How to Replace an Electrical Outlet
A cracked faceplate or a plug that won't stay in the wall is more than ugly — it's a fire risk. Replacing a standard 15A or 20A receptacle takes about twenty minutes.
Safety firstAlways turn off the breaker AND confirm with a tester. The wires can stay hot even with the switch off.
What You'll Need
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Phillips and flat screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Needle-nose pliers
- New receptacle and faceplate
Step-by-Step
- Kill the circuitSwitch off the breaker that controls the outlet. Plug a lamp into the outlet to confirm it's dead.
- Remove the plate and screwsTake off the faceplate, then the two screws holding the outlet to the box. Pull the receptacle straight out.
- Verify with a testerProbe each terminal with a non-contact voltage tester. Silence means it's safe.
- Mark the wiringNote where each wire lands — black (hot) on brass, white (neutral) on silver, bare or green (ground) on the green screw.
- Transfer the wiresLoosen the old terminals, release the wires, and attach them to the corresponding screws on the new receptacle.
- Mount and finishFold wires back into the box, screw the outlet in, and replace the faceplate.
- Power on and testFlip the breaker back on and check the outlet with a plug-in tester or a lamp.
If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.