Caution: Please read our safety information before attempting any testing or repairs.

This article describes how to replace an electrical outlet (aka receptacle) with a new replacement.

Working with electrical equipment can be hazardous. Turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse box and put up a notice so no one turns it on while you are working. Always check that there is no voltage before beginning work.

1. Only use an outlet of the same type as you are replacing.

• If the old outlet has no ground, replace it with an ungrounded outlet, except,

• NEC code, at the time of writing, does allow an ungrounded outlet to be replaced with a GFCI outlet. Label the GFCI as having no ground. Downstream outlets must also be labeled as GFCI controlled and that they are not grounded. Stickers are available wherever you purchase your GFCI.

2. Remove the cover plate.

3. Remove the retaining screws at the top and bottom of the outlet.

4. Pull the outlet straight out from the box.

5. Note the position of the wires and transfer them over to the corresponding terminals on the new outlet. If you know that this outlet was miswired, this is an opportunity to correct that condition. However, this may affect downstream wiring; test downstream outlets for proper polarity and ground.

   • We recommend using the screw terminals on the sides instead of the slip connectors found on the back of some outlets.

   • If the wire is stranded, twist the strands together.

   • Create a "U" shaped loop of bare wire about 3/4" long.

   • The screw tightens in the clockwise direction. Hook the loop under the terminal screw so tightening the screw pulls the wire tightly under it, rather than pushing it out.

6. Wrap electrical tape around the outlet so that the exposed terminal screws are covered. This is a safety precaution to reduce the risk of shorts, arcing and shocks.

7. Gently fold the wires into the box as you push in the outlet.

8. Secure the outlet at the top and bottom with the retaining screws.

9. Replace the cover plate.

10. Turn on the power.

11. Test the outlet for voltage, polarity and ground with an outlet tester.

12. If you corrected for a miswired condition, test other outlets on the same circuit to make certain any change you made did not adversely affect them.

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