How to Add a New Electrical Circuit

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In this video I'm going to show you how to add a new circuit in your garage. I was having issues with the breaker tripping when my air compressor would kick on. So, I added a 20 amp circuit in the garage in addition to my existing 15 amp circuit.

For this install, I need to install a GFCI outlet, a new outlet, 12/2 wiring, and a 20 amp circuit breaker. I had to cut and repair drywall and run electrical wire from my basement to my attic, to my garage.

Before Starting work, pull all permits and shut off the power. Working with electricity is dangerous! If you are uncomfortable doing this work hire a professional.

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-12/2 Wire

-20 amp breaker

-Electrical boxes

-Fish tape

-Drywall knife

-Drill w/ 3/4" drill bit

Determine the best way to run the wire from the breaker box to the new outlets for the new circuit. If you are running a 15 amp circuit, you can use 14/2 wire. If you are running a 20 amp circuit, you will need to used 12/2 wire. In this example, I am running a 20 amp circuit to my garage. I ran the wire from the breaker, through a closet wall, to the attic above the garage.

Try to find a path that does the least amount of drywall damage and follow all local building codes.

Using the outlet box as a template, mark the location of your new outlets and the nearest wall studs. Cut the hole and test fit the box. When drywall is already installed, it's best to use "old work" boxes with the flip out tabs that grab the drywall.

Using two people, send one person up in the attic to drill holes in the top plates and fish the wire down. The other person will catch the fish stick and pull the wire through the hole.

Now, pull the wire into the new outlet box and install the box. Now install your outlet. The black (hot) wire goes to the gold terminal, the white (neutral) goes to the silver terminal and the ground goes to the ground terminal.

If you are installing a GFCI, the "load" is the hot wire that goes to the other outlets in your circuit and the "line" is the hot wire that goes back to the breaker box. If you don't install the GFCI in this way, your circuit will not be protected.

First remove the cover. Be careful! Even though you turned the power off, there are still some areas of the breaker box that still have power.

Cut the wire jacket as shown in the video, but keep the jacket on the wire to keep the bare ground from touching anything that still has power.

Once the wire is in the box, pull the jacket off and attach the ground wire first.

It’s safe to touch the ground/neutral bar, just stay away from the bus panel where the breakers tie into the main two hot lugs that feed the main panel.

Then attach the neutral wire.

Lastly, install the new breaker and attach the hot wire.

Now label the new breaker in the panel in a way that makes sense and then turn the power back on.

Plug something into your new outlet and test.

You did it! Congratulations on having more outlets!