Replacing A Receptacle

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Test individual receptacles with an inexpensive receptacle analyzer. Plug in the analyzer and compare the resulting pattern with the code provided. It will tell you if the circuit is wired correctly or if it is not then what the problem is. If a problem is spotted, turn off the power, remove the cover plate, pull out the receptacle and change the connections according to directions. Or call in an electrician.

Now here are three steps to replacing a receptacle:

1. Turn off the power to the box at the main service panel. Unscrew the cover plate. Remove the screws holding the receptacle and carefully pull it out, making sure not to touch the wires. Then use a tester to check that the power is off.
2. Unscrew and remove one wire at a time from the old unit and fasten it to the matching terminal on the replacement unit before removing the next wire. That way you won’t lose track of which wire goes where. Hook the wire clockwise around the screw.
3. When all the screws have been tightened over the wires, carefully push the unit back into the box, folding the wires neatly toward the bask as you go. Screw the unit to the box then replace the cover plate. Restore power at the service panel and test the new receptacle.