Beatrice Lang
There are many reasons why you might want to split an existing electrical circuit, such as having too many outlets connected to one circuit breaker. Before starting any electrical work, it is important to ensure that you have turned off the power to the circuit you are working on. If you cannot find the correct circuit breaker, you will need to turn off the main breaker. One way to split a circuit is to run a new cable directly from the panel to a junction box and split it there. However, it is important to spend time analyzing the existing circuit and understanding how it is run before deciding where to split it.
Characteristics and Values for Splitting an Electrical Circuit
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Circuit analysis | Spend time analyzing the existing circuit to understand how it is run and where to split it. |
| Circuit type | Choose between a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit, considering the number of receptacles and your specific needs. |
| Sub-panel | Determine if a sub-panel is required or if the existing one is sufficient. |
| Safety | Ensure the power is turned off at the electrical box before starting any work. |
| Wiring method | Select an appropriate wiring method, such as pigtailing or direct wiring, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each. |
| Cable type | Use a 12-gauge wire for 20-amp breakers and a 14-gauge wire for 15-amp breakers, matching the wire size with the existing setup. |
| Fault testing | Perform fault testing and address any issues on a time and materials basis. |
| Circuit protection | Install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) to protect against overload and common sources of overload, such as window air conditioners or hair dryers. |
| Cost | Consider the cost of hiring an electrician or performing the work yourself. The price for a sub-panel and installation can vary. |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the risks and safety measures
Working with electricity is inherently risky, and it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Before beginning any work, locate and turn off the power to the electrical receptacle you are replacing at your electrical box. If you cannot find the correct circuit breaker, you will need to turn off the main breaker, cutting off power to your entire house.
If you are unfamiliar with electrical work, it is best to hire a professional electrician. They will be able to advise on the best course of action and ensure that any work is carried out safely and correctly. If you choose to proceed with the work yourself, ensure you have a basic understanding of how electrical receptacles work and take the necessary precautions, including using a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is off.
One of the risks of direct wiring through a receptacle is that if the original outlet loses power or develops an issue, all the receptacles downstream will be affected and lose power. Additionally, loose wires on a direct-wired receptacle can pose a fire hazard as the entire circuit's current flows through a single path. Pigtail wiring can mitigate this risk as it allows for the removal of a receptacle in the middle of the circuit without affecting the others.
When adding a new electrical outlet, it is important to calculate the number of receptacles your circuit can support to avoid overloading the circuit and tripping the breaker. This can be done by dividing 80% of your circuit breaker's amp rating by 1.5, the amperage required for each outlet.
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Know the circuit's run
Knowing which circuits run where in your house is important for troubleshooting electrical problems and isolating sections for maintenance. A typical home contains a handful of electrical circuits, such as one for lights, the basement, or the kitchen.
Firstly, check if your breakers or fuses are labelled. If they are, you can identify which one controls a particular electrical circuit in your house. If not, you can use a fine-tipped marker to neatly write an identifying number next to each breaker or fuse.
If you want to map out all the circuits in your house, start by drawing a floor plan of your house, room-by-room, including every area that has electrical service. Then, turn on all ceiling and wall fixtures and lamps in your house. Next, turn off each circuit breaker or remove each fuse individually, and mark the number of the one you've just turned off or removed next to the fixtures that have gone off on your diagram. After that, check all the wall outlets in the rooms where the lights went out by plugging a small lamp or work light into each outlet.
There are also tools available to help you map your electrical circuits, such as the Klein Tools ET310 or the Emporia Vue. Alternatively, you can try the radio trick: plug in a radio, turn it up, and listen for it to go off when you flip a breaker.
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Fault testing and fixing
Understanding Faults:
Before initiating any repairs, it's crucial to comprehend the nature of electrical faults. Faults can occur due to various reasons, such as a restriction in the movement of a motor, a dead short across the coil to neutral, or a load fault. Experienced electricians can often recognise these faults quickly and then proceed to test their assumptions.
Troubleshooting Strategies:
One effective strategy is the "divide and conquer" method. This involves signal tracing and signal injection at midpoints within the circuit. If the output is good with a good signal injected at the midpoint, the second half of the circuit can be ruled out, localising the fault to the first half.
