WOW! What a clear, concise teaching with a reassuring voice... Anyone should be able to do this after watching. After reading some of the comments, I did learn that it's BEST to wrap the wires around the screws rather than taking the SHORT-CUT and inserting them into the holes that can come out and cause a fire!!!. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY and it only takes a little longer and a little more patience to install that way. Thank you so much!
I would like to share my thoughts just because I see a lot of confusion from the viewers and it worries me that there might be people that still are lost. I would also like to add that I am an Electrical Engineer (not and electrician). As this gentleman didn't show but did talk about turning off the power. Plug in a light or use a volt meter to check that the power is off, do not rely on the breakers being marked correctly. The voltage level and amperage rating can kill you. This being said, once the power is off and verified, you are safe. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THEM WHILE THEY ARE LIVE! It doesn't feel good when you are hit with 110 through the heart. I reiterate, breakers are not always marked correctly. Now this gentleman showed you all the correct steps in the video. I do however want to point out that pushing the wires into the holes on the back is not a good way to make a solid connection with the receptacle. Yes they are provided and that is a correct way to connect wires however because it is not a "solid" connection, as a plug heats and cools naturally through amperage flowing through it, these connections expand and contract. This expansion and contraction, along with moisture in the air, causes a problem that we in the electrical and physics professions call, the heat/corrosion/resistance cycle. This will actually cause your plugs to fail quicker. Contractors love to use these because it makes their job easier, just like leaving debris in your crawlspace because its easier than cleaning it up. The BEST way to connect receptacles is using the screws on the side, curling the wire around the screw in the clockwise direction just like the ground screw was done and tightening them down against the wire. If you choose not to use the screws, at the very least tighten them in to compact the profile of the duplex receptacle. Now, I saw a reference to electrical tape. Electrical tape is a good idea but is not required to be used. Electrical tape adds a margin of safety when working in the box but the covers are all that is needed to prevent the wires from being moved, or anything from touching the terminals once the cover is on. In all if you follow this gentleman's video you will have successfully replaced a duplex receptacle in your house and done it safely. Good luck
+Mark Neubauer Oh and I'd like to add ... when you use the screw terminals, make sure that the insulation is stripped back far enough. The screw should not be tightening down on the insulation, it should be tightening down on the metal conductor itself. :)
Before I retired I was an equipment installer for a large, and we government agency and we were forbidden from installing wires into the holes in the back of the receptacles. We had to wrap the wires around the screws. This was not house wiring but I think caution is a wise idea.
Allowed me and my step son to change the socket easily. Especially when you explained how to tell you have the correct one. The spare we had at home wouldn't accommodate the wires so we went and bought the correct one. However, the 20 amp didn't have holes, you just pushed them into slots secured by screws. Great video. Thank you so much!
This is funny. i have been watching your motorcycle content for years. now I'm working in my bathroom and I find this video.... I just keep coming back.
Even though he was installing a different style outlet I learned several very important things from watching this how-to video. Thanks for your excellent tutorial! 👍 😊
I didn't even watch the whole video, the begining was enough for me to learn and change all my power plugs at home. Very nice sir I'm glad you put this video I would of have to pay someone to do a simple and fun job, I'm proud of my self.
Several things come to mind while watching. First it's against code to land the wires as you show two on each side that makes the receptacle carry the load through the rest of the circuit. By code the wires have to be spliced together and a single wire taken to each side unless it's a switched plug then the white wire is still spliced not the blacks. Second is the use of the push-in terminals, I have made tons of money replacing receptacles that have burnt from people using the push-in instead of landing the wires under the screw terminals. The push-in doesn't apply enough pressure to make a good connection and will sooner or later cause them to heat up and even cause a fire.
Thanks for making this video! The detail you gave on the video was extremely useful and it ended up making our job a lot easier. We don't usually leave comments on videos but we wanted to let you know that really appreciated how you explained everything so clearly.
I prefer to connect the hot and neutral wires to the screw terminals instead of stabbing them into the back of the receptacle, it just makes a stronger connection. Always wrap wires clockwise around terminal screws. It's also a good idea to wrap the sides of the device with a couple layers of electrical tape to keep the terminal screws from shorting out against the bare ground wire or a metal box if the outlet gets loose.
Thank you for this great (clear / informative) video! As well as answers to your viewer comments! I too had 6 wires & 4 screws! I took the easy route and inserted the 'extra' two wires (on appropriate sides) into the holes on the back of the new outlet! Finally... plugs stay IN! Thank You!! Lisa
Thanks for the video. First DIY fix-up I've actually done (LOL) tonight with a bad outlet. Helped me to relax about the whole thing, no big deal and it went off without a hitch.
Thank you for the educational video. You saved me at least $100 I would have paid an electrician for this; AND my reputation with the Mrs. is at an all time high!
