How to Wire New Outlets

Although they can last for a good number of years, home outlets are not made to last forever, and it is important to pay close attention to when they are not functioning properly. A damaged outlet can be a potential fire hazard! When you begin noticing that your plugs are just not staying put or there appears to be cracks or burns on the face of the outlet, it is time to do something about it. Here is how to wire new outlets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Wire strippers
• Needlenose pliers
• Voltage tester
• Electrical tape
• New outlets and cover plates

1. Your first step will be to find the circuit that is supplying power to the outlet and turn it OFF. This is easier accomplished if you have someone helping you. Have your helper hold the voltage tester in the outlet and notify you when you turn off the right breaker. Place a note on the electrical panel stating that you are working on the electricity, just so nobody accidentally turns the breaker back on while you are holding the wires! Before you disassemble the existing outlet, double check it with the voltage tester again. Never take someone's word that the circuit is off!

2. Next, use the screwdriver to unscrew and remove the existing outlet's cover plate. Then, remove the two screws securing the exisiting outlet to the box as well.

3. Gently pull the existing outlet out of the box by pulling on the top and bottom tabs. Use your voltage tester once again to ensure that the circuit is still off. This time, touch one probe to the hot screw and the other probe to the neutral side of the outlet. If the voltage tester still reads no power, then continue.

4. Loosen the outlet's side screws and its ground screw and remove the wires. Keep them separated. Inspect the wires for any hardened or cracked insulation or damage. If there is enough extra wire in the wall box, use the wire strippers to snip off the exisiting lengths of exposed wire. Then, using the correct notch on the strippers, strip about 3/4" off of the wires.

5. Use the needlenose pliers to shape the exposed wire into a hook shape. Wrap the ground wire around the ground screw and secure it tightly. Wrap the white wire around one of the silver screw terminals on the new outlet and tighten that screw down. On the copper screw terminal, follow the same procedure for the black wire. Make sure that all three wires are fully secured under the heads of their respective screws.

6. Now, tightly wrap a length of electrical tape over the outlet's terminals. Gently push the wires back into the wall box and install the new outlet with the ground prong on the top of the outlet. Use the two screws to secure the new outlet to the wall box and lastly, screw the new cover plate into place.

7. Toggle the circuit breaker back ON and use your voltage tester to ensure proper wiring.