Plugging your appliances into old power outlets is as dangerous as using and overloading your dangerous extension cords. Old power outlets are an eyesore and an overlooked source of electrical hazards at homes.

1. How to Replace an Old Power Outlet
Plugging your appliances into old power outlets is as dangerous as using and overloading
your dangerous extension cords. Old power outlets are an eyesore and an overlooked
source of electrical hazards at homes.
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2. Shut off the power to the circuit
Shut off the power to the circuit at the service panel box – Shut off the power to the circuit
which you will be working on. Don’t assume that the markings on the service panel are correct,
so double check that power is off by using a voltage tester to test the outlet.
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3. Check again that electricity is off
With the faceplate off, insert the voltage tester into the receptacle box alongside the electrical
outlet. Find the side with black wires, which are the live wires. Test the wires.
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4. Pull out the outlet
Unscrew the top and bottom screws from the outlet. Next, gently pull the outlet out by the
top and bottom ears. Make sure you do not touch any wire. You can now clearly see the
outlet after you pull it out. Double check that the black wires are not live by using the
voltage tester.
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5. Know the colour codes of the different wire
The black wires are the live wires which are usually affixed to a power outlet by gold/brass
coloured screws. The white wires are the neutral wires which are affixed by silver-coloured
screws. The green or bare wires are the ground wires which are affixed to the outlet
by green screws.
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6. Know the different wire sizes
The 14 gauge wire (rated 15 amps) is a thinner and lower capacity wire that is usually
used for receptacles and lighting. The 12 gauge (rated 20) is the heavier and higher
capacity that electricians use for ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets and
higher amperage works.
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7. Take note of the wire configuration
If the configuration is a simple set-up of three wires (one black, one white, one ground),
it would be easy to take note how they hook up to the outlet. But if you have multiple black
and white wires, you will need to note where each wire goes. Use masking tape to affix tabs
on the wires.
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8. Buy the right outlet
The outlet to use will depend on the wire coming into the box, whether it’s a 14 gauge or
a 12 gauge. An outlet rated for 15 amps can’t be used with a 12 gauge wire that pulls 20 amps.
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9. Install the wires in the new outlet
Connect wires to the new outlet. Connect the neutral wire to the silver-coloured terminal
screw, the live wire to the gold-coloured terminal screw and the ground wire to the green
grounding screw. The cable sheath should remain secured inside the box.
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