How To Replace an Electrical Outlet
- March 4, 2009
- 26,944 Views
Writer
JoAnna_Zulli
Source
Steve Austin, ICMT
Voice Over Artist
Peter Coleman
Music
Jonanthan Roberts
If your old outlet has become so loose that a cord barely stays in place, it’s time to change it. It’s not just an annoyance—it’s a hazard.
You Will Need
- A flathead screwdriver
- A digital camera
- A new outlet
- Wire cutters
- Voltage detector
Working with electricity is very dangerous — be extremely careful and, if you have any doubts, contact a professional.
Step 1: Cut the power
Cut the power to the outlet by flipping the circuit breaker or removing the fuse at the main panel.
If you have a voltage detector, test that the power is off by inserting the tip of it into the outlet’s smaller slot. Or just plug in an electrical fixture that you know is in working condition and test it.
Step 2: Remove outlet cover
When you’re certain the power is off, unscrew and remove the outlet cover.
Step 3: Remove the outlet
Unscrew and remove the outlet itself from the electrical box. Notice how the wires are connected to it, either by two screws on the sides of the outlet, or fastened to the back.
Take a digital picture of the back of the outlet so you’ll have a reference of what wire attaches where.
Step 4: Detach wires
Detach the wires. If they are attached on the side by screws, loosen the screws with the screwdriver. If they’re inserted in holes in the back, place the screwdriver in the slot located next to each hole to release the wire.
Step 5: Get a new outlet
Take your old outlet to the hardware store and purchase a new one just like the old one.
Step 6: Reconnect wires
Install the new outlet by connecting the green or bare copper ground wire first. Bend the tip of the wire into a loop with the wire cutter and curl it around the screw in a clockwise direction. Use the screwdriver to tighten the screw into place.
You’ll need about half an inch of bare wire to wrap around the screw; if you don’t have enough, use the wire cutters to remove excess insulation.
Step 7: Connect wires
Connect the white wire, followed by the rest of the wires.
Step 8: Replace the outlet
Replace the outlet in the electrical box, making sure the green or bare copper grounding wire is not touching the other wires.
Step 9: Replace the cover
Replace the outlet cover.
Step 10: Restore power
Turn the power back on. You can use a voltage detector to check the outlet for power, or test it with an appliance. Congratulate yourself for a job well done.
Electricity travels at the speed of light — more than 186,000 miles per second!
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Comments (3)
There are at least two major concerns with this video. First, a ";wire cutter"; was used to twist the wire by clamping the bare wire between its cutting jaws. This action would create nicks in the wire, which reduces the conductivity of the wire and can ultimately lead to the wire overheating. Secondly, step seven showed multiple wires being attached to a single screw terminal of the outlet. Not only is this considered an extremely unsafe practice but it is also a violation of the National Electric Code and is not permitted in any modern electrical work. As a side note, taking a picture of how the outlet was previously wired does not guarantee that the outlet will be correctly wired upon replacement, especially if the outlet was previously wired incorrectly. The hot wire (normally black, but again no guarantee if the wiring was done incorrectly) should go to the brass colored terminal, while the neutral wire (normally white if wired correctly) should go to the silver colored terminal. This video is not a good video for teaching proper wiring techniques.
6 months ago by tlgraybill
Clear, Entertaining, intriguing
Intellectually stimulating!
Well-researched.
http://mcatprep.yolasite.com/
over 2 years ago by Wynne_Evans
Horrible!!... he starts with one outlet to take it out and ends with a completely different outlet when he installs a new one! ... keep it consistent with only one outlet please!... where'd all those new wires come from?!?! sheesh.
3 months ago by Bujin
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