How to Add a USB Outlet
Ditch the bulky wall chargers and upgrade a standard outlet to one with built-in USB ports. This beginner-friendly guide takes about 30 minutes and costs under $25.
Repair & Refinish Team
Published March 1, 2026 · Updated March 19, 2026
What You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Wire strippers
- Needle-nose pliers
- USB wall outlet (with USB-A and USB-C)
- Wire nuts (if needed)
- Electrical tape
- New wall plate (if needed)
Cost Estimate
Budget
$15
Mid-Range
$20
Premium
$25
An electrician charges $100-$200 per outlet swap. A USB outlet costs $15-$25.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Turn Off the Breaker and Verify
Step 1 of 6Go to the electrical panel and turn off the breaker for the outlet you're replacing. Plug a lamp or phone charger into the outlet to confirm there's no power. Then remove the wall plate and use a non-contact voltage tester to check each wire in the box. Test both the hot (black) and neutral (white) wires.
Always verify the power is off with a voltage tester — not just by plugging something in. Some outlets are split-wired to two different circuits.
Remove the Old Outlet
Step 2 of 6Unscrew the two mounting screws holding the outlet to the box. Gently pull the outlet out and note the wire connections. Take a photo for reference. You'll see black wires (hot) on the brass screws, white wires (neutral) on the silver screws, and a bare or green wire on the green ground screw. Loosen all terminal screws and disconnect the wires.
If wires are connected via the push-in (backstab) holes on the back, insert a small flathead screwdriver into the release slot to free each wire.
Check the Box Depth
Step 3 of 6USB outlets have electronics built in and are deeper than standard outlets. Measure the depth of your electrical box from the back wall to the front edge. Most USB outlets need at least 2 inches of depth. If your box is too shallow, you won't be able to fold the wires and push the outlet in safely. In that case, consider a USB outlet with a slimmer design or add a box extender.
Connect the Wires to the New USB Outlet
Step 4 of 6Connect the black (hot) wire to the brass terminal screw on the new USB outlet. Connect the white (neutral) wire to the silver terminal screw. Connect the bare copper or green ground wire to the green ground screw. If there are multiple sets of wires (the box feeds other outlets downstream), connect them to the corresponding terminals on the other side of the outlet. Tighten all screws firmly.
If the USB outlet has pigtail leads instead of screw terminals, use wire nuts to connect: black to black, white to white, ground to ground.
Never connect the hot (black) wire to the silver (neutral) terminal. This creates a reverse-polarity condition that is a shock hazard.
Mount the Outlet and Attach the Wall Plate
Step 5 of 6Carefully fold the wires into the box in an accordion pattern. Push the USB outlet into the box — it will be a tighter fit than the old outlet due to the USB electronics. Secure it with the two mounting screws. Attach the wall plate. If the new outlet uses a Decora-style (rectangular) face, you'll need a Decora wall plate rather than the old duplex style.
Restore Power and Test Everything
Step 6 of 6Turn the breaker back on. Plug a lamp into each standard outlet slot to verify they work. Then plug a USB cable into each USB port and confirm your phone charges. Check that the USB-C port delivers adequate charging speed. If anything doesn't work, turn off the breaker and recheck connections. The most common issue is a loose wire nut or a wire that pulled off a terminal during installation.
Test the USB-C port with a fast-charge compatible device. If your outlet supports Power Delivery, you should see "Fast Charging" or "Quick Charging" on your phone's screen.
Recommended Products
Dual USB-C ports with 30W Power Delivery for fast charging phones and tablets. Two standard 15A outlets. UL-listed and compatible with all standard wall plates.
Trusted brand with one USB-A and one USB-C port. Tamper-resistant receptacles for child safety. Decora-style design. UL-listed.
Budget-friendly two-pack with USB-A and USB-C ports. 15A tamper-resistant outlets. UL-listed. White finish matches standard Decora plates.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a small commission when you buy through our links at no extra cost to you.
Tips & Warnings
- Prioritize outlets near beds, desks, and kitchen counters — these are where USB charging is most useful.
- Choose an outlet with at least one USB-C port. USB-A is being phased out and USB-C supports faster charging.
- If your box is too shallow, the Topgreener Slim USB outlet is one of the thinnest designs available and fits most standard boxes.
- Consider a USB outlet with a built-in night light for hallways and bathrooms.
- Always kill the breaker and verify with a voltage tester before working on any outlet.
- USB outlets are deeper than standard outlets. If you can't push the outlet into the box without forcing it, the box is too shallow. Do not crush wires.
- If you see signs of overheating (melted insulation, burn marks) on the existing wires, call an electrician before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
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