL!!! 🤣😂
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
You say "only 1 white wire, only 1 black wire"
Towards the end, I see 2 of each connected??