How to Wire a Levitron Outlet

Leviton is the largest manufacturer of electrical wiring products in the United States, with Leviton products found in a majority of American homes. Leviton residential outlets, also referred to as receptacles, come in a range of colors and wall plate options to suit any decor. The procedure for installing a standard Leviton 120-volt duplex outlet requires only a few basic tools and can be easily completed in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wire strippers (optional)

Instructions

1. Make certain the electrical power to the outlet box is turned off at the main breaker or fuse panel.

2. Remove the old outlet, if applicable, by removing the cover plate and outlet using a screwdriver.

3. Extract the circuit wires from the box and separate them. You will find a black wire, a white wire and a bare copper wire.

   The black "hot" wire provides the source of the electrical current; the white "neutral" wire also carries electrical current, but is connected to the grounded side of the main circuit; and the bare copper "ground" wire grounds, or insulates, the wall box and outlet assembly against shock hazards.

4. Hold the new Leviton outlet close enough to the wall box to connect the wires, orienting the receptacle with the larger plug slot to the left side and the centered ground post hole downward.

5. Connect the white neutral wire to the silver-colored screw on the left side of the outlet assembly, wrapping the exposed tip of the wire clockwise around the screw shaft, then tightening the screw using a screwdriver.

6. Connect the black hot wire to the brass-colored screw on the right side of the outlet assembly, wrapping the exposed tip of the wire clockwise around the screw shaft, then tightening the screw using a screwdriver.

7. Connect the bare copper ground wire to the green-colored screw on the lower end of the outlet assembly, wrapping the tip of the wire clockwise around the screw shaft, then tightening the screw using a screwdriver.

8. Push the outlet and wires gently into the wall box until the outlet's screw flanges rest against the box. Secure the outlet by inserting the two provided box screws using a screwdriver.

9. Attach the wall plate to the new outlet by placing the wall plate over the outlet and inserting the small screw in the center hole using a screwdriver.

10. Restore electrical power to the outlet at the main breaker or fuse panel.

Tips & Warnings

• For new installations, you will need to strip approximately 1/2 inch of plastic insulation from the ends of both the black and white circuit wires prior to wiring the outlet.

• Since 2008, the National Electrical Code has mandated installation of tamper-resistance electrical outlets in all new residential construction. If you are installing a Leviton outlet in a home with children, it is recommended you use a Leviton TR outlet for the installation.

Resources

• Leviton: Wiring Devices
• NEMA: Child Outlet Safety