Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500180
06/24/03

Repairing Wall Electrical Outlets


These rarely cause trouble. Sometimes they get loose
and only need tightening.

To replace:
1. Remove fuse or trip circuit breaker to off for
particular room of the house. Test to be sure you have
correct circuit by plugging a lamp into the receptacle.

2. Unscrew and remove face the plate.

3. Unscrew the mounting screws at top and bottom and
pull the unit out.

4. Notice how wires are connected and connect them to
the new unit the same way. All white wires are connected
to the side with a silvery color and the black wires to
the brassy terminals.

5. A green grounding wire might be connected on newer
systems so be sure to reconnect this wire also.

6. Reassemble the outlet doing steps above in reverse
order.

(Vis. 1)

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from MSU Extension
bulletin Electrical Repairs You Can Do.

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