I want to add an outlet for a tv mount for the fireplace in a downstairs of 2 story house. On the other side of the fireplace there is a small door to access the gas lines. In it there are 2 romex wires that I assume for the living room. My plan is to cut the romex, add a third line and cap them with wire nuts in a junction box. This is the right way?

But my main question is, how do I know if I shut the power off to the living room, these wires are not hot when I cut? Should I just cut the power to the entire house?

Current tester



https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-NCVT-1-Non-Contact-Indicator/dp/B001UAHZAM/ref=asc_df_B001UAHZAM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309819400004&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17427229200941993571&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027891&hvtargid=pla-424437907833&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60510211606&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309819400004&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17427229200941993571&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027891&hvtargid=pla-424437907833

get something like this to check to see if the line is hot.

Putting it in a box with a cover is the correct way to do it. Hopefully you have enough slack to make it work.

I'd find out what all is on the circuit because if I'm not mistaken there is a maximum limit on the number of outlets/lights that can be on 1 circuit.

Yeah, the slack is somewhat bothersome. There are 3-4 2x4s together on either side of the fireplace space so it will be impossible to run a new line...

Maybe I should just let an electrician handle it. I have added outlets from other outlets or fixtures, but not a splice. Seems straightforward. There are plenty of places nearby where I could splice next to a stud to nail the box.

Kill the main power. That circuit tester won't help you unless you can find a splice or an outlet that is in the same wire. Otherwise you can just put it in a j box but that box MUST be accessible and not hidden. I'd prefer it not be tucked away out of sight myself.

You can have as many outlets as you want on a circuit. I've heard that there is a limit but I've not yet to date had any master electrician or inspector successfully locate or cite said code when pressed.

Adding one outlet is fine.

Make sure you have insulated handles on your lineman pliers or dikes and just cut the wire. It will trip the correct breaker for you all by itself.

The tester in the pic above is much safer however.

BrazosDog02 said:

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Kill the main power. That circuit tester won't help you unless you can find a splice or an outlet that is in the same wire.

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Why do you say this? That type of tester should light up on a hot wire anywhere in the house. If in doubt, confirm it lights up with all the power on, then turn off breakers until the tester no longer activates.

BrazosDog02 said:

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You can have as many outlets as you want on a circuit. I've heard that there is a limit but I've not yet to date had any master electrician or inspector successfully locate or cite said code when pressed.

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Dwelling unit aka a house, there is no limit, unless otherwise addressed by amendment. Doesn't mean you should. Non-dwelling unit, aka your office, reference is 220.14 (I).

Are you allowed to put an electrical junction box inside the same confined location as a gas line? Seems like a fire hazard to me.

Where's the gas line?

txag2008 said:

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Where's the gas line?

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OP says it would be in the same small cabinet as the gas control, which means gas is very close by. Having exposed wire(even in wing nuts), or a socket in there doesn't seem safe imo. Unless im misreading where the cut and box will be.

UnderoosAg said:

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BrazosDog02 said:

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You can have as many outlets as you want on a circuit. I've heard that there is a limit but I've not yet to date had any master electrician or inspector successfully locate or cite said code when pressed.

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Dwelling unit aka a house, there is no limit, unless otherwise addressed by amendment. Doesn't mean you should. Non-dwelling unit, aka your office, reference is 220.14 (I).

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Correct. We're still talking about one additional outlet right?

Prince_Ahmed said:

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BrazosDog02 said:

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Kill the main power. That circuit tester won't help you unless you can find a splice or an outlet that is in the same wire.

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Why do you say this? That type of tester should light up on a hot wire anywhere in the house. If in doubt, confirm it lights up with all the power on, then turn off breakers until the tester no longer activates.

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Because I use that exact model weekly and sometimes daily for wiring work. And you are right...it SHOULD light up. I just don't want someone get get hurt. It works well if your wire is bare and exposed, as in an open outlet box, for instance, but it's unreliable with wire in insulation as the OP seems to need it for. If I misread that, then I apologize. It's a good tool but it has its limitations in terms of false positives and false negatives when used to detect live circuits in Romex. I'm all about helping but I'm cautious to suggest a tool that has not provided 100% accuracy to a fellow Ag who will use it to determine if he can put a set of box store dikes on what may be a hot circuit to cut it.

If the OP was a sip, I'd say go for it...I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

87IE said:

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get something like this to check to see if the line is hot.

Putting it in a box with a cover is the correct way to do it. Hopefully you have enough slack to make it work.

I'd find out what all is on the circuit because if I'm not mistaken there is a maximum limit on the number of outlets/lights that can be on 1 circuit.

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After reading BrazosDog and UnderoosAg I am in fact mistaken...

I thought I remembered something about not exceeding 80% of the breaker amperage.

The safe practice is to not exceed 80% of rated beaker capacity for continuous loads.

The # of receptacles on a circuit is somewhat irrelevant as it's entirely dependent on what is on each circuit. You could easily exceed that 80% threshold with only 2-3 receptacles or not even get close with 8-10.

NEC says you must allow a minimum of 180VA per general purpose outlet, so that math limits the maximum number of outlets you can have on one circuit. FYI a duplex receptacle is counted as one outlet.

Thanks everyone. I found a way in from an existing outlet two studs away next to my cable outlet. I need the cable anyway for the TV. So no splicing is needed. I should be well within limits for outlets. I think I only have 5-6 on the circuit.

nhamp07 said:

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Thanks everyone. I found a way in from an existing outlet two studs away next to my cable outlet. I need the cable anyway for the TV. So no splicing is needed. I should be well within limits for outlets. I think I only have 5-6 on the circuit.

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Yep, you shouldn't have a problem as I used a rule of thumb of 12 max on a circuit for my last 2 home renovations and have had no problems. But I did use dedicated lines for certain things like Heater/Light/Fan units in bathrooms, dishwashers, microwaves, heated flooring system, trash compactors, refrigerators, washing machines, etc...