–CONSTRUCTION– Construction Things

Outlet Receptacle

Outlet Receptacle

How to Replace a 3 Prong Receptacle

How to Replace a 3 Prong Receptacle

 

Tools & Materials:

Wire Cutters
Screw Driver
Electrical Tape
Receptacle
Neon Tester
Additional tools maybe needed
Time to Complete: 15 Minutes

 

Safety is very important when working with electricity. If you are not comfortable or do not possess the proper knowledge please consult a professional electrician to complete your project.

Step 1:

The first step is to make sure power is disconnected to the receptacle. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse and turn it off. The best tool for this is a neon tester. There are a variety of other voltage testers that are widely available

Step 2:

After power is off remove existing receptacle from electrical outlet box. This usually requires unscrewing the receptacle cover and unscrewing 2 screws holding the receptacle in place.

Step 3:

Again double check to make sure the power is off. Take a careful look at the wiring before disconnecting the wiring. In a standard 3 prong device you will have several wiring configurations. I will go over two simple configurations.

The first one is simple. (Box will have only 3 wires in it)
You will have 3 wires (1 - Black = Hot, 1 - White = Neutral, 1- Bare or Green = Ground). The white wire should be connected to the silver screw. The black wire should be connected to the brass screw. The green wire should be connected to the green screw.

The Second one is also simple. (Box will have only 6 wires in it)
You will have 6 wires (2 - Black = Hot, 2 - White = Neutral, 2- Bare or Green = Ground). The white wires should be connected to the silver screws. The black wire should be connected to the brass screws. The green wire should be connected to the green screw(The grounds maybe pigtailed with a wire not so you can have just one wire under the screw).

Step 4:

If the wires are connected as described above. Disconnect them from the existing receptacle. The wire may need to be unscrewed or twisted out of the stab tabs on the rear of the receptacle.

Step 5:

Inspect the wires to make sure there are no kinks or nicks. If the wires are damaged you will need to cut and strip the wire to make a proper connection.

Step 6:

Connect the white wire(s) to the silver screw(s). Connect the black wire(s) to the brass screw(s). Connect the ground wire to the ground screw.

Step 7:

Put the receptacle back in the outlet box being careful not to kink the wires. Screw the receptacle in and replace the receptacle cover.

Step 8:

Turn power on and test for proper voltage.

 

**Please Remember to be careful and read all installation instructions supplied with materials when tackling your project. Please find a professional to install or help with your project if you are unsure of your abilities.

Good Luck and have fun with your upcoming project.

The Contraxtor.com ™ Team

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Can I tap into an outlet in my attic to wire an outside receptacle?

I have an outlet in my attic with only 2 lights attached to the same circuit. I would like to tap into this to run an outlet to my outdoors kitchen - through the soffit (in conduit). Would I be violating any codes?

It would be safe if you use GFI on the outdoor outlets. It may not meet current/new contruction codes if it is a 15 amp circuit. Current code does require 20 amp circuit for outdoor outlets. Keep in mind that all homes older than a couple years do not meet current new construction codes. So I wouldn't really worry about the code issue. Just use the same size wire as the circuit and add a GFI outlet on the outdoor end. Then you are safe.

GFCI Receptacle Outlet Test Call 909 464-9983