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DIY for Homeowners

USB Electrical Outlet Install

8/20/2016

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​​text by Vicki     ​Sign up to get Mother Daughter Projects updates in your email!
​Steph, being more technically minded than myself, installed a very handy USB port on her kitchen counter shortly after moving into her house. Despite remodeling a few years ago, I didn’t see the need to have one installed.

Well, fast forward four years and I now see the need to have one! In this video, we install a USB outlet at my kitchen counter. With an installed USB port all I need now is the USB cable to charge my phone. I love that the port is at counter top height rather than the normal electrical outlet height. Not really a problem for me now, but as I age, it could be. 
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Materials/Tools
  • USB outlet (we chose one in a black finish to match existing outlets)
  • Electric Voltage Tester
  • Wire cutter
  • Screwdriver
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
  • Familiarize yourself with the installation by reading the instructions included with your new USB outlet
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
  • TURN OFF POWER TO THE OUTLET from the circuit box 
  • Using your voltage tester, check again to be sure power is OFF
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
  • Unscrew the old outlet and unscrew the wire connectors
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
  • We cut off the old section of wire with wire cutters
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
  • We used wire strippers to remove a new section of insulation and expose the wire
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
  • We connected the two black (hot) wires to the brass terminal and the two white wires to the silver (your setup might be different depending on how many wires you have)
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
  • We tightened the screws and attached the ground wire
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
  • We screwed the outlet in place and added the front plate and turned the power back on. Now two USB devices can be charged in this outlet!
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Install USB Outlet. MotherDaughterProjects.com
Tip- if the outlet you replaced is still good keep it in case another outlet needs replacing.
This is a very do-able DIY for even a novice DIYer. It only takes a few tools and a minimum of skill. Just remember, TURN OFF THE POWER, before attempting any electrical work. You will love the convenience of having a counter height USB port to charge your devices. You could even add a cute basket nearby as a phone drop for visiting guests where they can stow their phones and keys and charge them if needed. 

Please note: We are not sponsored by any of the companies/products that we used. These products were picked and bought by us.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don’t claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

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