How to Replace a Commercial Power Outlet Yourself and Save Money

I recently decided to replace a worn-out commercial power outlet in my office to improve safety and functionality. After getting quotes from electricians that were more than I wanted to spend, I decided to tackle this as a DIY project. Here's how I was able to replace a commercial power outlet myself and save a ton of money in the process.

Assessing the Existing Outlet

Before replacing the outlet, I needed to fully assess the existing one to determine if it truly needed replacement or could be repaired. Here are the steps I took:

• Shut off the circuit breaker for the outlet I wanted to replace to ensure no live power was running to it. Safety first!

• Tested the outlet with a multimeter to confirm power was off. I also tested the voltage to verify I was dealing with a 120V AC circuit.

• Removed the outlet cover plate and inspected the condition of the outlet wiring. I looked for signs of burnt contacts or damaged wires.

• The outlet felt loose in the electrical box and had a crack across the plastic housing. Replacement seemed necessary.

• I noted down the wire gauge and colors connected to each screw terminal so I could replicate the same setup on the new outlet.

Purchasing the Right Commercial Outlet

With the old outlet assessed, it was time to purchase the right replacement unit. Here's what I kept in mind:

• I needed a commercial-grade outlet suitable for a commercial office space. Commercial outlets are more durable than residential models.

• I opted for a tamper-resistant outlet for added safety. These prevent kids from sticking objects into the slots.

• I matched the voltage (120V), amperage (15A), and number of poles (2) of the old outlet.

• I chose a GFCI outlet to add ground fault protection missing on the old outlet.

• I selected the appropriate form factor to fit my electrical box - in this case, a standard duplex outlet.

Replacing the Outlet

With the circuit powered off, I was ready to replace the actual outlet. I took the following steps:

• Double checked the circuit was de-energized with a multimeter before touching any wires.

• I used a wire stripper to strip off about 1/2" of insulation from the ends of each wire.

• I carefully disconnected each wire from the old outlet and attached them to the matching screw terminals on the new outlet, following my wire notes. Proper wiring is crucial!

• I securely mounted the new outlet into the electrical box, being sure not to pinch any wires.

• Once all connections were made, I re-installed the outlet cover plate.

Restoring Power and Testing

The new outlet was installed, but I still needed to:

• Re-energize the circuit at the breaker and verify power flow with a multimeter.

• Test the new GFCI outlet using the "Test" and "Reset" buttons to ensure proper function.

• Plug in a lamp and test that the outlet provides power properly without any shorts.

• Verify the outlet is firmly secured in the box with no exposed conductors or safety hazards.

• Check that the outlet cover plate is properly seated flush to the wall with no gaps.

The outlet performed perfectly! I flipped the breaker off once more before returning the circuit to full power.

Conclusion

While replacing a commercial outlet requires working with dangerous live electrical wiring, I was able to safely install the new outlet and add protection with a GFCI model. I saved over $150 by doing this myself, and now have peace of mind knowing my office wiring is safer and up to code. Always exercise caution and turn power off before attempting any electrical work.