How to Replace a Malfunctioning Electrical Outlet at Home

One of the most common causes of electrical fires and electric shocks in residential homes are defective or outdated electrical outlets.

That being said, it is crucial to inspect your wall outlets at home regularly and learn the signs that indicate they have gone bad. This way, you can contact an electrician immediately for a replacement. Malfunctioning outlets are potentially dangerous if not replaced promptly and properly.

A licensed Pasadena handyman and electrician has the right training to fix outlets correctly and safely and see to it that there are no issues that may come up in the long run.

What are the Signs That Your Outlet Needs a Replacement?

Just like other things inside your home, electrical outlets are subject to wear and tear. They can even go bad for no apparent reason. Here are some of the signs that may call for an electrical outlet replacement:

• The plate surrounding your electrical outlet is significantly damaged or cracked.
• The receptacle no longer holds a plug snugly.
• The electrical outlet feels warm to touch or gives off an unpleasant burnt smell.
• Flickering lights.
• The outlet gives off an inconsistent supply of power.

You have an ungrounded outlet characterized by two-pronged outlet slots. You might want to consider upgrading into grounded outlets that are less likely to cause short circuits compared to ungrounded ones.

How to Replace an Electrical Outlet

Replacing electrical outlets is generally not a complicated task. If you feel comfortable with your skills in working with electricity, you can do it yourself, instead of hiring an electrician in Pasadena or a Los Angeles handyman to do it for you.

On the contrary, you should know that electricity is inherently dangerous. Neglecting electrical safety precautions can lead to life-threatening injuries. To avoid the risk of electrical hazards, hiring qualified electricians is always advised when it comes to electrical works/repairs.

Still, if you’re confident that you can do it yourself, below are simple tips you can follow to replace your outlets successfully.

Step 1: Safety first

Make sure the power in the area you’ll be working on is shut off. It’s a good idea to use a voltage tester to test if there is still power that goes through the outlet before you get started.

 Step 2: Dismantling the old receptacle

Remove the faceplate and unscrew the old outlet from the wall. Take note of where the white and the black wires are attached to the old outlet. Before disconnecting the wires from the old outlet, you can take pictures of the wiring configuration first to serve as your reference when you have to reattach the wire to the new outlet later on.

 Step 3: Installing the new outlet     

Secure the wires to the terminals of your new outlet. The white wires should go to the silver screws, with the black ones going to the gold or brass screws. If the wiring has a green wire or known as the ground wire, attach it to the green terminal on the outlet or the box.

 Step 4: Completing the job

Push the new outlet back into the electrical box carefully. Screw the new outlet in place and put the faceplate cover back. Turn the power back on to test if the newly installed outlet works.

Things to Consider When Replacing an Electrical Outlet

Different countries have different types of electrical outlets which can vary significantly in voltage requirements and frequencies.

Ensure that you purchase the right outlet.

Before you attempt to replace an outlet, make certain that the power is shut off from the source to avoid the risk of electrocution.

Other than the common problems mentioned earlier, you may need to install a new electrical outlet if you are upgrading or adding major appliances in your home that will typically require a dedicated outlet to function properly. These include the dishwashers, air-conditioning units, microwaves, dryers, and hot tubs.

In the end, whether you decide to do things yourself or need a helping hand form a professional, at Handyman Connection of Pasadena we are always available to answer any questions you may have whether you are in Los Angeles or Pasadena and we will be more than happy to provide you with an estimate on all your handyman and remodeling jobs. Call us for your estimate at 626-744-0402 or visit us at www.handymanconnection.com/pasadena to request your free in person estimate.