Replacing an electrical outlet at your home can be a very DIY-friendly project. The first step is making sure you have all of the necessary electrical supplies. Visit a hardware store to pick up a pair of pliers, a voltage tester, wire strippers, and a basic screwdriver set. Once you have these key tools, follow these steps for installation.

How to Install a New Outlet

1. Turn Off the Power

To avoid giving yourself a nasty shock, flip the outlet’s corresponding circuit at the breaker box. This cuts off the flow of power to that particular outlet and makes it safe for you to work on it. Before touching any of the wires, use the voltage tester to guarantee there is no current.

2. Remove the Cover Plate

Once the power is off, use the screwdriver to remove the screws fastening the plate to the wall. This gives you access to remove the screws on the receptacle you’re replacing, so you can pull it out.

Once the receptacle is out, double-check the wires for power. Touch the tester probe to the top pair of terminal screws and then the bottom to check that there is no current.

3. Separate Wires

Loosen the screws around which the wires are wrapped on the receptacle. This gives you space to undo them from the terminal so they can be disconnected entirely. If there are two pairs of wires present, it’s important to separate them into two groups.

Both groups should have one white wire and one black one. These serve as the power supply line and the load line that powers the new outlet. There should also be a bare or green wire, which is the one that grounds the connection.

4. Attach New Outlet

Start with the ground wire, wrapping it around the green screw on the new receptacle. You might have to use wire strippers to expose enough of the wire to wrap it around. Then tighten that screw.

Next, attach the white wires to the silver screw before attaching the black wires to the brass screws. Only connect one wire per terminal, or you’ll risk overloading the new outlet.

5. Reinsert the Outlet

With all the wires connected, place the new outlet back into the wall and tighten the screws to secure it in place. Then reattach the faceplate by screwing it back into its original position. When everything is back in its place, turn the circuit back on and test to ensure it’s working.

 

Get all the electrical supplies you need for this project at Montgomery’s Building Supplies in Warsaw, NY. For over 100 years, they’ve been the area’s premier provider of a variety of building materials and electrical supplies. From power tools to paint and plumbing supplies, they have everything you need to get the job done. Learn more by calling (585) 786-2510. Browse their inventory online.