How to Replace a Faulty Electrical Outlet

Electrical outlets are one of those utilities we all take for granted until they stop working. It is very frustrating when you are in the middle of a project and you plug a tool or appliance in only to find either the outlet no longer works or your tool or appliance is bad. Is very easy to test the tool or appliance by plugging it into another outlet, if it works then it may be the outlet is bad. New outlet are available at home centers and hardware stores. Electricians in Pasadena can help you out with it if you do need help.

Tools required:

• Circuit Tester
• Standard Screwdriver

Plug a radio into the outlet that is working and turn the volume of so you will be able to hear it from the circuit breaker box. From the circuit breaker box turn the circuit breakers often on one of the time until you turn the radio off. Leave this circuit breaker off. Test both top and bottom of the outlet with the circuit tester to ensure that there is no power running through the outlet. If the circuit tester lights up go back to the circuit breaker box and turned the main circuit breaker off. This will turn on all of the power in your house off but it is better if you stay safe.

Remove outlet wall plate and remove the two screws at the top and bottom of the outlet. Gently pull the outlet from the outlet box far enough for you to work on it. Take a minute to study how the outlet is wired. Draw a diagram of the outlet wiring or using masking tape mark each wire so you will know how to reconnect them to the new outlet. On new outlets white wires go to the silver terminal, black wire goes to the brass terminal the bare copper or green wire goes to the green ground screw. Remove the old outlet and discard.

Wire new outlet according to the diagram or markings you made when you disconnected the defective outlet. Place the wire ends on clockwise so it will tighten with the screws. Gently push the outlet back in the box and replaced the top and bottom screws. Replace the wall plate, turn the power back on at the breaker box, test the outlet with the circuit tester and your job is done.