How to replace an outlet

Owning a home sometimes requires maintenance and one of those is replacing wall outlets. In this article you will learn an easy approach to such a task

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• new outlet,wall plate,screwdrivers,wire stippers,electrical tape,

1. 
    
   panel where breakers are

   Safety first; you will want to turn the power off to the specific outlet. Most times when the house is wired the electrician will label the breakers

2. 
    
   wall outlet

   After locating the proper breaker you are ready to remove the old outlet and install a new one. Remove the cover and the outlet.

3. You will notice on the outlet screws one is a chrome color and one is brass. The chrome screw is the common (White)side and the brass is black in some cases it could have a red wire. Some times there are multiple wires attached to the outlet, If you want to remember you can always mark the old outlet.

4. 
    
   electric wire strippers

   Cut the wire and strip approximately one inch of the insulation. Now make a loop so you can wrap the wire around the screw of the outlet Tighten the screw and proceed with the rest of the wires Make certain you tighten the screws tightly and tug on them to make sure the wire doesn't break

5. Tape the outlet where the wires are.Reinstall the outlet and the cover and turn the power back on

Tips & Warnings

• Always test the outlet to make sure the power is off before you remove it

[Felicity]

on 10/19/2008 Glad you started with safety first! Some useful tips here, thanks!

[acole]

on 7/28/2008 Good to know. Thanks!