How to Replace Electrical Outlets Without Hiring an Electrician

Introduction

Replacing worn or outdated electrical outlets in your home is a project many homeowners take on themselves to save money. While some are comfortable working with household electrical, others may find the idea daunting or even dangerous. With proper precautions and the right tools, however, replacing outlets is a manageable task for a homeowner without professional electrical experience. This guide will walk through the full process of replacing electrical outlets safely and correctly without hiring an electrician.

Safety Precautions

Working with electrical wiring requires caution to avoid injury or damage. Here are some key safety steps to take:

Turn off the power to the outlet at the breaker box - This is crucial to avoid getting shocked while working on the outlet. Double check with a voltage tester that the power is off.
Wear safety goggles and gloves - For protection in case any sparks occur during the wiring process. Thick rubber gloves help prevent shocks.
Ensure wires are disconnected - When removing the old outlet, make sure the hot and neutral wires are detached to avoid contact.
Work on only one outlet at a time - Attempting to replace multiple outlets with the power off increases the shock risk.
Use extreme care with any water/liquids - Never work near outlets or wiring with wet hands or in damp conditions.
Check the circuit before turning power back on - Test that the new outlet is wired correctly and safely before restoring electricity.

Gathering the Right Materials

Replacing an outlet requires a few basic supplies readily available at hardware stores:

New electrical outlet - Match the shape, amperage, and number of ports on the old outlet
Voltage tester - To confirm electricity is off before starting work
Wire strippers - For stripping insulation off electrical wires
Needle-nose pliers - Helpful for pulling and bending wires
Phillips screwdriver - For removing outlet cover plate screws
Electrical tape - For insulating wires and connections
Flashlight - For seeing inside the electrical box
Circuit tester - For verifying correct wiring before turning electricity back on

Purchase quality materials from reputable brands for safety and durability. Ask an employee for assistance choosing suitable outlet replacements and tools if unsure.

Turning Off Power to the Outlet

Before getting started, the power must be switched off at the main circuit breaker panel. Follow these steps:

Locate the correct breaker - It will usually be labeled for the room with the outlet.
Turn the breaker switch fully to OFF - Double check nearby outlets with a voltage tester to confirm.
With the power off, unscrew and remove cover plate - Use a Phillips head screwdriver to detach the outlet cover.
Remove the outlet mounting screws - There will be two on top and two on bottom to release it.
Carefully pull the outlet out about an inch - Enough to access the wires in back. Do not touch wires or outlet yet in case of residual electricity!

Detaching the Electrical Wires

With the outlet pulled forward, the wiring in back must be detached before fully removing the outlet:

Photograph wires for reference - Take photos of wire positions to use later for reconnecting.
Use needle-nose pliers to grip wire connectors - Twist and pull connectors off wires one at a time.
Carefully detach hot and neutral wires from outlet - Keep track of which wires connect to top and bottom outlet ports.
Do NOT detach ground wire - It connects to outlet box and remains in place.
Double check all wires are disconnected from outlet - No wires should remain attached.

Installing the New Outlet

With old outlet detached, begin installing the replacement following these key steps:

Position new outlet in box - Screw holes should align with original screw positions.
Reconnect ground wire to green screw - Bare copper ground wire always connects to the green grounding screw.
Reconnect the hot wires to the brass screws - These usually go on the darker outport ports (top/right).
Reconnect neutral wires to silver screws - Neutral wires usually attach to the lighter outlet ports (bottom/left).
Ensure wire connections are tight - Use pliers to tighten screw terminals securely over wire ends.
No exposed wire should be visible - Aside from ground wire connected to green screw.
Position wires neatly in box without crushing or pinching - This avoids dangerous hazards from loose wires touching.
Remount outlet in box using mounting screws - Tighten screws firmly with screwdriver.
Replace cover plate - Screw it back onto outlet safely. Double check no wires are pinched behind it.

Restoring Power and Testing

With the new outlet installed, it's time to turn power back on and verify correct operation:

Turn appropriate breaker to ON position - Electricity will be restored to the outlet.
Use circuit tester to confirm outlet is wired properly - Look for correct hot, neutral, and ground readings.
Test outlet function - Plug in a small appliance like a lamp to check for power and make sure it works properly without issues.
Turn appliances off and back on a few times - Verify stable power connection under use.
If outlet fails testing, turn off power and carefully recheck wiring - Use photos as a reference to correct any mistakes.

Take great care during the entire process when dealing with electrical wiring. When in doubt, consult an electrician to inspect the work. But when armed with the right safety knowledge and preparation, replacing an outlet is a manageable DIY project that most homeowners can tackle successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of outlet should I use as a replacement?

Choose an outlet with the same voltage (120V) and amperage rating as the old one. Also match the physical size and shape. The number of ports can be adjusted if desired.

How do I identify the hot and neutral wires?

Hot wires are usually black/red, connect to brass screws, and attach to the top/right outlet ports. Neutral wires are white/light gray, connect to silver screws, and attach to bottom/left ports.

Can I replace an outlet near water sources like kitchens or bathrooms?

Yes, but you must use an outlet marked "GFCI protected" or install a GFCI outlet for safety near water.

What if there are more than two wires connected to the outlet I'm replacing?

Some outlets have additional wires which are likely connecting other outlets downstream. Consult an electrician if uncertain how to rewire multiple connections.

How tight should the screw terminals be when reconnecting wires?

Use pliers to tighten the screws over the wire ends very securely. The wires should not be able to pull out with moderate force. But take care not to over tighten and damage the screw or wire.