Thanks! Replacing the outlet was actually a lot easier than I thought, I guess I didn’t really need this guide after all. Once I unscrewed the backplate, there wasn’t all those wires like how yours showed, it was only just a black and white wire. All I did was loop them them over the new outlet and screw everything back into place, and voila, new outlet installed!
As an Entertainment Electrician, and dealing with high wattage power distros, you should ALWAYS connect the ground first, then neutral, and finally your hot lines. That how we do it when running three phase power to a touring rack.
For some people that don't know but in some jurisdictions it is against code to use the back stab connections on the back of an outlet. Use the side screws when ever possible if back stabbing is code. It is much more safe using the screws.
I have been a electrician for 16 years and I don't recommend to ever push the wires into the back like this video shows it a garbage connection and 9 times out of 10 when I go to a house when a room is missing power it always end up being a loose connection because of wiring a outlet or a switch like that , take the extra 30 seconds cut the wires clean off the back of the old outlet and strip them and loop them around the screws and tight the screws up
+RH421939 Yes. With a strong electrical background, I have "Never" trusted that type of connection. Poor connection equals high resistance meaning a fire hazard. I could never understand why electrical code would allow for such an installation!! I have seen one situation where I went to resolve a problem a customer had. Tore into the wall and found where someone used an extension cord to do their own work. Talk about improper electrical practice!!
frunches if you have a 1 black 1 white and 1 bare ground wire or it could be green depending on how old the wire is or what type it is you just have the end of the circuit or the end of the way they just ran the wire, in this video they have 2 whites and 2 blacks because it has a feed coming in and the other wire continues the feed going out to other outlets or lighting , I recommend wrapping the wire around the screw instead of using the stab lock or I call it back stab connections like the video shows,, strip about 5/8 inch of insulation off the white and the black wires and loop them tight around the screws on the side of the outlet white goes to the silver color screw and black goes to the other side that is the brass colored screw and the ground goes to green screw,,just make sure you loop them in the correct direction you want your loop to wrap around the screw in the direction you tighten it so the loop gets tighter when you tighten the screw
+RH421939 omg. i need to talk to you. you seem so knowledgeable about this. can I have your email? or anywhere i could talk to you directly? this would mean so much.
Thanks a lot for the VERY informational video ! Good to know the details, would be awesome if you could also write it in the summary... White - neutral, goes with the ground Black other side
Never go by the wire gauge to determine the size of a circuit. Wire gauges are sometimes bumped up or down to allow for voltage drop. You could end up putting a 20A or 30A plug on a 15A breaker. Always verify the circuit size at the panel! I know some will say, well, the breaker should pop if you go beyond 15A anyways. Nope, not always. I've seen Federal Pioneer breakers allow the current to go WELL beyond their rating, and also fail to trip during multiple short circuits.
We flip the receptacle so the ground is facing up when you replace it back into 5he box. This ensures any thing that touches the plug while it’s getting inserted into the receptacle will touch the ground first.
Thanks. The manager of my building just sent up matance who i quickly realized didnt know what he was doing. I asked him if he turned braker off and he said "no, but dont worry no juice is coming through". I went down and hit it instead of arguing. However he connected no ground and wrapped wires around screws instead of pushing it inside the back. I was going to attempt it but our building was built in the 1940's and there is only two wires. Im not sure if there is a ground but the two i saw were both copper. Maybe he was just putting copper around the screws and didnt touch the other wires and thats why i didnt see them? But it seems like the wires are short. Should i attempt to pull them gently or just call an electrician since i wont attempt splicing. Thanks again. Its easy enough but so intimidating. Your video was perfect and everything you said was clear and made sence. I only have two plugs so im a little frustrated waiting for someone to fix.
+Brandi Ericksen thanks for the comment. It is ok to wrap the wires around the screws, and then tighten the screws. The push in connector is just to speed things up. Older houses sometimes didn't have a ground circuit (all your appliances will work without the ground, it is there for safety). Good thinking turning off the breaker, it probably wouldn't be pleasant having a zappped maintenance guy.
+John Moustakas Glad to help. You're right, if one doesn't do this type of thing regularly the memory fades. It has helped me in the past to remember that the ground screw is on the neutral side of the receptacle.
HI,GOOD VIDEO AND VERY CLEAR THE WAY YOU EXPLAINED EVERYTHING,MY MAIN QUESTION IS WHAT HAPPENS IF I ONLY HAVE 1 BLACK,1 WHITE AND 1 GROUND,IS THAT MEAN THAT I HAVE TO BUY A SINGLE RECEPTACLE?THANK YOU
I actually finished the project for the light switch only I cant put in an actual wall outlet because the outlet doesnt have a grounding wire. I think the house was built around 1940-50. Thanks
Thank you for the information, in the comments are awesome however for myself this is one area where I cannot afford to be frugal and do it myself. I have to pay a paid professional.
It is acceptable to use 15 amp recepticles on a 20 amp circuit. Using the push in terminals is not recommended. If you're not going to use the screw in terminals those screws should still be screwed in.
