How to Replace an Old Power Outlet

Plugging your appliances into old power outlets is as dangerous as using and overloading

your dangerous extension cords. Old power outlets are an eyesore and an overlooked

source of electrical hazards at homes.

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Shut off the power to the circuit

Shut off the power to the circuit at the service panel box – Shut off the power to the circuit

which you will be working on. Don’t assume that the markings on the service panel are correct,

so double check that power is off by using a voltage tester to test the outlet.

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Check again that electricity is off

With the faceplate off, insert the voltage tester into the receptacle box alongside the electrical

outlet. Find the side with black wires, which are the live wires. Test the wires.

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Pull out the outlet

Unscrew the top and bottom screws from the outlet. Next, gently pull the outlet out by the

top and bottom ears. Make sure you do not touch any wire. You can now clearly see the

outlet after you pull it out. Double check that the black wires are not live by using the

voltage tester.

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Know the colour codes of the different wire

The black wires are the live wires which are usually affixed to a power outlet by gold/brass

coloured screws. The white wires are the neutral wires which are affixed by silver-coloured

screws. The green or bare wires are the ground wires which are affixed to the outlet

by green screws.

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Know the different wire sizes

The 14 gauge wire (rated 15 amps) is a thinner and lower capacity wire that is usually

used for receptacles and lighting. The 12 gauge (rated 20) is the heavier and higher

capacity that electricians use for ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets and

higher amperage works.

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Take note of the wire configuration

If the configuration is a simple set-up of three wires (one black, one white, one ground),

it would be easy to take note how they hook up to the outlet. But if you have multiple black

and white wires, you will need to note where each wire goes. Use masking tape to affix tabs

on the wires.

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Buy the right outlet

The outlet to use will depend on the wire coming into the box, whether it’s a 14 gauge or

a 12 gauge. An outlet rated for 15 amps can’t be used with a 12 gauge wire that pulls 20 amps.

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Install the wires in the new outlet

Connect wires to the new outlet. Connect the neutral wire to the silver-coloured terminal

screw, the live wire to the gold-coloured terminal screw and the ground wire to the green

grounding screw. The cable sheath should remain secured inside the box.

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