How to Change Out an Electrical Outlet Receptacle
Changing an electrical outlet receptacle is part of routine home maintenance. If plugs fit loosely into outlets or power flickers, it's time to replace the outlet. Learning how to do this yourself can save you time and money over hiring an electrician and the process helps you gain knowledge in home electrical repair. Anyone with basic DIY skills and tools can change out an electrical outlet. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Replacement receptacle
- Straight-slot screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
Instructions
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1
Determine the type of power outlet you will need; this will be either a three-prong outlet or a two-prong outlet. Make sure that the replacement receptacle matches the original wall outlet. Note that you cannot replace a two-prong receptacle with a three-prong receptacle and vice versa.
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2
Locate your home's circuit breaker panel box. Inside the panel, find the breaker of the circuit that the outlet is on. For example, if changing an outlet in the kitchen, turn off the breaker marked "Kitchen." If panel writing inside an old breaker is difficult to decipher or nonexistent, plug a lamp into the outlet you want to cut power to, then turn off each breaker one at a time until power is cut to the outlet. Be sure to unplug all other electronic devices from all other outlets in your home before turning off circuit breakers.
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3
Remove the small screw holding the outlet cover in place with the appropriate screwdriver. If you are planning to reuse the existing cover, make sure to put the screw and cover in a safe place.
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Remove the two mounting screws holding the receptacle to the outlet box. These are usually on opposite sides of the box.
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Carefully pull the old receptacle out of the wall, noting that you will only have a few inches of wire to work with. Make a note of where each wire is attached to the receptacle and what color they are -- usually black, white and green, though the green one may be plain copper, or there may be no grounding wire. You must reattach these wires to the new receptacle in the same order you see them on the old one.
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Loosen the screws holding the electrical wires in place with a screwdriver and remove each of the wires from the receptacle.
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Twist each of the wires away from the others and the
direction they were fastened to the receptacle. -
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Reattach the wires to the corresponding screw on the new receptacle. Use your needle-nose pliers to crimp the wires to each screw. Tighten using a screwdriver until all wires are secured on the new receptacle.
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Carefully re-insert the receptacle and electrical wires back into the outlet box. Secure the two mounting screws and reattach the outlet cover to the receptacle. Turn on the breaker to restore power to the outlet. Use a lamp, alarm clock or other small home appliance to test the outlet.
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Tips & Warnings
Bringing the original receptacle with you to your local hardware store can help assure a perfect match for your existing outlet.
Tape the small screws that hold the outlet cover to the receptacle to the back of the outlet cover for safekeeping, when you remove the cover.
As with any electrical repair, always be aware of the risk of electrocution. If at any time you are uncomfortable with any step listed here, stop and consult a qualified electrician.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