I am changing the ones at my house, they are old and barely working. All of them are pushed the same way you do, but when I'm going to put the new outlet, it is so hard to push it through the holes, and it is the same Amp.... do you know why is that?
I heard a bip bip bip... and I couldn’t find where then I found it a plug just like this that was connected to my Main electric heater was burning 🥵 helpful video I had never change something like this.
thank you for the video it was described great...I do have one question. I had turned on a lamp and heard a sizzling from the wall plug. I unplugged everything and just wonder is it the outlet that is the problem or is there a possible bigger problem?
Leo Hernandez Hi, it's probably either shorting out where the plug goes into the outlet, or in the wiring behind the outlet. look at the prongs on the lamp cord, and if one of them is black and charred that is a sure sign. Probably your best bet is to just replace the outlet. They're cheap, and if there is arcing going on in there, some of the contact material has likely been eroded away.
Didn't they change it to where you have to install them neutral side up or ground side up so that faceplates don't fall off and start fires or something?
Here in Australia all our outlets are 240v but 10 amp. I want a 15 amp socket for my welder. Can I just get a 15 amp one off eBay and replace it where the old 10 amp one went?
Great video! The nearby big box home goods retailer many different types of replacement sockets. The two sockets I was looking at are either 15 amps / 125V, or 20 amps / 125V. Which one should I get? Why would one choose 15 amps vs 20 amps? Thanks in advance for your help!
Is it necessary to turn the power off? I usually call electricians to do these kind of jobs and they almost never turn the power off. I have an outlet with slight burn marks on it. I thought that I should start learning to maintain my house with my own hands starting with simple stuff.
Very helpful video thnx, my question is the following, the outlet works fine but the issue is that anything I plug into the outlet fits loose. What is the issue here?how can I fix this?
If you plug in a cord and it has a tendency to fall out then replace the receptacle and please don't buy the cheapest one you can find to avoid the same problem in the future.
My house doesn't have 15 or 20 amp circuits. It has 30 amp fuses. I don't know how to tell if I use a 15 or 20 amp outlet, because I know I don't use a 30.
I have a question. I'm not an electrician, but like to thinks myself. I notice when I took out the outlet it had on 2 white wires for the the left side of the promp and 2 orange wires for the right side of the promp and there was no wire for the ground. That's the way it was made according to what I see. What's your take on it?
is it necessary to connect all 4 wires if the tabs between the top and bottom outlet are intact? i'm replacing an outlet because its worn and plugs wont stay plugged in very well. on the old one: both white connected to one terminal on the back, only one black connected. tabs not broken. my understanding is that you can power both plugs with one connection if the tabs are not broken. if the tabs were broken then the sequence would matter would it not? ie: if one circuit connected to a wall switch for example for a lamp, but the other circuit had steady power. thank you
I was working with a guy at some rich ladies house who said we couldn't turn off the power because some dumb reasons. So guy was going to change it anyway.... shocked the shit out of him self. He says well that only happens once...... 5 seconds later shocks the shit outta himself again... then jokingly kept saying only happens twice only happens twice. Lol he got the plug changed.
replacing plugs in an older home from 2 prong to 3 prong and the wire is romex but I don't see a ground wire to attach to the new outlet green screw , do I need to worry about not having a ground wire attached
I live in a REALLY old apartment. The outlet only has one black and one white and NO ground. If I hook them up, will both outlets still work? It was wired that way with the old outlet, but there was a metal piece connecting the two outlets.
I successfully got the outlet changed without killing myself. I switched off the breaker of course. I had to do the push-in connection instead of attaching it to the screws on the sides. There was absolutely no extra wire to work with. So far it's working great, although I have read the push-in wiring can burn out faster.
Hi, is there a benefit/reason to put the wires into the holes in the back of the plug versus the screws on the sides? This is the first time I've seen a plug like that--I've only ever seen ones with the wires around the screws so was just curious.
Either way will work. The quick connect terminals are faster and easier, but some people still use the screws because the contact area of the wire to the terminal is greater. Thanks!
Time is a benefit. When doing a lot of plugs a person gets tired of making the shepherd hook loops. Also when working on old buildings many times you do not have enough wire remaining inside the box to make a loop or the wire is just to dam brittle from old age and will not tolerate making a new loop. In this case your remaining wires keep on getting shorter and shorter each time you try to bend them so just shoving them back into the plug works out better for the wire. But using the screws is considered a better superior contact for better flow of electrons since a greater contact is made under the screw. It's not under spring load. Whatever works good for you.
Bob Schlitz Makes sense, I will have to see how the wiring looks here, there are a couple outlets that I need to replace as they were painted over and just generally old.
Power leakage??? I hate that. It gets all over the floor and then you have to mop it up ... Honestly, no power leakage but some of us old farts don't think its as good of a connection. Of course, they've been making then that way for 30+ years so I suppose its time to go with the newfangled ideas.
