How to Replace an Old & Worn Out Electrical Outlet
Electrical outlets that have become old and worn out may need to be replaced. Sometimes electrical outlets just quit working regardless of whether or not they were properly installed. An old outlet might short, spark and possibly cause an electrical fire. Replace any old or worn-out outlets that are cracked or do not hold plugs properly in their slots as these are dangerous fire hazards. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Electrical tester
- Phillips or flat-head screwdriver
- Wire cutter/strippers
- Replacement outlet
Instructions
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1
Turn off the electricity to the outlet by turning off the breaker at the main electrical panel.
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2
Test to verify that the electricity is off to the outlet. Insert a two prong electrical tester into the outlet as if you were inserting a plug. Remove the outlet cover and test again. Place one prong on the screw that holds the black wire to the outlet and touch the other prong to any metal on the outlet or electrical box. The electrical tester should not light up.
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3
Disconnect the old electrical outlet. Remove the screws from the top and the bottom of the outlet that hold it into the box. Pull the outlet from the box to expose the electrical wiring. Loosen the screws holding the black and white wires onto the outlet and remove the wires from beneath them. Loosen the green ground screw and remove the wire from beneath it. Discard the old outlet.
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4
Inspect the old wiring. Confirm the ends of the wires are not damaged. If they appear heavily bent or pinched, use wire cutters or strippers to cut the damaged ends and strip off 1/2 inch of insulation from the cut wires.
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Install the new replacement outlet. Wrap the black wire around the top right screw on the outlet and the white wire around the top left screw. Tighten both screws. Wrap the bare copper wire around the green ground screw located at the bottom of the outlet and tighten the screw.
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Push the wires and the outlet into the electrical box. Attach the outlet to the electrical box and cover it with a duplex receptacle cover plate.
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7
Turn on the power to the electrical circuit by turning on the breaker in the main electrical panel.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit electric outlet image by Dawn Williams from Fotolia.com
