Introduction
Rewiring electrical outlets in your home can provide significant safety and convenience benefits. However, it does require working with dangerous electrical current and should only be done with great care by those experienced with home electrical work. In this guide, I'll walk through the complete process to rewire outlets on your own quickly and safely.
Gather the Required Materials
Before beginning any electrical project, it's essential to have the proper tools and materials on hand. Here's what you'll need to rewire an outlet:
- Wire strippers - To strip insulation off electrical wires
- Needle-nose pliers - For bending and maneuvering wires
- Voltage tester - To confirm electricity is off before working
- Electrical tape - To insulate wires and connections
- Wire nuts - To connect hot and neutral wires
- Electrical box extender (optional) - If replacing an old electrical box
- Electrical outlet - New outlet to install
- Phillips screwdriver - To remove and install outlet and wall plate
Having these tools and supplies ready will make the rewiring process go quicker and smoother.
Turn Off Power and Test
Before touching any electrical wiring, it's absolutely vital to turn off the power and verify that it is off. Here are the proper steps:
- Locate the circuit breaker box and identify the breaker controlling the outlet you'll be rewiring.
- Switch that circuit breaker to the "off" position.
- Plug a voltage tester or multimeter leads into the outlet and confirm it does not detect electricity flowing.
- As an extra precaution, I also turn off the main breaker switch. Never assume an outlet is dead without testing!
With the power safely off, you can now proceed with rewiring the outlet.
Remove the Existing Outlet
The next step is to remove the existing electrical outlet you'll be replacing with the new one. To do this:
- Unscrew and remove the outlet's cover plate with a screwdriver. Set it aside.
- There will likely be two screws securing the outlet itself. Unscrew these with a screwdriver as well.
- Gently pull the outlet out of the electrical box in the wall. Be careful not to touch the wires yet!
- If you see a ground wire connected to the outlet, unscrew this ground wire and set it aside for later reattachment.
With the old outlet removed, the wiring should now be fully accessible.
Examine the Wiring
At this point, take a moment to closely examine the existing wiring before touching or changing anything. Things to look for:
- Identify the hot and neutral wires - The hot wire will be black or red, while the neutral is normally white. The ground wire is green or bare.
- Check for backstabs - Outlets can be wired using screws or "backstab" connections on the back. Backstabs are prone to failure so I recommend rewiring any you find using screw terminals.
- Note any GFCI/AFCI wiring - Specialized outlets may have additional safety modules. Take note of any extra wiring.
- Inspect for damage - Look for insulation damage, overheating signs, corrosion, etc. Any issues should be addressed before rewiring.
Understanding the wiring configuration you're working with is key for proper rewiring.
Extend the Electrical Box (If Needed)
In some cases, you may need to extend the depth of the electrical box in the wall to accommodate a new outlet. This is often necessary when replacing an old or damaged box.
To extend a recessed box:
- Measure the depth of the existing box compared to the new outlet.
- Purchase an electrical box extender the required depth. They slide into the old box like a sleeve.
- Insert extender into the box and ensure it sits securely. The extender creates more interior space.
With the box extended, you now have ample room for the new wiring and outlet.
Connect the New Outlet's Wires
Now comes time to connect the new outlet's wires to the existing wiring in the box. Follow these steps carefully:
- Strip 3/4" insulation off wire ends using wire strippers.
- Connect the white (neutral) wires together using a wire nut and screw terminal.
- Connect the black (hot) wires together using a wire nut and screw terminal.
- If present, connect ground wire using the outlet's ground screw or to a grounding bundle.
- Ensure no bare wire is exposed and connections are tight. Electrical tape can help insulate.
- Do not mix up hot and neutral connections! This creates a dangerous reversed polarity condition.
Taking it slow and methodically will ensure proper electrical connections.
Secure the New Outlet
Almost done! It's now time to securely mount the new outlet into the electrical box:
- Arrange all the wires neatly within the recessed box so they fit without stress or bunching.
- Line up the outlet and use the provided screws to secure it firmly into the box. Do not overtighten.
- If the outlet has a ground wire, attach this ground screw to the grounded electrical box.
- Double check that outlet sits flush against the wall with no gaps.
With the outlet mechanically secured, the hard part is done!
Restore Power and Test
Once the new outlet is mounted into place, it's time to re-enable power and perform some safety checks:
- Turn the appropriate circuit breaker back on at your main panel.
- Plug in a voltage tester and lamp to confirm the outlet is wired correctly.
- If the tester shows hot and neutral are reversed: immediately turn power back off and check connections!
- Attach the outlet cover plate and any needed faceplates.
- Test plugging any required devices into the outlet to confirm proper operation.
Taking these simple steps will provide assurance your outlet was wired safely and correctly.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra pointers to further improve safety and functionality when rewiring outlets:
- Only perform work when the power is confirmed OFF for safety. Never take shortcuts!
- Consider upgrading older outlets without a ground wire to modern grounded versions.
- Use proper cable clamps and anti-slip connectors for a secure mount.
- For high-use outlets, install heavy-duty commercial-grade models.
- Replace worn or damaged electrical boxes. Outlets are only as safe as their enclosures!
- Rewiring outlets in rooms with water sources like bathrooms or kitchens requires GFCI outlets.
- Hire a professional electrician if you lack experience with residential wiring. Safety first!
Conclusion
While rewiring electrical outlets requires working with dangerous wiring, having the proper knowledge, tools and safety focus allows even novice DIYers to modernize their home's outlets. The improved electrical safety and convenience are well worth the effort!