Jason I'm not sure if I follow your question. If you have am outlet with only two screws, just wire the two blacks together and two whites together with a pigtail coming off each one. Then screw those to the outlet. Hope that helps, thanks.
I did this, and then I tested it with my 3 prong outlet tester. It tested as,"open hot?" Why is this?? What do I need to do to fix/correct this? Any feedback would be great. Thank you!!
+Nrfa opened hot means you have no power to the outlet, your connection on the outlet might not be good, or it can be a bad connection at a different outlet , there is multiple things it could be
Ed Fornes I'm sure you sorted this out 2 months ago, but for other viewers: Just as there's a time to call a doctor, there's a time to call a professional electrician (or someone who you personally know is experienced and qualified). Any time you find something unexpected in an electrical box, call the electrician so you won't need the doctor (or a firefighter). It's not frugal to guess, and it's not weak to know your limits and defer to professional experience.
At 3:00 I disagree. Try to keep the wires from the same pair on the same level. So the ones that were on the bottom, make sure they end up on the bottom of the new plug.
different topic but im putting a new plug on the end of a tv. so I have to loop the wires around screws and idk how close the wires insulation should be to the screw, is it ok if the insulation is under the screw? or touching the screw? or does it not touch at all?
My outlet has a switch on the top(like a light switch) where the top plug should be and a regular outlet on the bottom(without the bottom hole.) I want to replace it with two outlets with both having the extra hole on the bottom. Is this possible?
I got a question my house built in 87 and my outlet to my room needs to be replaced cuz its broken and charger to phone wont stay put but anyways mine on the back it has 3white and 3black and ground wire. How can i make them into 2white and 2 black so they can fit onto my new outlet
XxMiDNiTERxXAoD ! You can either put all of each color together with a wire nut along with a pigtail, or use the screws on the side of the plug. There are 2 screws on each side so just put one wire on each side of one screw and the third wire on the other. Good luck!
WOW! What a clear, concise teaching with a reassuring voice... Anyone should be able to do this after watching. After reading some of the comments, I did learn that it's BEST to wrap the wires around the screws rather than taking the SHORT-CUT and inserting them into the holes that can come out and cause a fire!!!. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY and it only takes a little longer and a little more patience to install that way. Thank you so much!
I would like to share my thoughts just because I see a lot of confusion from the viewers and it worries me that there might be people that still are lost. I would also like to add that I am an Electrical Engineer (not and electrician).
As this gentleman didn't show but did talk about turning off the power. Plug in a light or use a volt meter to check that the power is off, do not rely on the breakers being marked correctly. The voltage level and amperage rating can kill you. This being said, once the power is off and verified, you are safe. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THEM WHILE THEY ARE LIVE! It doesn't feel good when you are hit with 110 through the heart. I reiterate, breakers are not always marked correctly.
Now this gentleman showed you all the correct steps in the video. I do however want to point out that pushing the wires into the holes on the back is not a good way to make a solid connection with the receptacle. Yes they are provided and that is a correct way to connect wires however because it is not a "solid" connection, as a plug heats and cools naturally through amperage flowing through it, these connections expand and contract. This expansion and contraction, along with moisture in the air, causes a problem that we in the electrical and physics professions call, the heat/corrosion/resistance cycle. This will actually cause your plugs to fail quicker. Contractors love to use these because it makes their job easier, just like leaving debris in your crawlspace because its easier than cleaning it up.
The BEST way to connect receptacles is using the screws on the side, curling the wire around the screw in the clockwise direction just like the ground screw was done and tightening them down against the wire. If you choose not to use the screws, at the very least tighten them in to compact the profile of the duplex receptacle.
Now, I saw a reference to electrical tape. Electrical tape is a good idea but is not required to be used. Electrical tape adds a margin of safety when working in the box but the covers are all that is needed to prevent the wires from being moved, or anything from touching the terminals once the cover is on.
In all if you follow this gentleman's video you will have successfully replaced a duplex receptacle in your house and done it safely.
Good luck
+Mark Neubauer Oh and I'd like to add ... when you use the screw terminals, make sure that the insulation is stripped back far enough. The screw should not be tightening down on the insulation, it should be tightening down on the metal conductor itself. :)
yes he did
u explained that perfect thank u
Mark Neubauer 😁😁😆😁
Before I retired I was an equipment installer for a large, and we government agency and we were forbidden from installing wires into the holes in the back of the receptacles. We had to wrap the wires around the screws. This was not house wiring but I think caution is a wise idea.
Allowed me and my step son to change the socket easily. Especially when you explained how to tell you have the correct one. The spare we had at home wouldn't accommodate the wires so we went and bought the correct one. However, the 20 amp didn't have holes, you just pushed them into slots secured by screws. Great video. Thank you so much!
This is funny. i have been watching your motorcycle content for years. now I'm working in my bathroom and I find this video.... I just keep coming back.
