How to Replace Electric Plugs (Receptacles)
Whether you are replacing the receptacles in your house for appearance sake or out of necessity, the following steps and photos will prove invaluable. Even those less than mechanically-inclined can safely and successfully exchange the receptacles in their homes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Electricity sensor
- Screwdriver
- Replacement Receptacle
- Replacement Face Plate (optional)
Instructions
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1
Determine which breaker controls the electric flow to your receptacle and turn off. If you are unsure plug a lamp into the outlet and switch breakers off until the lamp turns off.
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2
Even though you have turned off the breaker it is still important that you test the plug for active current prior to disassembling it. Use a current sensor to check for electricity.
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3
Remove wall plate from around plug. Hold the new receptacle up to the old one and make sure they are facing the same way. Then flip them over and make note of which wires go to which location.
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4
You can loosen wires in the old receptacle by using a screwdriver or knife and applying pressure to the slot located next to each wire.
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5
Once all wires are transferred, screw new receptacle into outlet box. Screw on new wall cover if one is being added.
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Tips & Warnings
In some rare cases, you may need to turn off a combination of breakers to eliminate electric flow to a single outlet. If so, you really should consider getting a professional in to access your wiring needs.
