How to Install Long or Short Black Wire Receptacles

Turn the power off for the circuit you are working on at the building's electrical distribution panel. Check to see if the power is off by touching a non-contact voltage detector to the wire's insulation.

Pull the three wires out of the electrical box and make sure they are long enough to connect to the outlet. You need about 6 to 8 inches of wire to make the connections. If one wire is too short, cut a section of matching color wire with wire cutters. Strip 3/8 inches of insulation off both ends of the wire. Twist the short wire with the new section with pliers and install a twist-on wire connector on top.

Strip 3/8 inches of insulation off the end of the black, white and green or bare wires with wire strippers.

Loosen the brass and silver terminals on the outlet. Loosen the grounding screw in the back of the electrical box and wrap the green or bare wire around this screw. Tighten the grounding screw down.

Wrap the black wire around the brass terminal and tighten it down. Wrap the white wire around the silver terminal and tighten it down.

Fold the wires neatly into the electrical box and push the outlet into the box. Secure it to the electrical box with the two screws provided. Install the cover plate over the outlet by securing with a center screw.