Even though he was installing a different style outlet I learned several very important things from watching this how-to video. Thanks for your excellent tutorial! 👍 😊
Thank you so much for the lesson. You just saved me $2.00 for each one to place, now I can do it myself!
I didn't even watch the whole video, the begining was enough for me to learn and change all my power plugs at home. Very nice sir I'm glad you put this video I would of have to pay someone to do a simple and fun job, I'm proud of my self.
Several things come to mind while watching. First it's against code to land the wires as you show two on each side that makes the receptacle carry the load through the rest of the circuit. By code the wires have to be spliced together and a single wire taken to each side unless it's a switched plug then the white wire is still spliced not the blacks. Second is the use of the push-in terminals, I have made tons of money replacing receptacles that have burnt from people using the push-in instead of landing the wires under the screw terminals. The push-in doesn't apply enough pressure to make a good connection and will sooner or later cause them to heat up and even cause a fire.
Thanks for making this video! The detail you gave on the video was extremely useful and it ended up making our job a lot easier. We don't usually leave comments on videos but we wanted to let you know that really appreciated how you explained everything so clearly.
+Joe Gonzalez Thanks so much I'm glad you liked the video.
I prefer to connect the hot and neutral wires to the screw terminals instead of stabbing them into the back of the receptacle, it just makes a stronger connection. Always wrap wires clockwise around terminal screws. It's also a good idea to wrap the sides of the device with a couple layers of electrical tape to keep the terminal screws from shorting out against the bare ground wire or a metal box if the outlet gets loose.
Thank you for this great (clear / informative) video! As well as answers to your viewer comments! I too had 6 wires & 4 screws! I took the easy route and inserted the 'extra' two wires (on appropriate sides) into the holes on the back of the new outlet! Finally... plugs stay IN! Thank You!! Lisa
Thanks for the video. First DIY fix-up I've actually done (LOL) tonight with a bad outlet. Helped me to relax about the whole thing, no big deal and it went off without a hitch.
Great to hear it all went smoothly!
Thank you for the educational video. You saved me at least $100 I would have paid an electrician for this; AND my reputation with the Mrs. is at an all time high!
You all are a bunch of haters.... I didn’t know where to even put my screwdriver on this thing before I watched this! Thanks man!!
Don't use the back hole (called Backstabbing)!
It can be a fire hazard.
Curl the wire around the screw in the same direction as you tighten the screw.
I agree completely!! This video saved me from possibly burning my house down
Thanks! Replacing the outlet was actually a lot easier than I thought, I guess I didn’t really need this guide after all. Once I unscrewed the backplate, there wasn’t all those wires like how yours showed, it was only just a black and white wire. All I did was loop them them over the new outlet and screw everything back into place, and voila, new outlet installed!
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Thank you! - Best video I have seen for replacing an older electrical outlet!
Thank you so much for making this video. Waiting since 1988 for this wall receptacle to be replaced has worn out my patience.
Thank you for completely explaining which wire goes in the exact port.
As an Entertainment Electrician, and dealing with high wattage power distros, you should ALWAYS connect the ground first, then neutral, and finally your hot lines. That how we do it when running three phase power to a touring rack.
Thanks for posting!! Now I know how to change a wall outlet. God bless brother
For some people that don't know but in some jurisdictions it is against code to use the back stab connections on the back of an outlet. Use the side screws when ever possible if back stabbing is code. It is much more safe using the screws.
HEY BRO.YUR VIDEO IS MORE CLEAR THAN THE OTHERS I WAS WATCHING. So you deserve a like and my subscription thank you so muchfor the imformation
I have been a electrician for 16 years and I don't recommend to ever push the wires into the back like this video shows it a garbage connection and 9 times out of 10 when I go to a house when a room is missing power it always end up being a loose connection because of wiring a outlet or a switch like that , take the extra 30 seconds cut the wires clean off the back of the old outlet and strip them and loop them around the screws and tight the screws up
+RH421939 Yes. With a strong electrical background, I have "Never" trusted that type of connection. Poor connection equals high resistance meaning a fire hazard. I could never understand why electrical code would allow for such an installation!! I have seen one situation where I went to resolve a problem a customer had. Tore into the wall and found where someone used an extension cord to do their own work. Talk about improper electrical practice!!
hi there I need tips one fixing my socket. in this video there are 3 wires. when i tried to change ours, it only had 2 wwires please help ty.
frunches if you have a 1 black 1 white and 1 bare ground wire or it could be green depending on how old the wire is or what type it is you just have the end of the circuit or the end of the way they just ran the wire, in this video they have 2 whites and 2 blacks because it has a feed coming in and the other wire continues the feed going out to other outlets or lighting , I recommend wrapping the wire around the screw instead of using the stab lock or I call it back stab connections like the video shows,, strip about 5/8 inch of insulation off the white and the black wires and loop them tight around the screws on the side of the outlet white goes to the silver color screw and black goes to the other side that is the brass colored screw and the ground goes to green screw,,just make sure you loop them in the correct direction you want your loop to wrap around the screw in the direction you tighten it so the loop gets tighter when you tighten the screw
frunches or if you just have a white and a black your are supposed to put in a 2 prong outlet or a gfi outlet if you need that 3rd ground prong
+RH421939 omg. i need to talk to you. you seem so knowledgeable about this. can I have your email? or anywhere i could talk to you directly? this would mean so much.
