How do you Replace a 3 Prong Receptacle?

Answer 1

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.

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Answer 2

1. Turn of the power and make sure it is off for the receptacle.

2. Remove the cover plate with a screwdriver.

3. Remove the two screws holding the outlet at top and bottom.

4. Carefully pull old outlet from the box.

5. If the black, white and bare are connected by screws, loosen the screws and remove the wires.

5A. If the wires are connected by push-on connectors push the release tab and remove wires.

6. Connect new outlet with black wire to brass colored screw, white wire to silver screw and bare wire to green screw.

7. Wrap two turns of electric tape vertically around the body of the receptacle so it covers the bare screws.

8. Push the outlet back into box arranging wires so they don't inhibit the insertion of the new outlet.

9. Insert and tighten two screws to hold in outlet such that the tabs on the outlet are flush with finished wall.

10. Install cover on outlet.

Answer 3

To replace a 3-prong receptacle, start by turning off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker. Remove the cover plate, unscrew the outlet from the box, disconnect the wires, and then connect the wires to the new receptacle following the same configuration. Finally, secure the new receptacle to the box, replace the cover plate, and turn the power back on to test the outlet.