How To: Replace an Old Electrical Outlet

Over the weeked, I swapped out my old outlet covers with brand new white ones...and then winced. Not because I got electrocuted, but these new plates made the old electrical outlets look even more shabby. These outlets had been painted over many times over; but instead of slapping on another layer, I decided to replace them...myself (eek!)...

After doing a few Google searches, I found this handy guide (with photos!) on HammerZone.com that show step-by-step instructions on how to do this quick outlet makeover in about 30 minutes. It's fairly simple; although the only iffy part (in my opinion) is connecting the ground wires properly--it's safe to say that I read those instructions about ten times over before I switched the power back on.

Photo from HammerZone

Comments (6)

Thanks for the link to that excellent step-by-step on HammerZone. I've got several outlets that are painted over/loose/scary, and have been wondering if I could tackle the project myself. Filled with optimism, I'm at least now willing to take off the covers and have a look at the situation before I decide to hire a professional.

posted by CQ in DC on January 28th 2008 at 7:10am
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Thanks for that!

I bought one of these http://www.home-protectors.com/ProductDetails.aspx?1
for my little light and electrical outlet projects.

posted by art on January 28th 2008 at 7:21am
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Absolutely! the Volt Snooper is a MUST HAVE for this. Our house's electrical diagram was wrong and i ended up changing an outlet that was still live. I had no idea until i was done and went to push the outlet and wires back in the housing and it sparked. You can imagine my shock when i realized it was still on, so i got one of those and have been MUCH safer ever since.

posted by Morgante on January 28th 2008 at 8:22am
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I'd never heard of HammerZone. THANK YOU!

posted by ChrisToronto on January 28th 2008 at 9:30am
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Almost every outlet in my apartment is loose. I've just been bending my plugs outward so they're wider....but even after looking at this, I am still terrified to change them on my own. On the bright side, after learning that the loose outlets are actually a hazard (and not just annoying), I'm encouraged to ask my landlord to do it! :)

posted by brookejoy on January 28th 2008 at 1:36pm
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Hey for the guys out there - I am a girl and replaced all the outlets myself - including covers. It is the easiest job I ahve ever done. And I was intimidated by electricity - but coming from europe where the voltage is 220 to the american one 110, the risks are minimal. That said - you still should treat electricity with respect. I turned off all my switch mains and worked on the pluggs - it was very very easy. And when you finish make sure that the crosses of the screws of the plate are all linned up - it is all on the details. It makes such a difference.

posted by Anusha73 on January 29th 2008 at 4:40am
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