Replacing a Power Outlet

Old outdated outlets are not only a hassle, but are inconvenient when it comes to
appliances and entertainment units using what is now standard grounded plugs.
Updated outlets not only add convenience but value to an older home. Ensuring
the outlets are properly grounded will provide safeguards that will prevent fires in
the event of a power surge. This manual will aid beginners in the basic safety
information and critical steps required to replace an existing outlet.
Tools
Needle Nose Pliers
Electrical Tape
Receptacle Tester
Flat/Phillips Head Screwdrivers
Spare 12/2 or 12/3 Romex wire
UL listed 15 amp duplex or GFCI receptacle
Wire caps assorted
Box cutter or razor blade

Part I:

Turning Off/ Cutting the Power Supply

Part II:

Removing the Cover Plate and Receptacle

Part III:

Inspecting the Old Wires

Part IV:

Installing the Grounding Wire

Part V:

Installing the New Receptacle and Cover Plate

Part VI:

Testing the New Outlet for Proper Grounding

Electrical Warning
Working with electricity is extremely dangerous. If you are unable to
turn off the power flow to the area that you are working it is
recommended that a licensed electrician complete the work.
If for some reason the existing metal box is not grounded, there is a
plastic box without a grounding wire, or you are unsure of either, DO
NOT replace the outlet with a grounded receptacle. Consult a
licensed electrician or use a GFCI rated receptacle.

Part I:

Cutting the Power Off

1) Locate the main service panel in the home and remove the fuse or switch the
circuit breaker to the room off.
To be certain, if adequate light permits, pull the main fuse, or switch
the main breaker off.
2) Test the outlet with a light or clock to ensure the power has been cut.
Part II:

Removing the Cover Plate and Receptacle

1) Using the flat head screw driver, remove the screw in the center of the outlet
cover, turning in a counterclockwise direction until both the screw and cover
plate are loose enough to remove.
2) Begin removing the upper and lower screws holding the original receptacle
in place, using the Phillips head screw driver, again in a counterclockwise
fashion.
Be sure not to remove the screws from the receptacle itself, just far
enough to release the receptacle from the outlet box.

3) Gently pull the receptacle away from the outlet box just far enough to have
access to the screws holding the wires onto the receptacle.
4) Using the Phillips head screw driver, begin to loosen the screws securing the
wires to the receptacle just enough to pull the wires free with the needle nose
pliers.
DO NOT completely remove the screws from the original receptacle
incase it needs to be put back into the wall.
5) Gently pry the wires away from the receptacle.
Some outlet boxes are often used as junction boxes for wire to go
multiple directions. This is easily identified by groups of wires held
together by wire nuts.
DO NOT attempt to remove any wire nuts from the wire groups. If
they are loose, attempt to secure them by twisting clockwise and wrap
the base of the wire nut on to the wires with 5 or more consecutive
loops of electrical tape.
Part III:

Inspecting the Old Wires

1) Look the wires over to make sure there are no breaks or tears in the wiring.
Any exposed wires pose a potential fire hazard. DO NOT attempt to
replace any existing wires. Small cracks in the sheath, or plastic
covering, surrounding the wire may be repaired by two or more
complete wraps of electrical tape.
Part IV:

Installing the Ground Wire

1) Locate the metal clamp near the rear (top or bottom) of the outlet box.

2) Using the Phillips screw driver for the cross style screws and flat head for
the straight style screws, loosen the screw holding the clamp by rotating
counterclockwise approximately 5-7 turns.
3) Cut a piece of 12/2 or 12/3 Romex wiring approximately 6 8 inches long
using the cutting tool located on the needle nose pliers.
4) Using the box cutter/ razor blade slice lengthwise along the wire and remove
one of the three wires.
a. If using the 12/3 wire, use the exposed copper ground wire.
b. If 12/2 is used a colored wire will have to be seperated and the sheath
cut off to expose a clean copper wire.
5) Using the needle nose pliers, grip one end of the copper wire and gently curl
the wire into an open circle approximately 270 degrees around.
6) Feed the curled end of the copper wire around the loosened screw on the
clamp of the outlet box and tighten the screw using the Phillips/flat head
screw driver in the clockwise direction.
Part V:

Installing the New Receptacle and Cover Plate

1) Ensure each wire extending out of the box is curled approximately 270
degrees.
a. This will prevent any accidental slippage from occurring once the
outlet is installed.
2) Inspect the rear of the receptacle and locate the identification marks for the
hot (black) screw, neutral (white) screw, and the green ground screw
(copper).

3) Begin by wrapping the black wire around the designated screw and tighten
the screw using a Phillips screw driver to tighten the screw.
4) Do the same for the white and ground wires.
a. There is no specific place for the wires as long as they match the
proper side they belong on. Specifically, the wires can both go at the
top screws, or the bottom. Splitting them between the available
screws makes tightening the screw easier.
5) Once all the wires are secured, gently press the receptacle back into the
outlet box.
6) Align the screw holes and tighten the screws located at the top and bottom of
the receptacle attaching the receptacle to the outlet box.
7) Place the cover plate over the receptacle and secure with the screw.
Part VI:

Restoring the Power and Testing the Receptacle

1) Return to the service panel to either replace the fuse, or switch the breaker
back to the on position.
If the fuse pops, or the breaker wont switch on, the wiring is incorrect
and you must start over from the beginning of this manual.
2) Using the receptacle tester, insert first into the top outlet and check the
indicator lights for proper wiring.
3) Remove the tester from the first outlet and insert into the lower outlet once
again checking the indicator lights for proper wiring.
4) If both outlets are indicating proper wiring, you have successfully completed
the installation of a new receptacle.