Tools and Materials
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and safety precautions. Observe all applicable building and electrical codes. Contact a licensed electrician if you have any doubts or questions about the connections, or if your home’s wiring doesn’t appear compatible with the changes you’re about to make.
How Do I Replace an Old Duplex Outlet?
Most of the wall outlets in your home are probably duplex receptacles with two slots for power. The receptacle outlets may be for two- or three-prong plugs for lights and small appliances. Some older outlets may still only have openings for two-prong plugs. It’s easy to replace these old outlets with newer outlets for three-prong plugs.
Turn Off the Power to the Outlet
An uncomplicated way to confirm you're working on the correct electric plug is by using an receptacle tester. Start by plugging the tester into the outlet. Then, turn off the power to that outlet at the main circuit breaker panel. To prevent someone from accidentally turning it back on while you're working, it's a good idea to mark the breaker switch with tape.
For more information, check out What’s in My Breaker Box?
Disconnect the Old Outlet
Remove the old wall plate by unscrewing it with a flathead screwdriver. If the wall plate is painted over, you can use a utility knife to score around it and loosen it.
Disconnect the old outlet by removing the screws at the top and bottom with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the outlet and attached wires out slightly, taking care not to damage any wiring. Make sure the old wires are in good condition and that you understand their configuration. There are three types of wires that run to most switches.
- Hot Wires: black wires that go to gold or brass screws
- Neutral Wires: white wires that are connected to silver screws
- Ground Wires: copper or green wires that are attached to green or copper screws
Unscrew the wires in the order of this list.
If you see more than three wires attached to the outlet, stop and call a licensed electrician.
Connect the New Outlet
Reattach the wires to the new outlet using the same configuration as the old one. Before installation, check that the wall plate fits properly over the new outlet. Inspect all wire connectors and replace any that are damaged or worn. Need help connecting wires? See How Do I Connect Two Wires? for more details.
Install Your New Outlet
Secure the new outlet by screwing it back into the electrical box. Before attaching the wall plate, flip the breaker switch back on and use an outlet tester to confirm the outlet is working properly. If everything checks out, switch the breaker off again, install the wall plate, and then turn the breaker on one final time. Your new outlet is now ready to use.
How Do I Replace an Old Outlet With a GFCI Outlet?
GFCI outlets have sensors that measure the amount of current coming in and going out of the socket. Normally the current is in balance, but if the outlet detects an imbalance, it immediately shuts off. GFCI outlets are important to have in areas where electricity could meet water or moisture, like bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. They’re also good plug types for outdoor electrical outlet installation. It’s important that you update any kitchen and bathroom outlets to GFCI outlets to protect you, your family and your home from shocks and electrical fires.
Replacing an old duplex outlet with a new GFCI outlet is very similar to replacing a regular outlet, except for a couple of important steps. Follow the steps below as an installation guide.
Turn Off the Power to the Outlet
A straightforward way to ensure you’re working on the correct outlet is with a receptacle tester. First, plug the tester into the outlet. Next, turn off the power to the outlet at the main circuit breaker box. It’s a clever idea to mark the breaker switch with tape to ensure no one else turns it back on while you’re working.
Disconnect the Old Outlet
Remove the old wall plate by unscrewing it with a flathead screwdriver. If the wall plate is painted over, you can use a utility knife to score around it and loosen it.
Disconnect the old outlet by removing the screws at the top and bottom with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the outlet and attached wires out slightly, taking care not to damage any wiring. Make sure the old wires are in good condition and that you understand their configuration. There are three types of wires that run to most switches.
- Hot Wires: black wires that go to gold or brass screws
- Neutral Wires: white wires that are connected to silver screws
- Ground Wires: copper or green wires that are attached to green or copper screws
Unscrew the wires in the order of this list.
If you see more than three wires attached to the outlet, stop and call a licensed electrician.
Connect the New GFCI Outlet
After removing the wires from the old outlet, straighten them with your needle-nose pliers. Turn your new GFCI outlet over. On the back, you should see two sets of screws, a pair of brass or gold screws, and a pair of silver screws. These should be marked as line or load, either on the outlet itself or with tape. You should only wire your new outlet using the screws marked line. Avoid the ones marked load as they’re for electrician use only. You’ll also see a ground screw, usually on the bottom of the outlet.
Loosen the three screws you’ll be using so you can easily attach the wires into the new GFCI outlet. Rewire the outlet in the opposite order that you disconnected the old outlet. Attach the green ground wire to the ground screw first. Tighten the ground screw. Next, attach the white neutral wire to one of the two silver screws and tighten them both. Finally, attach the black hot wire to one of the two gold or brass screws and tighten them both.
Install Your New GFCI Outlet
Secure the new GFCI outlet back into the electrical box. Since your old duplex wall plate will no longer fit correctly, the new GFCI outlet should come with a new wall plate. Before replacing the wall plate, flip the breaker box switch back on and use your receptacle tester to make sure everything works. You may need to press the reset button on the outlet to allow power to flow to the outlet. If it does, turn the breaker box switch off again and attach the plate. Turn the breaker box back on a final time. Your new outlet is now ready to use.