How to Replace an Electrical Outlet

Introduction

Replacing an electrical outlet in your home is a straightforward project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. With some basic tools and safety knowledge, you'll be able to upgrade old or damaged outlets for improved safety and functionality.

I'll walk you through the complete process of replacing an electrical outlet, from turning off the power and removing the old outlet to wiring and installing the new one. I'll also provide tips to make the project go smoothly. Follow these steps carefully and you'll be able to replace an outlet safely.

Steps to Replace an Electrical Outlet

Turn Off Power at the Breaker

The first and most important step is to turn off the power to the outlet you'll be working on. Every electrical outlet should have a dedicated circuit breaker that controls the electricity to it.

• Locate the circuit breaker box in your home, usually found in the basement, garage, or laundry room.
• Open the metal door and locate the breaker controlling the outlet circuit. It will likely be labeled something like "Kitchen Outlets" or "Bedroom Outlets".
• Switch the breaker to the "OFF" position. This cuts power to the circuit.
• To be safe, I also recommend testing the outlet with a non-contact voltage tester. This handy tool can detect if any live power is still present.

Remove the Old Electrical Outlet

With the power shut off, now you can remove the old outlet:

• Unscrew and remove the cover plate on the electrical outlet you are replacing. Put the screws in a safe place.
• Using a screwdriver, remove the two screws holding the outlet in its electrical box.
• Carefully pull the outlet out of the box by grasping the base, not just the protruding tabs.

Be gentle as you remove the old outlet so as not to damage any wires connected to it.

Disconnect and Remove Old Wires

With the outlet removed, you'll see a bundle of wires attached to the side or back:

• The hot wires will be black or red, the neutral white, and the ground wire green or bare copper.
• There may also be additional ground wires present that are screwed to the metal outlet box.
• Disconnect all wires from the outlet. A screwdriver can loosen the screws securing them.

It's helpful to take a photo of the wire configuration before disconnecting anything, for reference later.

• Once all wires are detached, pull them out of the way so the outlet can be fully removed.

Prepare Electrical Box

Before installing the new outlet, take a moment to prepare the electrical box:

• Use a wire brush or sandpaper to gently scrub away any dirt, corrosion, or paint inside the box. This ensures a good ground connection.
• Check that all wire openings are covered with electrical box clamps. This protects wires from sharp edges.
• Confirm the mounting screws that hold the outlet are present. Replace if necessary.

A clean electrical box clear of debris will allow for a safe outlet installation.

Install New Electrical Outlet

Now you're ready to wire up and mount the new outlet:

• Start by cutting all wires coming into the box to the proper length. They should extend just a few inches past the face of the box.
• Carefully connect the wires to the new outlet, matching wire colors. Use a screwdriver to secure hot, neutral, and ground wires under their corresponding screws.
• The ground wires may alternatively be connected to a ground screw on the outlet, or the metal box itself.
• Ensure connections are tight and tidy. No bare wire should be exposed. Tuck wires neatly into the box.
• Mount the outlet into the front of the electrical box using the mounting screws. Make sure it sits flush with no gaps.
• Replace the outlet cover plate. Insert and tighten the cover screws securely.

Double check that all connections are tight before restoring power.

Restore Electrical Power

You're almost done! Carefully restore power to the outlet circuit:

• Go back to the circuit breaker box and locate the correct breaker controlling the outlet.
• Switch the circuit breaker to the "ON" position.
• At the outlet, plug in a lamp or tester to confirm it's powered on and functioning.

If the outlet doesn't work, switch the breaker back off and check your wiring connections. All wires should be making solid contact under their terminal screws.

With everything working correctly, you can put the cover plate screws on permanently. The electrical outlet replacement is complete! Be sure to turn off the appropriate breaker any time you work on that outlet again in the future.

Helpful Tips for Replacing an Outlet

Here are some additional pointers to ensure success when replacing an electrical outlet in your home:

• Always test for power before touching any wires to avoid shock. Assume wires are live until proven dead.
• Only work on one outlet circuit at a time. Never remove multiple breakers simultaneously.
• Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wires to reference later.
• If the new outlet has holes for backwire connections, break them out by inserting a screwdriver before wiring.
• When connecting wires, loop them clockwise around the terminal screw, never counterclockwise.
• If there is no ground wire present in the box, consult an electrician about adding one.
• Consider upgrading to tamper-resistant outlets if you have small children.
• Properly close unused openings in the electrical box with knockout seals.

Replacing an electrical outlet is well within the DIY capabilities of most homeowners, as long as proper safety precautions are followed. Take your time, be cautious, and you can upgrade your outlets for improved safety and functionality.

Conclusion

Replacing electrical outlets is a job many homeowners can take on themselves with proper knowledge. The process involves turning off the power, removing the old outlet and wires, installing the new outlet, reconnecting wires properly, and restoring power. Follow safety procedures like testing for live current, taking photos, and working on one outlet at a time. With the right tools and attention to detail, you can upgrade outlets in your home for greater safety, convenience, and value. Be sure to consult an electrician if any issues come up that you are unsure how to address. With some patience and care, replacing an outlet is a manageable task that anyone can tackle.