How To Replace an Electrical Outlet
Are your outlets holding plugs nice and snug? If not, it might be time for you to change them out. Yes, fatigued outlets are a nuisance but they can also be potential fire hazards. And what about the appearance of your outlets? Are they old and outdated and could stand a new look? Don’t be intimidated! It’s not as hard as it looks (or expensive!) to replace an electrical outlet.
What You Need
Materials
- Screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- New electrical outlet (Also called a receptacle. You can find the amp rating on the old outlet to know what to replace it with.)
- Voltage tester (optional)
Instructions
→ BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING: Head down to your circuit breaker or fuse panel and shut off all electric in the room where you are working. Plug an appliance in to the outlet to be sure it is actually off. Though the best way to be sure is to pick up a voltage tester to test that the circuit is actually dead.
1. Remove the screws and cover plate from the old outlet and pull the outlet out of the electrical box.
2. Take a look at the way the wiring is connected to the old outlet. You might want to even take a photo to note where the black and white wires are attached.
3. Loosen the screws around the old wiring.
4. Remove the wires from the old outlet.
5. Attach the wires to the terminals of the new outlet.
6. Set the new outlet back in the electrical box and secure it in place with the screws provided.
8. Screw on the cover plate.
Switch your power back on and you’re good to go!
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