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Replace a Standard Electrical Outlet

beginner
Standard duplex receptacle pulled out of a wall box with wires attached
A standard outlet pulled out of the box so you can see the wires.
Safety first

Turn off the breaker and verify power is off before working. If you are not comfortable, hire a licensed electrician.

Step-by-step
1

Turn off the breaker at the panel and verify power is off with a voltage tester.

Non-contact voltage tester held against an outlet slot to check for power
Touch a non-contact tester to the outlet or wires. No light or beep means the power is off.
2

Remove the cover plate and unscrew the old outlet from the box.

3

Note the wire colors: black (hot), white (neutral), bare/green (ground).

Diagram labeling hot on the brass screw, neutral on the silver screw, and ground on the green screw
Black wire goes to the brass (gold) screw, white to the silver screw, bare copper to the green screw.
4

Disconnect the old outlet and connect the new one: brass screws = hot, silver = neutral, green = ground.

5

Gently fold the wires back into the box and secure the outlet.

6

Reinstall the cover plate, turn the breaker on, and test the outlet with a tester.

Pro tip for you

Always test with a non-contact voltage tester before touching wires.

Tools
  • non-contact voltage tester
  • screwdriver
  • wire stripper
  • needle-nose pliers
Materials
  • 15A or 20A receptacle (match existing)
  • wire nuts (if needed)