Replacing an electrical outlet can seem intimidating — it certainly seemed so to me when I was a fairly new homeowner on a budget.
However, I learned I could safely replace an outlet in a few simple steps: Turn off the power, remove the old outlet, and install the new one by connecting wires in the correct spots.
In this article, I’ll talk about my experiences, and go through the steps so you can learn how to safely replace an outlet, too.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 30 minutes Project cost: Less than $1 to $8, depending on the outlet. Tools not included. |
Know Your Outlets
Your balky outlet is likely a 15 amp (which is what I’ve replaced) or a 20 amp, two of the most common outlets in U.S. homes.
So, what’s an amp? It’s a measure of amperage — the rate at which current flows through the circuit. The higher the amperage, the more electricity that’s flowing through.
15 amp outlets
These usually have two sockets, one stacked atop the other (also called 3-prong outlets). They have a long slot, a short slot, and a half-round grounding hole. They’re designed to power lower-amp appliances, like TVs, fans, and lamps, so you’ll have them in most rooms.
20-amp outlets
These can be duplex or single outlets. They have a grounding hole, a short slot, a long slot, and a horizontal slot that branches off the long slot. They power appliances that use large amounts of electricity, such as refrigerators and washing machines.
What You Need
- Screwdriver (both standard and Phillips)
- Voltage tester
- Wire cutter and stripper
- Needlenose pliers
- Flashlight
Steps to Replace an Outlet
Whether your balky outlet is a 15 or a 20 amp, the process for replacing it is the same.
Turn Off the Power
For your safety (and your home’s) don’t touch anything until you’ve turned off the power by tripping the correct circuit breaker, removing the fuse, or cutting power to the house if needed.
In every house I’ve lived in, I’ve found that the breaker or fuse box was poorly labeled — so, I’ve had to use the trial-and-error method.
Get a helper to plug a lamp into another working outlet in the room and turn it on. Your helper will babysit the lamp while you pull breaker switches or unscrew fuses. Your helper will let you know (by cell phone, or a yell if close enough) when the light goes out.
If you don’t have another working outlet in that room, cut power to the whole house.
For safety’s sake, give the outlet one last check with a voltage tester. And don’t forget to label that circuit.
Remove the Outlet
When you’re sure the power is off, unscrew the faceplate, then remove the outlet’s mounting screws. (If you’re working around a floor vent or register, put something over it. Screws can escape.) Then gently pull the outlet from the electrical box, leaving the wires attached.
Wires and Connections
This part can feel intimidating: The first time I replaced an outlet, I had to consult a DIY book to figure out the wiring/screw configuration. So, here’s a quick guide:
Brass screws: This is where you attach the hot (live) wire, which is usually black, but sometimes, it’s red. (Check the wiring on the old outlet to be sure.)
Silver screws: This is where you attach the white (neutral) wires. They’re usually on the opposite side of the brass screws.
Green screw: This is the grounding screw, and it’s where you fasten the green or bare copper (ground) wire.
First, remove all the wires from the old switch. Before you start, label them or take pictures of the setup so you don’t have to guess when you go to attach the wires to the new outlet.
Install one wire at a time: Take a wire from the old switch and hook it to the corresponding spot on the new switch. This is what I did, which made for an easy wire swap.
Attach Wires to the New Outlet
If the bare wire isn’t long enough, use a wire stripper to remove about ½ inch of insulation. Use pliers to twist the wire into a clockwise loop. Hook the wire clockwise and wrap the loop about two-thirds around the screw. Then tighten it with a screwdriver.
Some switches will have plug-in connectors and screws. One school of thought says plug-ins do a good job of connecting, while another says that screw terminals make a better connection, so it’s your choice.
If the old switch’s wires are connected via plug-in and won’t come out, cut them close to the switch. You’ll need to strip some insulation for a new connection.
Finish the Job
All that’s left is to gently push the newly wired switch into the electrical box, attach it with the mounting screws, and replace the face plate. (Be careful when screwing on the face plate: I’ve learned that plastic ones can crack under pressure.)
Then turn on the power and plug in a lamp or another device. If it comes on, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed a new outlet.
For more information and tips on changing an outlet, see this how-to video:
Safety Tips
Replacing an outlet means dealing with electricity, which can be intimidating. But there are things you can do to stay safe.
- Before you touch anything, make sure the power is off. Flip the circuit breaker, or remove fuses, or cut power to the house if you can’t find the correct circuits.
- Pay attention when wiring the new outlet. Make sure you’re attaching wires to the proper terminals. An incorrectly wired outlet can shock you, damage devices, or cause a fire.
- After you remove the old outlet, take a minute to inspect the wiring in the box. Be sure everything is intact, and you don’t have melted, broken, frayed, or outdated wires.
When to Call an Electrician
Sometimes, outlets fail due to a serious wiring problem that, if not corrected, could lead to a fire. If the outlet has any of these problems, turn off the power and call an electrician.
- Smoke or burning smell
- It feels hot to the touch
- It is burnt
- You get a shock or see sparks when you plug in a device
- Flickering lights
- Frequently trips the circuit breaker
Should your situation call for an electrician, Home Gnome connects you to the best home services companies at affordable prices with just a few clicks.
FAQ
No, do not replace a 15 amp outlet with a 20 amp. The outlet’s amperage should match the circuit’s.
Swapping outlets is not a shortcut to running a clothes dryer or other appliance off a 15 amp circuit. The heavier power draw could overload the wiring, potentially causing a fire. For safety’s sake, have an electrician install the proper wiring.
Besides the safety issues we’ve discussed above, there are a few other situations that indicate it’s time for a new outlet.
Damaged outlet: A broken faceplate or socket can expose wiring. This also includes paint in the socket, which can interfere with power connections.
The plug won’t stay in: If plugs fall out or fit loosely, the outlet’s internal springs are damaged.
Nothing happens: If you’ve checked the device, other outlets, the breaker box and internal wiring, the outlet may have an internal failure.
Yes, you can replace a regular outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. These outlets quickly shut off power when they detect ground faults. They’re found anywhere electrical devices may contact water, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Also, some building codes will allow the use of GFCI outlets to replace older two-prong outlets if a home doesn’t have grounding wires. Check with your local or state government offices for details.
Installation of these outlets is straightforward, but there are a few things you must pay attention to. For information and tips, see How To Install a GFCI Outlet.
If You Need Help to Replace That Outlet
I hope this tutorial will help if you decide to tackle that outlet replacement. However, if you’d prefer to have an electrician handle the job, Home Gnome connects you to the best electricians at affordable prices with just a few clicks.
Main Photo Credit: Freepik
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