How to Replace an Electrical Outlet

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Outlet vs Receptacle

Electrical outlet is a very common name for a receptacle. Many home improvement stores use the term “electrical outlet” when referring to a receptacle. Outlets are the points at which the electrical system is accessed (receptacle outlet or lighting outlet). A lighting outlet is an electrical box where a light fixture is mounted and gets power. A receptacle outlet is an electrical box where an outlet is mounted and gets power. On this site, the common term outlet will be used instead of receptacle. Find Outlets

When to Replace an Outlet

The most common reason outlets need to be replaced is because of physical damage. Rarely will a standard outlet fail electrically (line and neutral present at the terminals, but not at the plug). If an outlet is cracked or a plug is loose fitting, it is time for it to be replaced. When replacing an outlet, consider replacing the cover unless it looks new or cleans up nicely.

No Power at GFCI or AFCI Outlet

WARNING - voltage may be present at a standard or GFCI outlet terminal inside the electrical box, but not present at the plug end. A known good tester may indicate no voltage at the plug end of an outlet, but there could be voltage present at the terminals of the outlet inside the electrical box. There also could be a loose live hot wire behind the outlet inside the electrical box that is no longer connected to the outlet terminals. It is dangerous to remove an outlet with live voltage present inside the electrical box.

When a tester shows voltage is present on an outlet at the plug end, it is easy to tell when power is shut off at the outlet when shutting off the circuit breaker (voltage is no longer present at the plug end of the outlet). It is difficult to determine which circuit breaker supplies voltage to an outlet that has no voltage at the plug end. Unless it is known which circuit breaker supplies power to a certain outlet, all of the circuit breakers may need to be turned off before the outlet is removed.

Sometimes the plastic is broken just below the ground pin opening. This usually happens when a plug is yanked out improperly from the outlet. As long as the plug fits snugly into the outlet, and there is no other damage, the outlet should not need to be replaced.

Types of Outlet Terminals

There are three types of terminals on the back of outlets and switches. Terminal Wires

Screw type terminals. The stripped wires that connect to this type are formed into a “C” shape, mounted under a terminal screw in the clockwise direction, then tightened. Sometimes the wires are wrapped completely around the terminals of the old outlet and are difficult to remove. When the wires are removed, they are cut as close as possible to the terminals. The insulation is then stripped from these wires about ¾ of an inch, formed into a “C” shape, then attached to the outlet and tightened.
Slide-in terminals (common on GFCIs). The terminal screw is loosened, a stripped wire is inserted into the slot, and then tightened.
Push-in terminals. A stripped wire is inserted into the terminal hole and is held in place by tension inside the hole. Wires can be removed by inserting a 3/32” screwdriver into the slot next to the terminal, or by grasping the wire, pulling and twisting at the same time. The wires can also be cut close to the terminal.

Slide-in terminals

Wires incorrectly wrapped around terminals

Push-in terminals

Tools Needed to Replace an Outlet

The tools needed and the steps to take when replacing an outlet may vary if the wires are wrapped tightly around the terminals of the outlet to be replaced. The optional tools listed are for this condition.

Optional Tools

Needle nosed pliers

Wire cutters

Wire strippers

Tools

Outlet tester

Philips screwdriver

Slotted screwdriver

Before Replacing an Outlet

The instructions on most electrical devices state that they should be only installed by a qualified electrician. Electrical101.com does not encourage people to do their own electrical work. The following instructions are for reference only.

Replace Outlet Instructions

An outlet tester is plugged into the outlet and the tester should show voltage is present (if there is no power at the outlet, see “no power at plug end of outlet” above). At the panel, power is shut off to the outlet and the tester lights should turn off, verifying power is off. This tester will also be used on the newly installed outlet to verify the outlet is wired properly.

The cover is removed and the outlet is unscrewed from the electrical box. The outlet is then pulled out of the electrical box.
The wires are removed from the outlet terminals.
If needed, about 3/4” of insulation is stripped from the end of the wires.
The wires are attached to the new outlet terminals. The hot wire is attached to the brass colored terminal, neutral to the silver terminal, and ground to the green terminal.
The outlet is placed back inside of the electrical box, the mounting screws are tightened, and the cover is installed.
Using an outlet tester, the outlet is then tested for proper wiring.

How to Troubleshoot Outlets

Push-In Wire Connections on Switches and Outlets