I thought it's better to wrap the neutral and hot wires around the screws and tighten… Because pushing it in might loosen
It is the best to use the screws.
Yes, using the screws *is* better.
Great video. I just replaced my first outlets! Thanks!
Thanks a lot for the VERY informational video ! Good to know the details, would be awesome if you could also write it in the summary...
White - neutral, goes with the ground
Black other side
Never go by the wire gauge to determine the size of a circuit. Wire gauges are sometimes bumped up or down to allow for voltage drop. You could end up putting a 20A or 30A plug on a 15A breaker. Always verify the circuit size at the panel! I know some will say, well, the breaker should pop if you go beyond 15A anyways. Nope, not always. I've seen Federal Pioneer breakers allow the current to go WELL beyond their rating, and also fail to trip during multiple short circuits.
This one was easy. The ones where the conductors are too short to work with are the real challenging change outs.
The 3rd prong is a ground installed for safety. The plug will still work without it, but won't be as safe.
Thank you very much for such a useful video and clear and easy explanation!
We flip the receptacle so the ground is facing up when you replace it back into 5he box. This ensures any thing that touches the plug while it’s getting inserted into the receptacle will touch the ground first.
Thanks so much. Now with RUclips I can figure out how to do a lot of this stuff myself!
maewoo333 haha, power to the people!!
Thanks. The manager of my building just sent up matance who i quickly realized didnt know what he was doing. I asked him if he turned braker off and he said "no, but dont worry no juice is coming through". I went down and hit it instead of arguing. However he connected no ground and wrapped wires around screws instead of pushing it inside the back. I was going to attempt it but our building was built in the 1940's and there is only two wires. Im not sure if there is a ground but the two i saw were both copper. Maybe he was just putting copper around the screws and didnt touch the other wires and thats why i didnt see them? But it seems like the wires are short. Should i attempt to pull them gently or just call an electrician since i wont attempt splicing. Thanks again. Its easy enough but so intimidating. Your video was perfect and everything you said was clear and made sence. I only have two plugs so im a little frustrated waiting for someone to fix.
+Brandi Ericksen thanks for the comment. It is ok to wrap the wires around the screws, and then tighten the screws. The push in connector is just to speed things up. Older houses sometimes didn't have a ground circuit (all your appliances will work without the ground, it is there for safety). Good thinking turning off the breaker, it probably wouldn't be pleasant having a zappped maintenance guy.
Very helpful video, easy to follow. Thanks.
Thank you very much for a good video. I needed a little refresher. Hot on brass. Thanks
+John Moustakas Glad to help. You're right, if one doesn't do this type of thing
regularly the memory fades. It has helped me in the past to remember
that the ground screw is on the neutral side of the receptacle.
+Jennies Garage You should not be making how-to electrical videos. Multiple errors in this.
Nice and easy video! thanks!
ALTN8NRG Glad to help!
Thanks for helping me not get electrocuted
HI,GOOD VIDEO AND VERY CLEAR THE WAY YOU EXPLAINED EVERYTHING,MY MAIN QUESTION IS WHAT HAPPENS IF I ONLY HAVE 1 BLACK,1 WHITE AND 1 GROUND,IS THAT MEAN THAT I HAVE TO BUY A SINGLE RECEPTACLE?THANK YOU
Take old one with you to hardware store
I actually finished the project for the light switch only I cant put in an actual wall outlet because the outlet doesnt have a grounding wire. I think the house was built around 1940-50. Thanks
Thank you for the information, in the comments are awesome however for myself this is one area where I cannot afford to be frugal and do it myself. I have to pay a paid professional.
NEVER use the stab-in always use the screws!! The stab in comes loose and the outlet won't work.
It is acceptable to use 15 amp recepticles on a 20 amp circuit.
Using the push in terminals is not recommended.
If you're not going to use the screw in terminals those screws should still be screwed in.
Thanks you for sharing this Exelent class with good explanation. Good work.
use the screws, not the quick connect push in, as they WILL heat up under load
I am changing the ones at my house, they are old and barely working. All of them are pushed the same way you do, but when I'm going to put the new outlet, it is so hard to push it through the holes, and it is the same Amp.... do you know why is that?
The trick to doing this is making it look good. Having a outlet flush and plum on an uneven wall can be a chore
Thank you for sharing that video.Help me out alot.👍👍
Thanks, was wondering how to release the wires.
thanks for the info it was a big help if i hadent looked it up id probably of done it rong and blew a fuse of worse bernt my house down so thanks man.
haha, whoa that was a close one! Happy to help.
