How do you properly parallel wire two outlets?

Prepare for the Residential Electrical Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get exam ready!

To properly parallel wire two outlets, you need to connect both hot wires together and both neutral wires together. This configuration allows both outlets to share the same power source simultaneously, ensuring that they can each provide power independently while remaining on the same circuit. When wired in parallel, if one outlet is used, the other will still be capable of delivering power, which is essential for functionality in residential wiring.

In parallel wiring, the voltage across each outlet remains the same, which ensures that each outlet operates effectively. The proper connection of neutral wires is also crucial for returning current safely back to the service panel, maintaining the circuit’s integrity and safety.

Other wiring options, such as wiring the outlets in series, would not deliver adequate voltage to each outlet, as the voltage would be divided between the two. Connecting only hot wires without neutral would create an open circuit, preventing electricity from flowing. Finally, using different ground wires for each outlet can introduce safety hazards; all grounds should be properly interconnected to ensure that the system functions safely in case of a fault. Therefore, the correct approach is to connect both hot and neutral wires together for effective parallel wiring of the outlets.

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