How to Replace Electrical Receptacles

Replace worn out AC receptacles.

Most of today's electronic devices plug into an AC receptacle or AC outlet. We plug our televisions, appliances and tools into the wall. We even plug our portable devices such as laptops, phones and iPods into an AC outlet to recharge. Then one day, we plug a device into the wall and it flickers on and off or does not charge at all. All of the inserting and removing wears out the connections inside the outlet. If this happens to an outlet in your house, follow these steps to replace it.

Things You'll Need

• Digital voltmeter
• Straight slot screw driver
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Turn the circuit breaker off. Use a digital voltmeter to verify that the power is off to the outlet. Turn a digital voltmeter on and set it to measure AC voltage. Insert the red probe into the right-hand slot and insert the black probe into the left-hand slot. Move the probes from top to bottom to make contact with the AC receptacle connections. If the voltage measurement is approximately 110 volts AC, the power is not off in that circuit. Do not continue until the voltage to that outlet is off. If the voltage measurement is less than 1.0 volts AC, then the power is off in that circuit.

2. Remove the faceplate by inserting a straight slot screwdriver into the screw head. Turn the screwdriver counter clockwise to remove the screw.

3. Remove the receptacle from the junction box by inserting a straight slot screwdriver into the top screw head. Turn the screwdriver counter clockwise to remove the screw. Continue with the bottom screw. After removing both screws, pull the outlet straight out of the junction box.

4. Turn the wire mounting screws in a counterclockwise position to loosen the screw and remove the wires. Note the wire colors and their location on the outlet.

5. Loosen the screws on the new outlet. Position the new outlet so the brass screw is on the same side as the black wire. Use needle-nose pliers to wrap the black wire around the mounting screw. Wrap the wire in a clockwise direction around the screw shaft. This is important because as the screw tightens it will pull the wire into the screw. Continue with the neutral wire and the ground wire (if installed).

6. Guide the outlet back into the junction box. Verify that the wires are secure and that they do not touch the sides of the junction box. Secure the outlet to the junction box by inserting a straight slot screwdriver into the screw head and turning it clockwise. Continue with the other screw. Verify that the outlet is flush and secure in the junction box. Position the faceplate over the outlet. Secure the faceplate to the outlet with the mounting screw.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check twice to verify that the power in the circuit has been turned off. When in doubt, contact a qualified electrician.

• Replace the outlet with one of the same type and current rating. When in doubt, contact a qualified electrician.

References

• Repair Home: How To Replace an Outlet
• Acme How To: Home Electrical Guide: How To Replace an Electrical Outlet
• Handyman Business: How To Replace an Electrical Outlet