Fault Testing Techniques:
When testing for faults, it's essential to isolate problem areas. This process is known as creating "troubleshooting fences". By bracketing potential failure items, you can rule out other components and narrow down the fault's location. Additionally, equal probability troubleshooting involves making initial observations and then adjusting the troubleshooting fences to focus on one or two suspected components.
Circuit Analysis:
Spend time analysing the existing circuit to understand its layout and functionality. This knowledge will help you determine the most logical and accessible point to split the circuit. Drawing a sketch of the circuit's path can aid in visualising the split.
Fault Clearance:
If the circuit fails fault testing, the fault must be cleared. With the circuit already separated into its cable segments, clearing the fault is typically a straightforward task.
Safety Considerations:
Always prioritise safety when working with electrical circuits. Ensure that you are competent and knowledgeable about electrical systems before attempting any fault testing or repairs. Incorrect polarity, for instance, can pose a risk of electric shock, even when the circuit is believed to be switched off.
Component Replacement:
If you identify a faulty component, replace it and properly dispose of the defective part. Avoid reusing components that have been uninstalled, as they may have been damaged during the process.
Professional Guidance:
For complex circuits or unfamiliar faults, consider seeking guidance from experienced electricians. They can provide valuable insights and ensure that the fault is rectified effectively and safely.
Remember, fault testing and fixing requires a methodical approach, a solid understanding of electrical systems, and a commitment to safety.
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Wiring methods
When splitting an existing electrical circuit, there are several wiring methods to consider. The chosen method will depend on factors such as the number of outlets, safety considerations, and the level of expertise of the person carrying out the work.
One method is to run a new cable directly from the panel to a junction box and split it there. This involves identifying the wires that belong to the circuit you want to split and then running new wires to the panel box to create a second circuit. This method can be tricky, especially if you are not experienced in electrical work.
Another option is to use pigtail wiring, where multiple wires are contained within each of the three main cables. This method is useful when there are more than two cables in a box, as it is the only way to wire the receptacle. With pigtailing, a problem or loose connection will generally not impact any receptacles downstream, and individual receptacles can be removed without affecting the others. It is important to never attach more than one wire to a single screw terminal when adding an electrical outlet to an existing line.
Direct wiring or daisy-chaining is another wiring method where a new outlet is wired through its receptacle, creating a continuous run through all the outlets. This method is easier and involves less wire work than pigtailing, but if one outlet stops working, all the connected outlets will lose power.
To split an overloaded circuit, you can also install a sub-panel or a new circuit. A 15-amp circuit can support up to 8 receptacles, while a 20-amp circuit can support up to 10. However, analysing the existing circuit and figuring out where to split it can be time-consuming and may require an electrician.
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Cost and time considerations
Splitting an electrical circuit can be a time-consuming and costly process, and the specific considerations will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the existing circuit, the accessibility of the wiring, and the location of the circuit.
One of the most significant cost and time considerations is the need to analyse the existing circuit. This involves understanding how the circuit is run and determining the best location to split it. This process can be challenging and time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with electrical work. Hiring an electrician to perform this analysis can add to the overall cost of the project.
The accessibility of the wiring is another important factor. In some cases, installing a new circuit may require opening walls or ceilings to access the wiring, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Repairs to drywall or replacing walls can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per square foot or $2 to $6 per square foot, respectively.
The location of the circuit and the distance from the breaker can also impact the cost and time required. Increased distance between the circuit receptacle and the main panel often results in higher costs and longer installation times. Additionally, the type of circuit breaker and the number of outlets involved can influence the overall cost. Each additional outlet can incur a separate cost, ranging from $75 to $350, depending on whether it is a replacement or a new installation.
It is worth noting that some electricians may charge a flat fee for installing multiple new circuits in the same project, which can result in reduced costs per circuit. However, it is always important to prioritise safety when working with electrical systems. While some individuals may choose to perform the work themselves, hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured electrician with good reviews can provide peace of mind and ensure that the work is completed correctly and safely.
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Frequently asked questions
First, turn off the power to the electrical box. Then, locate the wire running between the two existing outlets and cut and strip it to make space for a new outlet. Pull the wires through the new outlet box and connect the wires to the new outlet. Finally, place the new outlet back into its electrical box, cover it with the faceplate, and turn the power back on.
You can run a new cable directly from the panel to a junction box and split it there.
It is important to analyse the existing circuit and figure out where to split it. You can also install Arc Fault Circuit Interruptors (AFCIs) to prevent faults.
