How To: USB Outlet

6 Materials
$20
1 Hour
Easy
Make your outlets as efficient as possible with a USB outlet!
Do you have this problem too? This is one of only two outlets we have in the cooking area of our kitchen so when it's filled with a coffee grinder and a device charger, not real handy when it comes time to cook.


Solution? A USB outlet! They're inexpensive and they improve the efficiency of one mere outlet tremendously.
Start by turning the power off at the breaker. Very important.


Actually, first start by evaluating your wiring skills. While this is an easy project, it is even easier to burn your house down with bad wiring. If you are the least bit uncomfortable doing this, absolutely hire an electrician.


I am not an electrician, I am a DIY'er. What I'm presenting here is a guide; your situation will vary so do not copy me.


Ok, boring disclaimer done....after you've turned the power off, get that old outlet out.
No, the black is not tied to the white here, it's an odd camera angle.


Once you've got the outlet out by removing all the screws, examine the wiring, make sure it looks safe then take the old outlet off.
The handy thing about these USB outlets is it's pretty well dummy-proof -- they've labeled which side the wires go on. Black over here, white in another spot. You have two options: either wire around the screw and tighten down or stab the wires into holes.


Be sure to come by my blog, Flipping the Flip, for all sorts of great home improvement ideas and tips! This blog post in particular has great kitchen related storage and organization tricks as well! Totally worth coming by, I swear.


If you're interested in how I created that awesome brightly colored grout on the cheap for our backsplash, click here!
I had to stab in the white wires as there were two and they would not fit around the screw together. So stab them in and tighten that screw down too.


Yes, I'm a taper. I like to tape. I sleep better at night for it. Tape is cheap.
Next, cram that big box of an outlet into your junction box and screw in your new outlet.
Don't forget those little foam gasket outlet covers for added insulation! (See my post about them in my profile.) They really do work, it's amazing.
Lastly, attach the face plate, power everything back up and....
....give it a test! It works! Fantastic! I've now increased the efficiency of this outlet by double. Wow, right? Super easy and a desirable home value booster as well.


Now if only I could replace those darn countertops......


Be sure to come on by my blog by clicking the link below!
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Becky at Flipping the Flip
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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