How to Repair an Electrical Receptacle
Electrical receptacles, or outlets, are components in an electrical system that allows us to connect our home or office devices to so they will operate. Overtime, an electrical receptacle will wear out due to a an electrical short or perhaps a prong from an electrical cord has broken off in the receptacle. The only way to properly repair a receptacle is to replace it completely with a new one. Replacing the outlet with a new one will help prevent any future risk or possible fire hazard from a faulty outlet. Following a few steps will help you know how to repair an electrical receptacle using the correct methods so you and your family will be safer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Oulet/receptacle (new)
- Screwdriver (Phillips and/or flathead)
- Voltage line tester
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Instructions
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Turn the power off at the the main circuit breaker that is supplying power to the outlet to be replaced.
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Verify the power is off at the outlet by using the voltage line tester. Carefully place one probe in the outlet slot on the left, and the other probe in the slot on the right. If no lights light up, then the power is off and it's safe to work on the outlet.
Note: Make sure that the probes are making good contact with the metal inside the outlet to avoid provided a false indication on the tester.
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Using the screwdriver, remove the screw in the center of the receptacle that is holding the cover plate on. Remove the cover plate and set aside for reuse.
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Using the screwdriver, remove the screws at the top and bottom of the receptacle that are holding the outlet inside the electrical box in the wall. Once free, carefully pull the outlet out of the electrical box as far as the wiring will allow you. This will allow easier access to the side and rear of the outlet to work on.
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You will see three wires connected to the outlet, black (hot), white (neutral) and green/bare (ground).
Using the screwdriver, loosen the three screws that are connecting these three wires to the outlet. Discard the outlet.
Let the wires hang momentarily.
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Looking at the back of the new receptacle, use the screwdriver to connect the wires to the following appropriate screws: black to the gold/brass screw; white to the silver screw; green/bare to the green screw.
Tighten each screw to a snug fit. -
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Push the wires up into the electrical box and mount the receptacle to the box using the included screws. As you tighten the receptacle, be sure it is centered in the electrical box and make any adjustments needed as you tighten the screws.
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Replace the receptacle cover and mount it to the receptacle using the screw and screwdriver.
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Turn the power back on at the main circuit breaker. Returning to the outlet, test the outlet using the voltage line tester. Carefully insert one probe into the left slot and the other probe into the right slot. The light will illuminate indicating the power is on and the receptacle is operating correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that when using the voltage line tester that your fingers do not touch any part of the metal probes as they are inserted into the outlet. Follow all manufacturer guidelines for operating your particular voltage line tester correctly and safely.
Never attempt to work on any electrical lines or outlets without first contacting a licensed electrician.
Make sure any electrical work or repairs done meet all the building codes for your area.