I heard a bip bip bip... and I couldn’t find where then I found it a plug just like this that was connected to my Main electric heater was burning 🥵 helpful video I had never change something like this.
thank you for the video it was described great...I do have one question. I had turned on a lamp and heard a sizzling from the wall plug. I unplugged everything and just wonder is it the outlet that is the problem or is there a possible bigger problem?
Leo Hernandez Hi, it's probably either shorting out where the plug goes into the outlet, or in the wiring behind the outlet. look at the prongs on the lamp cord, and if one of them is black and charred that is a sure sign. Probably your best bet is to just replace the outlet. They're cheap, and if there is arcing going on in there, some of the contact material has likely been eroded away.
Didn't they change it to where you have to install them neutral side up or ground side up so that faceplates don't fall off and start fires or something?
Thank you. That's Clear !
Happy to help, thanks!
this video is a life saver thanks man 👍
Appreciate this video very much, thank you for posting. Subscribed.
Here in Australia all our outlets are 240v but 10 amp. I want a 15 amp socket for my welder. Can I just get a 15 amp one off eBay and replace it where the old 10 amp one went?
Great video!
The nearby big box home goods retailer many different types of replacement sockets. The two sockets I was looking at are either 15 amps / 125V, or 20 amps / 125V.
Which one should I get? Why would one choose 15 amps vs 20 amps?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Is it necessary to turn the power off? I usually call electricians to do these kind of jobs and they almost never turn the power off. I have an outlet with slight burn marks on it. I thought that I should start learning to maintain my house with my own hands starting with simple stuff.
Thank you is an understatement
Very helpful video thnx, my question is the following, the outlet works fine but the issue is that anything I plug into the outlet fits loose. What is the issue here?how can I fix this?
If you plug in a cord and it has a tendency to fall out then replace the receptacle and please don't buy the cheapest one you can find to avoid the same problem in the future.
Gave a lot of detail... thank you
Really good information and how to.
I think he forgot to tighten the screws to the wires
My house doesn't have 15 or 20 amp circuits. It has 30 amp fuses. I don't know how to tell if I use a 15 or 20 amp outlet, because I know I don't use a 30.
I have a question. I'm not an electrician, but like to thinks myself.
I notice when I took out the outlet it had on 2 white wires for the the left side of the promp and 2 orange wires for the right side of the promp and there was no wire for the ground.
That's the way it was made according to what I see.
What's your take on it?
in my kitchen I have a regular outlet,want to change it to a gfci.It has 2 white wires in it and 2 black but no ground. what do I do? thank you
is it necessary to connect all 4 wires if the tabs between the top and bottom outlet are intact? i'm replacing an outlet because its worn and plugs wont stay plugged in very well. on the old one: both white connected to one terminal on the back, only one black connected. tabs not broken. my understanding is that you can power both plugs with one connection if the tabs are not broken. if the tabs were broken then the sequence would matter would it not? ie: if one circuit connected to a wall switch for example for a lamp, but the other circuit had steady power. thank you
If wiring to the back, I also tighten the sides screws, even though they are not used.
was wondering about that..
Side screw come too close to the metal case, always tighten them even if you got a plastic case, good practice and black tape them around.
I was working with a guy at some rich ladies house who said we couldn't turn off the power because some dumb reasons. So guy was going to change it anyway.... shocked the shit out of him self. He says well that only happens once...... 5 seconds later shocks the shit outta himself again... then jokingly kept saying only happens twice only happens twice. Lol he got the plug changed.
If an outlet does not have a ground you can't use a plug with a ground port
Thank you I appreciate your video very helpful
replacing plugs in an older home from 2 prong to 3 prong and the wire is romex but I don't see a ground wire to attach to the new outlet green screw , do I need to worry about not having a ground wire attached
per NEC 2014 code, if there's no ground wire, you must use a GFCI and label the receptacle "no equipment ground"
that isn't code, but yeah, it works
THANK YOU J.G. !!!
I live in a REALLY old apartment. The outlet only has one black and one white and NO ground. If I hook them up, will both outlets still work? It was wired that way with the old outlet, but there was a metal piece connecting the two outlets.
+Matthew88
Yes they both should work (it should have a metal bit connecting the two outlets, as you said).
I successfully got the outlet changed without killing myself. I switched off the breaker of course. I had to do the push-in connection instead of attaching it to the screws on the sides. There was absolutely no extra wire to work with. So far it's working great, although I have read the push-in wiring can burn out faster.
I happen to be dealing with an outlet that does not have a ground wire, or a ground port, can I still install a new outlet that has the ground hole?
Not legally, but you can install a gfci receptacle. Do some research.
How do you handle the replacement if there are 3 wires on each side instead of 2? Meaning I have 3 whites, and 3 blacks...what do you do then?
Pigtail them.
Hi, is there a benefit/reason to put the wires into the holes in the back of the plug versus the screws on the sides? This is the first time I've seen a plug like that--I've only ever seen ones with the wires around the screws so was just curious.
