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.