Articles about Outlets

Electrical Circuit Causes Damage to Electronic Devices

I’ve had two electronics appliances die after being plugged into a particular outlet, is it possible that the problem is an outlet problem…

Outdoor GFI Outlet Has a Red Blinking Light

I have an outdoor GFI outlet that has a Red LED Light that is Blinking, what is causing this?

Replacing an Electrical Outlet

How to Replace an Electrical Outlet: When an Electrical Outlet has been Damaged or is Worn Out then Replacing the Outlet is Necessary using this Process

Troubleshooting Electrical Outlet Problems

Some of my outlets are not working and will work only if something is plugged into a different outlet: How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Outlet Problems.

Testing Electrical Outlets

How to Test and Repair an Outlet Circuit Problem: Guide for Testing an Outlet Circuit, Inspect the Outlet Wiring, Electrical Troubleshooting.

How Do I Add An Outlet to Existing Electrical Wiring?

John in Florida asks; How can I add Another Electric Outlet?

Installing Outlets Near Air Conditioning Ducts

David in Texas asks: I’m trying to find out what the minimum distance an electrical outlet has to be from air conditioner ducting. I’m mounting a projector that is near one of my air conditioner duct outlets.

Understanding Switched Outlet Wiring

How to Wire a Switched Outlet: Wiring 110 volt switched outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home.

How To Change Switched Outlet Wiring

I have an outlet controlled by a switch that I would like to have so it controls only one of the outlet socket, will I have to rewire anything? How to Change Switched Outlet Wiring.

How to Replace Kitchen Outlets and Avoid a Direct Short

When Replacing Outlets and There are Two Circuits be Sure to Make This Important Adjustment to Avoid Tripping the Circuit Breaker.

Replacing an Outlet with Alot of Wires

How to Identify the Wiring When Replacing an Outlet – What to do When an Outlet has a Lot of Wires

How to Convert a Switched Outlet to Non-Switched

How to Convert Switched Outlets to be Hot All the Time: The easiest way to convert a half-hot duplex receptacle or a switched outlet to be hot all the time is really not that difficult.

Why Wall Sockets and Outlets Stop Working

Electrical Troubleshooting for an Outlet and The Reason Why Most Wall Sockets and Wall Outlets Are Not Working…

Replacing Outlets With Several Wires

How to Splice Electrical Wires for an Outlet

Replacing a 2-Wire Receptacle Outlet

How to Wire a New Replacement Outlet: I replace a receptacle but I failed to mark which wire went to silver common side of old receptacle and which went to brass hot side.

Moving a Receptacle Outlet

How are the wires spliced when moving a wall outlet? How to Wire and Relocate an Outlet.

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Electrical Tips

To Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester

This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester

This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter

A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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