How to Fix an Electrical Outlet
Fixing an electrical outlet takes a few minutes and a few safety precautions. Outlets are connected to the wall with a pair of screws and two live wires that supply power to the two outlets in each receptacle. Repairs involve checking the wires for secure connections. If the outlet is beyond repair, a replacement costs a few dollars and can be installed in minutes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Replacement outlet from hardware or electrical supply store
Instructions
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1
Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the outlet. Verify the electricity is shut off by plugging in a radio or lamp to test the outlet.
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2
Remove the faceplate over the outlet by extracting the screw in the middle of the plate.
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3
Remove the two screws holding the outlet to the metal wall box at the top and bottom of the outlet.
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4
Pull the outlet gently from the wall 3 to 4 inches and turn it to the side to examine the two wires that should be attached to the outlet.
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5
Check the wires for secure connections to the screws on the side of the outlet by pulling gently on each wire.
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6
Loosen the two screws on the side of the outlet and wrap each wire securely around the screw post, then retighten.
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7
Plug in an appliance such as a radio and switch on the power to test the outlet. If it still does not work, replace the outlet, which is an inexpensive safety precaution. A bad outlet can lead to a short circuit, overheating and potentially a wall fire.
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8
To replace the old outlet, unscrew and detach the two wires from it. Discard the old outlet.
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9
Clip the wires if the ends are frayed and strip off 1/4 inch of insulation from each wire.
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10
Loosen the two side screws on the new outlet and thread each wire to its matching screw, following the same connections the old outlet had. Make sure the wires are wrapped securely around the posts underneath the screws so that neither wire can touch the other.
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Push the wires and outlet back into the metal wall box, and attach the outlet at the top and bottom with the mounting screws.
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12
Replace the faceplate and secure it with a screw through the center hole.
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13
Restore power to the outlet by switching on the circuit breaker.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not attempt to disassemble an electrical outlet to examine the inner wiring. If the outlet cannot be fixed by securing the two outer wires, replace the outlet as a safety precaution. Replacement electrical outlets are cheap; a house fire is not.
