How to Change Out a Damaged Electrical Wall Outlet

If you have a damaged electrical wall outlet in your home and you'll want to read this article. There really is no need for you to call in an electrician to do this type of repair. Whether you are going to replace a damaged outlet or just replace the old one, I'm going to explain to you in detail just how easy it is done. Before we get started you will need to gather the tools for the job.

You'll need a new outlet cover, a new electrical wall outlet, a philips and flathead screwdriver and wire strippers. When working with electricity, the first step is to shut off the power to the circuit you will be working on. Never work on and outlet, switch or device that has power to it, it's just too dangerous. First, locate the electrical panel or fuse box and shut off the breaker for the area you will be working.

One way to make sure that the power is off is to have an appliance plugged into the electrical wall outlet that you wish to replace, if the appliance shuts off then you know the power is off to that outlet. Remove the outlet cover with a flathead screwdriver and then, using a philips head screwdriver, remove the two outlet screws. Pull the electrical wall outlet out of the wall box a ways so you can work on it. Make a note of the way the wires are attached to the old outlet because the new wires will be attached the same way. The easiest way to keep track of your wires is to remove one wire at a time and attach it to the new outlet.

If the wire is long enough, it's always best to re-strip the wire before attaching it to the new outlet. After attaching wires to the new electrical wall outlet, screw the outlet back into the wall box. Place the new cover over the new outlet and screw it back in with a flathead screwdriver. Turn your power back on at the panel and test the new outlet.

So if you have a damaged electrical wall outlet, you can see by reading this article that it is rather simple to change out. Just make sure you use the correct tools and follow the steps as outlined in this article and remember to always take your time in be safe. By doing this, you will have the knowledge and confidence to successfully change your damaged electrical wall outlet.