Steps to Replace an Electrical Outlet in Your Home

1. Turn off the power. This is probably the most important step in any kind of electrical work - make sure you know where the breaker box is and turn off the corresponding breaker before starting any work.

2. Test outlet with an electrical detector. If you have a detector that will tell you if the outlet is still live with a light, use it to make sure there's no power running through.

3. Remove the cover plate. Most outlet covers are held on by screws, so remove these and set them aside.

4. Disconnect the wires. There will be two or three wires connected to the outlet - use a screwdriver to loosen the terminal screws and disconnect them from the outlet.

5. Remove the old outlet. The simplest way to do this is to unscrew it from its mounting box in the wall, but if you have a very crowded wiring setup then just pull the outlet out of place without disconnecting it first.

6. Check the configuration of your wires. If you have two vertical slots in the back of the outlet, then this is a standard configuration and will accommodate any replacement plug - just switch them out from one to another as needed.

7. Reattach the wires into their respective terminals, making sure they're securely tightened before replacing the cover plate.

8. Turn the power back on and test the new outlet . If all went well, you should be able to plug in your desk lamp or any other appliance into the outlet and it should work.

Electrical Outlet Replacement

Now that you know how to replace an electrical outlet, are you getting ready to take on this task? Electrical outlets are necessary when you want electricity to reach the appliances or other equipment in your home. If they are not working properly or have begun to wear out, it is best to change them so that everything in your home will continue performing its tasks.

When working to change the electrical outlets in your home, it's important to understand the dangers associated with all electrical work. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

- Make sure your home's breaker box is turned off and locked before any work.

- Electricity can jump from the outlet, so never touch it until you have unplugged it or turned off the power.

- The insulation that coats appliance wires may become frayed over time, so take care when unplugging an appliance to avoid any shock.

- If you are not sure if an outlet is live, use a tester to double check.

The steps to replace an electrical outlet are fairly simple and easy to accomplish. However, any home electrical work should be completed by a professional electrical contractor. This will ensure that everything is done properly and safely and according to code.

To ensure that you and your family are safe and that your outlets are replaced properly, contact B Town Electric. B Town Electric in Belchertown, MA has over 40 years experience providing Western Massachusetts with expert electrical service. We are a proud member of the Better Business Bureau since 2011 and we have an A+ rating. We are OSHA 10 certified, and also a lead safe renovator-supervisor.