Either way will work. The quick connect terminals are faster and easier, but some people still use the screws because the contact area of the wire to the terminal is greater. Thanks!
Time is a benefit. When doing a lot of plugs a person gets tired of making the shepherd hook loops. Also when working on old buildings many times you do not have enough wire remaining inside the box to make a loop or the wire is just to dam brittle from old age and will not tolerate making a new loop. In this case your remaining wires keep on getting shorter and shorter each time you try to bend them so just shoving them back into the plug works out better for the wire. But using the screws is considered a better superior contact for better flow of electrons since a greater contact is made under the screw. It's not under spring load. Whatever works good for you.
Bob Schlitz Makes sense, I will have to see how the wiring looks here, there are a couple outlets that I need to replace as they were painted over and just generally old.
Tim Verry the con of doing that though is you get a worse connection so you get more power leakage. meaning higher power bill
Power leakage??? I hate that. It gets all over the floor and then you have to mop it up ...
Honestly, no power leakage but some of us old farts don't think its as good of a connection. Of course, they've been making then that way for 30+ years so I suppose its time to go with the newfangled ideas.
got a wall socket that has a switch also witch controls light above sink
bought new socket hooked it up the same way but it keeps popping the breaker
What could be the cause when the outlet is buzzing? I want to change it but im not sure if its gonna be the wall outlet or the wires. Thx in advance.
Loose connections often because the push in connectors were used instead of the screw terminals.
never make the grounded conductor continuity dependent on the device. pigtail them and add one to receptacle.
would it still work if wires is install on opposite side?
Is neutral (white) always on the same side as the ground?
How do you wire the outlet if there is only one screw for white and one for black and the ground and 4 wires + ground are present
Jason I'm not sure if I follow your question. If you have am outlet with only two screws, just wire the two blacks together and two whites together with a pigtail coming off each one. Then screw those to the outlet. Hope that helps, thanks.
FWIW, you called the receptacle/socket a "plug" at 1:13
(it will keep me up nights!). ;)
I did this, and then I tested it with my 3 prong outlet tester. It tested as,"open hot?" Why is this?? What do I need to do to fix/correct this? Any feedback would be great. Thank you!!
+Nrfa opened hot means you have no power to the outlet, your connection on the outlet might not be good, or it can be a bad connection at a different outlet , there is multiple things it could be
+RH421939 you still there?
+RH421939 okay. Thx
This is awesome. Thank you!!
Do you have to shut off the electricity on that end before replacing outlets?
I always shut off the electrical before attempting work like this.
I understand all this, but I had a red wire as well. What do I do?
Ed Fornes I'm sure you sorted this out 2 months ago, but for other viewers: Just as there's a time to call a doctor, there's a time to call a professional electrician (or someone who you personally know is experienced and qualified). Any time you find something unexpected in an electrical box, call the electrician so you won't need the doctor (or a firefighter). It's not frugal to guess, and it's not weak to know your limits and defer to professional experience.
At 3:00 I disagree. Try to keep the wires from the same pair on the same level. So the ones that were on the bottom, make sure they end up on the bottom of the new plug.
different topic but im putting a new plug on the end of a tv. so I have to loop the wires around screws and idk how close the wires insulation should be to the screw, is it ok if the insulation is under the screw? or touching the screw? or does it not touch at all?
the insulation should be close to it but not under it
Nicholas Ruiz thank you.
Must not be under the screw but cannot be stripped past the back of the plug.
What if you have 20 amp new outlets, but have 15 amp wires/fuses?
Actually that is contrary to code. 15 amp recepticles are okay onvac20 amp circuit but 20 amp recepticles should not be installed on a 15 amp circuit.
I found two unused ground wires when I pulled the plugs out. What should I do? I only have one green ground screw on my new plugs.
Use a wire nut to fasten them together and then run only one to the recepticle.
what if you have 2 black and 1 red on the hot side????? thank you
My outlet has a switch on the top(like a light switch) where the top plug should be and a regular outlet on the bottom(without the bottom hole.) I want to replace it with two outlets with both having the extra hole on the bottom. Is this possible?
Anything is possible but sometimes it gets complicated.
Thanks for posting!
How to solve the problem if after changing the outlet one of the exit does not work?
Can someone help me I have a old outlet I want to change but the screw are rusted to the point that I can't remove them any idea
What if you have a black and red wire?
I got a question my house built in 87 and my outlet to my room needs to be replaced cuz its broken and charger to phone wont stay put but anyways mine on the back it has 3white and 3black and ground wire. How can i make them into 2white and 2 black so they can fit onto my new outlet
XxMiDNiTERxXAoD ! You can either put all of each color together with a wire nut along with a pigtail, or use the screws on the side of the plug. There are 2 screws on each side so just put one wire on each side of one screw and the third wire on the other. Good luck!
Helpful. Thanks.
Glad to help
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