How do you change an electrical outlet in a residential home?

Question

I changed one outlet today. There was a difference in how the outlets were wired. The new one had the bolts on sides to wrap the wire around them, the one I pulled from the wall had each wire plugged tightly into a tiny hole. I could not figure out how to release the wires so I had to break the outlet into pieces to get the wires free. I guess my question should have been how do you release the wires from such an outlet. I did not see a release mechanism at all!

Answer 1

Lilly and Bill are correct. However, I would discourage you from re-installing your receptacles like this. The first reason is that you are not permitted to "back-wire" a receptacle if you are using #12 AWG wire, you can only "back-wire" a receptacle with #14 AWG wire.

The second reason is these connections fail regularly. The wire is pinched in between some spring steel to make this connection. The wire typically works it's way out of the spring steel and sits against it and arcs.

Over the years, I have saved numerous receptacles and other electrical items that have melted, burned or broke due to a faulty electrical connections. I have several receptacles that are either melted or burned due to "back-wiring".

When installing your new receptacles, I highly recommend wrapping the wire (clockwise) around the screw terminals for the best and safest electrical connections. I would also recommend replacing all of the "back-wired" receptacles in your home.

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Answer 2

1. Throw the circuit breaker to de-energize the outlet. If necessary, plug a lamp into the outlet to determine which breaker to throw.

2. Remove the plate cover with a standard slotted screwdriver. Behind the cover is a switch box, either metal or plastic, with the outlet wired in it.

3. There are two screws at the upper and lower ends of the outlet fixture. Remove these screws and pull the outlet towards you. At this point, only the wires are holding the outlet in place.

4. There are two "energized" wires, generally white and black, and (usually) one ground wire, generally green or bare metal. On some outlets you can remove the wires by unscrewing a screw; but on some, you may have to cut the end of the wire. If you need to cut, be sure to cut the SMALLEST amount needed to remove the old outlet fixture.

5. If you had to cut an insulated wire, you may have to strip the insulation on that wire. You will need a wire stripper to do this.

6. Wire the new outlet fixture to the wires in the same way the old fixture was wired. Generally the fixture will have four conductors, two on each side, plus the ground. You will only need to wire two of those conductors plus the ground. But MAKE SURE that you don't wire the white and black wires to the same conductor!! That would cause an instant short. Usually, the two different conductors are in silver-tone and brass-tone metals on the new fixture, so you can tell them apart.

7. When you have the wires in place, test it by throwing the breaker back to the ON position. If it's correct, it will remain on, and your test light will light. If it goes immediately to the OFF position, you have the conductors wired together. If the breaker stays on but the light doesn't light, one of your wires is loose.

8. When your test is complete, stuff the new fixture back into the switch box, screw the upper and lower screws in place, and replace the cover. You're done!

Answer 3

if your asking some thing that simple. pay some one to do it be for you die or set the house on fire....... but its simple plug a lamp into it then find the fuse box and flip each switch one at a time till you find the one that shuts off the lamp you'll need a light source from another room or a flash light you'll need a flat head screw driver (that's the one that gos strait across not the (x) shaped one) remove the out side cover then there's two more screws top and bottom pull on the switch carefully to expose to wires on the side some times there's black tape wrapped around the outlet remove it loosen the screws the outlet is free .remember black wire on the copper side white on the silver side and there's a green for the ground that just hooks to the box . go to the hardware store and tell the person you need one of these (of coarse its the outlet ) and do every thing in reverse.

Answer 4

Above the hole where the wire is look for a tiny slot- insert a tiny screw driver in that hole, it will depress the clamp holding the wire in place.

Of course you turn off the power to that room and outlet- test it as not all are always on the same circuit. Try to find Outlets like you have now- make it easy.

Answer 5

Right in the back of the outlet where the wire plugs in is a Small Slot that you can put a Flat Screwdriver into.
That is exactly what you need to do. Find the Slot and put the screwdriver into the slot and at the same time pull the wire out

Answer 6

That is a press in connection that I personally don't care for. I usually just cut and strip the wire for the screw type connection. I find that the screw type connection has a much better and more reliable contact. Do be careful when your working with wiring and consult with a qualified electrician.

Answer 7

the type of receptacle with the little holes also have little screws that, when tightened or loosened , affix the wire to the outlet or allow you to remove the wire.

Answer 8

turn off the breaker, check with lamp, remove cover, remove outlet, disconnect wires, reconnect to new outlet (white wire to silver,
black wire to brass) install outlet, replace cover, turn on breaker.

Answer 9

go out to the breaker box. and turn off the fuse to that room. then you can just unscrew it and replace it with a new one.