How to Replace a Bad Electrical Outlet

Eventually, outlets can develop problems that require that the outlet be replaced with a new one. Outlets often get worn enough that plugs will no longer be held tightly enough for the appliance that was plugged in to function. At other times, the outlet can become burned inside from having appliances plugged into to it that draw too much power and cause overheating. While a fire may never develop, the electrodes can be burned enough that plugs never make enough contact for the proper amount of power to flow out of the outlet. The only solution is to remove the old outlet and install a new one.

Turn off the breaker in the breaker box that feeds power to the outlet. Remove the center screw in the face plate that covers the outlet with a screwdriver. Set the cover plate and the screw to the side where it will not get damaged or lost.

Use the screwdriver and remove the screws at the top and bottom of the 120 volt outlet. Grip the outlet and pull it straight out from the junction box until the screws on the side of the outlet are easily accessible. Use the screwdriver and loosen the screws on the side of the outlet that hold the wires in place. There will either be two or four wires attached to the sides. Lift the wires up and away from the screws. Loosen the green screw near the bottom or top of the outlet and remove the wire that it secures.

Set the old outlet to the side. Use the screwdriver to loosen the screws on the side of the new outlet. Slip the curved ends of the black wire or wires under the brass screws on one side of the outlet and tighten the screws to secure the wires. Slip the curved ends of the white wires under the silver screws on the opposite side of the outlet and tighten the screws. Attach the bare wires under the green screw in the same way. If there are two bare wires, they will both go under the same screw.

Push the new outlet back into the junction box with the wires tucked in behind it. Use the screwdriver to install the screws back into the top and bottom of the outlet to secure the outlet to the junction box. Slip the cover plate back into position over the outlet and attach it by inserting and tightening the screw in the middle of the plate to complete the job.