How to Fix That One Weird Wire Behind Your Outlet Without Burning Down Your House

I know we've all been there - you go to plug something into an outlet and it's loose. No matter how many times you try to tighten the screws, it still feels loose. And there's that one weird wire back there that you have no idea what to do with. It's enough to make anyone nervous about burning their house down!

The good news is, fixing a loose outlet is totally doable for a homeowner. With some basic safety knowledge, the right tools, and a few simple steps, you can make that outlet solid in no time - and without any crispy mishaps.

h2. Understanding the Anatomy of an Outlet

Before you go poking around back there, it helps to understand exactly what you're dealing with.

Inside an outlet box, you'll find:

• Wires - Specifically the hot wire, neutral wire, and ground wire. These wires deliver electricity from your electrical panel to the outlet.

• Terminal screws - These screws connect the wires to the outlet. Loose terminal screws are typically the culprit for a loose outlet plug.

• Backstab connections - Some outlets have holes in the back where wires can simply be pushed in, without a screw. But these are notorious for failing, so best to avoid using them.

• That weird wire in the back - Most likely this is just an extra bit of the ground wire that wasn't trimmed back. Nothing to worry about.

h2. Gather the Right Safety Gear and Tools

When dealing with electrical wires, safety is paramount. Before getting started, make sure you have:

• Electrical tape - For insulating wires and connections

• Wire strippers - To remove old wire insulation

• Needle nose pliers - For grabbing wires in tight spaces

• Circuit tester - To double check the power is off

• Safety glasses - Protect your eyes from debris

• Non-contact voltage tester - To safely detect live wires

• GFCI outlet - For replacing older outlets; more on this later

h2. Shut Off the Power and Verify It's Off

This is crucial! Every year people get badly shocked because they thought they flipped the right breaker. Shut off power to the outlet at the breaker box, then confirm it's dead using a non-contact voltage tester. Those pens light up like magic wands if they detect electricity - so if it's dark, you're good to go.

h2. Remove the Outlet Cover and Outlet

Unscrew the outlet cover and gently pull the outlet from the box. You may need to unscrew a side screw or bottom tab to fully release it. Be careful not to let the wires get yanked out.

h2. Inspect the Wires and Connections

Here's where you'll likely find the culprit. Examine where the wires connect to the outlet:

• Loose terminal screws? - Tighten each screw securely.

• Backstab connections? - Remove wires and use the terminal screws instead.

• Fraying or cracked wires? - Trim back damaged wire and re-strip the ends.

• Burnt smells? - Signs of electrical fire. Call an electrician immediately!

• That weird wire? Leave it be! - It's just an extra bit of ground wire. Safely tuck it back inside the box.

h2. Rewire and Secure the New Outlet

If the old outlet is more than 20 years old, code requires replacing it with a grounded GFCI outlet for added safety. Make sure wires are connected securely.

Hot wire to the brass screw.
Neutral wire to the silver screw.
Ground wire to the green screw.

Neatly tuck wires back in the box and re-install outlet. Secure it with long screws through the mounting tabs.

h2. Turn Power Back On and Test

Flip the breaker back on. Then the moment of truth - plug something in and test that the outlet is solid. If the outlet is still loose, turn power back off and examine connections again.

h2. Tidy Up

Once satisfied with the repair, turn power back off and put the cover plate back on. Screw it in snugly, but be gentle so you don't crack it.

And that's it! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You just saved a house, and avoided paying an electrician. Now go reward yourself with a nice beverage - you've earned it!