Things You'll Need
- Multicolored Pens
- New Electrical Outlets
- Masking Tape
- Needle-Nose Pliers
- Circuit Tester
- Screwdriver Sets
Step One
Turn off the power to the outlet at the fuse box or circuit breakers. Tag the circuit breaker box 'Man at Work' or something similar so no one mistakenly turns the power back on while you're working.
Step Two
Test the outlet with a circuit tester or an electrical appliance to make sure the power is off. Place the tester's probes inside the plug. If the tester's light goes on, recheck the main power and retest until there's no power in the outlet.
Step Three
Unscrew the cover plate and remove it.
Step Four
Unscrew the outlet and pull it out of the wall. It should come out a few inches. Set the screws aside.
Step Five
Using colored pens or tape, mark where each wire was attached to the outlet. The wires and screws will be different colors; note the places where they attach.
Step Six
Loosen the screws holding the wires and remove the outlet.
Step Seven
Take the old outlet with you to a hardware or electrical-supply store. A salesperson can help you find the correct outlet to replace the old one. Keep the old outlet as a guide to installing the new one.
Step Eight
Using the marks on the old outlet as guides, attach the wires to the new outlet. Wrap the wires around the terminals with needle-nose pliers or your fingers.
Step Nine
Tighten the screws around the wires.
Step Ten
Screw the outlet back into the wall.
Step Eleven
Screw the cover plate back on.
Step Twelve
Reactivate the proper circuits at the fuse box and test your work.
Tips & Warnings
- Don't overtighten the cover plate, or you may cause it to crack.
- Working with electrical systems is potentially dangerous. If you're unsure of your abilities or about any aspect of the project, call an electrician.
- Whenever you turn the circuit breaker off or on, use only one hand and look away from the breaker to reduce the risk of injury should the breaker blow.
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