A new electrical outlet can be an essential upgrade for any home. It allows you to plug in appliances such as TVs and computers without having to run extension cords. However, the installation process is not always as straightforward as it sounds and requires some attention to detail.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer who is comfortable with basic electrical work and is prepared to take the necessary safety precautions, you may be able to install a new electrical outlet yourself. But, if you are unsure about your abilities or need help with any aspect of the job, please call a professional to avoid injury or property damage.
Identify the location of the existing outlet and locate an appropriate power source (usually the service panel). This is the place to turn off the power and test it with a voltage tester to ensure that the circuit is safe for you to work on.
Choose a convenient location for the new outlet, preferably close to an existing appliance or other device that you need to use frequently. You can also install outlets at a specific spot on a wall so that you can easily find them when you need to switch on or off an appliance.
Remove the old outlet by unscrewing it from its electrical box and pulling it out, using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the outlet in place. Alternatively, you can cut the faceplate of the existing outlet and pull it off to make room for the new one.
Next, remove the wires attached to the old outlet and disconnect them from the new outlet. Depending on the type of outlet you are replacing, you may need to strip some of the insulation off of the wires before you can remove them.
Once the wires are removed, make sure to remove any protective tape around the ends of the wires. This can cause the wires to break if they are not properly secured during the installation of the new outlet.
You should also remove any protective plastic wrap that covers the copper wires inside the outlet. This will prevent the wires from catching fire or electrocuting anyone if they get accidentally shorted out.
Then, form a J-shaped hook on the end of each wire, using needle-nose pliers. Fit the hooked end of the wires around the ground screw on the new receptacle, closing the hook as you tighten the screw.
Wire each of the new wires to a silver-colored screw terminal or a brass colored hot slot on the new outlet, making sure to use the same color and size of screws as before. Do not over-tighten the screws, as they can cause the wires to come apart.
After the connection is made, you can put the receptacle back into its wall box and replace the screws that hold it in place. This is a great way to save money when you want to replace an electrical outlet, but don’t have the time or money to call in a professional.