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Is It Safe To Replace An Electrical Outlet Yourself?
By KYLE SCHURMAN
Certain electrical jobs around your house are best left to the professionals, but others — like replacing an electrical outlet — you can safely do yourself while saving some money.
Call an electrician instead of DIYing if the wires are frayed, cracked, or burned; or if the outlet is scorched, has two prongs not three, or feels hot or produces sparks.
You'll need a voltage tester, a new outlet, pliers, and a screwdriver. First, shut off power to the outlet at the circuit breakers to safeguard against shock or electrical fire.
Next, unscrew the outlet’s cover plate and touch the voltage tester to every wire and mounting screw to double-check that they’re no longer receiving power.
Then, remove the screws holding the outlet and pull it out of the electrical box. Before removing the wires, take a photo with your phone so you know how to replace them later.
If the wires appear intact, loosen the terminal screws and remove them. The black wire delivers voltage to the outlet; white is neutral; and green or copper is for grounding.
Black wires connect to the brass screw, white wires to the silver screw, and green or copper to the green screw. Attach them to the new outlet in the same order using pliers.
Finally, reattach the outlet to the electrical box, replace the cover, turn the power on again, then use the voltage tester to test that everything is working correctly.